21 September, 2025
Date: 21st September 2025
Venue: Don Bosco Tech Campus, Chennai
Morning Session Highlights
06:00 AM – Sacred Karam Rituals
07:30 AM – Break
08:30 AM – Registration
09:00 AM – Holy Mass (Hindi) celebrated by Fr. Jeevan& Fr. Simolin
10:00 AM – Lighting of the Lamp
10:15 AM – Opening Speech & Welcome
10:30 AM – Traditional Dance Performances
11:00 AM – Key Speeches by Fr. Simolin, Fr. Sebastin, and the Chief Guest
Afternoon & Evening Highlights
12:30 PM onwards – Cultural Programs by Youth Groups
Folk Songs, Regional Dances, and the Karam Dance
05:00 PM – Closing Ceremony & Vote of Thanks
Celebration Overview
Don Bosco Migrant Services (DBMS), in collaboration with the All Assam Youth Welfare Association (AAYWA), joyfully celebrated the 2nd AdivasiKaram Festival at Don Bosco Tech Campus on 21st September 2025. The event drew over 3,000 migrant youth, transforming the campus into a vibrant center of tradition, unity, and cultural pride.
The day began with sacred Karam rituals—symbols of life, fertility, and prosperity—followed by a Holy Mass in Hindi, presided over by Fr. Jeevan and Fr. Simolin. The ceremonial lighting of the lamp marked the official inauguration of the festivities.
Inspirational speeches followed, beginning with Mr. Mathias Tirkey and continuing with traditional dance presentations. Fr. Simolin, Director of DBMS, warmly welcomed participants and showcased the DBMS Migrant Services App, emphasizing its role in youth empowerment. Fr. SebastinVanathaiyan, Rector of Don Bosco Tech Campus, highlighted the importance of solidarity and the rights of migrant labourers.
The Chief Guest, Mr. Prabhu Kumar K, Deputy Development Commissioner, MEPZ, praised the event for uniting culture and education while stressing the importance of empowering migrant youth through knowledge. Dignitaries including Mr. Gabriel Aind, President of AAYWA, also shared valuable insights on cultural identity and resilience.
The cultural program featured vibrant folk songs and dances from Assam, Jharkhand, and other states. The Karam dance, expressing gratitude to nature and community, became the symbolic centerpiece of the celebration. Anchoring by Bro. Adeep SDB and music led by Mr. PremjitBodra added further richness. The entire event was telecast live on Adivasi News Live TV, widening its impact.
Outcomes of the Program
The Karam Festival 2025 was not only a celebration of Adivasi heritage but also a platform for awareness, empowerment, and solidarity. Key outcomes included:
Community Unity: Over 3,000 migrants experienced cultural belonging and solidarity.
Awareness Creation: Participants were introduced to services and schemes available to support migrants, such as DBMS programs, government entitlements, and welfare initiatives.
Digital Empowerment: Live demonstration of the DBMS Migrant Services App encouraged youth to connect with welfare schemes, health services, and educational opportunities.
Youth Engagement: Performances and leadership roles strengthened migrant youth identity and confidence.
Social Responsibility: The festival highlighted not just the importance of tradition, but also the need for awareness around rights, responsibilities, and opportunities in urban and rural settings.
Conclusion
The 2nd AdivasiKaram Festival stood as a powerful reminder that celebrations go beyond cultural expression. They also serve as spaces for learning, awareness, and empowerment, enabling migrant communities to know their rights, access available services, and build a stronger sense of dignity and belonging.
Through this initiative, Don Bosco Migrant Services reaffirmed its mission: to stand with migrants, celebrate their culture, and ensure they are never left behind in access to opportunities and rights.
