Over 450 young people from 19 Salesian houses and educational institutions across Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra gathered at Don Bosco Fatorda, Goa for Valdocco 2026, the Youth Fest of the Salesian Province of Panjim on March 8, 2026 at Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda.
The event draws its inspiration from Valdocco, the small neighbourhood in Turin where John Bosco began his mission for poor and abandoned youth, creating a home where every young person felt welcomed, valued, and loved. Today, that spirit continues through the Salesian Youth Movement, which animates young people across the world.
The day began with the Holy Eucharist, presided over by the Vice Provincial, Father Banzelao Teixeira. In his homily, he encouraged the young to walk with hope and trust in the Lord in every situation. Referring to Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues, he noted how she publicly thanked Jesus after a victory and reminded the youth of the reassuring words of the Lord, stand firm, and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you (Exodus 14:13).
In his inaugural address, he invited the young to come together as like-minded people who can transform the world through faith, courage, and responsible action.
The entire day was centred on the theme of ecology, reflecting the urgent environmental challenges faced today. The programme featured talks and discussions on climate change, groundwater depletion, and waste management, led by several eminent speakers.
Sessions on climate change were addressed by environmentalist Claude Alvares, director of the Goa Foundation and member of national environmental monitoring bodies; sustainable architect Talulah D'Silva, geospatial expert Madhura Bandekar and cultural conservationist Victor Hugo Gomes, founder of Goa Chitra Museum, spoke on preserving traditional tools and practices connected to sustainable living.
The issue of groundwater depletion was explored by scientist Mohan R. Girap, environmental activist Hyacinth Pinto and actress and chemistry professor Priyanka Bidaye Talak.
For the session on waste management, the speakers included Jose Noronha, environmental administrator Anthony De Sa, waste-management entrepreneur Clinton Vaz and marine conservationist Gabriella D'Cruz.
Their presentations highlighted the urgent need for responsible environmental stewardship and inspired the youth to become active caretakers of the planet.
The talks were followed by a lively panel discussion, during which young participants shared their reflections, concerns, and ideas on how to respond to environmental challenges in their communities.
The day continued with lunch and creative group games, creating moments of joy, teamwork, and friendship. Laughter and lively interaction filled the campus as the youth experienced the Salesian spirit of family and togetherness.
The celebrations concluded with live band performances and dance, bringing the event to an energetic close.
With the event coinciding with International Women's Day, the women participants were also presented with a custom bookmark as a token of appreciation.
This gathering reminds us that we are one family, just as John Bosco envisioned, said Youth Ministry Delegate of the Panjim Province, Father Ralin De Souza,
The youth of the province belong to the Salesian Youth Movement, an international network of young people connected to the worldwide mission of the Salesians of Don Bosco, which serves youth in over 130 countries.
Valdocco 2026 truly reflected the Salesian spirit — a gathering by the youth, for the youth, and of the youth. As John Bosco once said, that you are young is enough to make me love you very much.
