Don Bosco Institutions and Young Achievers Honoured with YaR Awards for Excellence in 2026

1. Award for the Best Don Bosco Institution
   The Award for the Best Don Bosco Institution was conferred on Don Bosco Yadagiri, which has been actively working for child welfare, child rights, child protection and community development in Yadagiri. In recognition of its contribution, it was awarded the Best NGO in Yadagiri on 12 June 2026.
2. Akshara Nada Award
   The Akshara Nada Award was presented to Ms. Shashikala Kunchigannal of CHITHRA Don Bosco, in recognition of her dedication to teaching, creativity, writing and social service, as well as her valuable contribution to Kannada language and literature through her poems, songs, articles and books.
3. YaR Youth Award – 18 to 21 Years
   The YaR Youth Award – 18 to 21 Years was conferred on Mr. Raju Gowda from the Province of Bangalore, in recognition of his courage, determination and commitment to building a better future despite difficult family circumstances. He was admitted to BOSCO Mane in 2018, completed his SSLC with 76% and his Second PUC with distinction, and is currently pursuing a BCA at Kristu Jayanti College.
4. YaR Collaborative & Community Based Programme Award
   The YaR Collaborative & Community Based Programme Award was presented to “Wings of Excellence: Giving Wings to Success,” of the Fishermen Community Development Programme, Don Bosco Kollam. The award recognizes its collaboration with the District Child Protection Office and the Digital De-Addiction Centre, Kollam. The programme supported around 120 children and young people, particularly from economically disadvantaged fishing families, through scholarships, educational support and awareness on healthy digital habits.
5. YaR Short Film Award
   The YaR Short Film Award was awarded to the Fishermen Community Development Programme, Don Bosco Kollam, Province of Bangalore, for their winning short film, “കടലാഴം (Kadalazham)”, which uses the medium of film to portray the life, struggles, rights and collective resilience of a fishing community.
6. YaR Social Media Award
   The YaR Social Media Award was conferred on the BOSCO Bangalore team – Bangalore Oniyavara Seva Coota (BOSCO), Province of Bangalore. The award recognizes the institution’s creative and meaningful use of digital platforms to communicate, connect and raise awareness about children and young people, particularly through its efforts to strengthen communication, visibility and engagement for the YaR mission.
7. Homelink Service of Excellence – Best Hub Coordinator Award
   The Homelink Service of Excellence – Best Hub Coordinator Award was presented to Mr. John Joshua Nirmal of the Bangalore Hub, Province of Bangalore. The award recognizes his dedication and leadership in strengthening Homelink DIGI and keeping the network connected. His long-standing service since 2014 and the outstanding achievements of his hub from March 2025 to July 2026 include coordinating 12 partner organizations, recording 4,566 DIGI data entries, conducting 30 trainings and 32 visits, and documenting 26 success stories, along with various analytical reports.
8. YaR Campaign – Best Poster Award
   The YaR Campaign – Best Poster Award was awarded to two children from BOSCO Bangalore, who secured the First and Second Prizes respectively. This year’s YaR Campaign focuses on the theme: “Walk beside me in my digital journey.”