SYM FEST 2024: Anchored in Hope, Inspiring Youth for Change
Celebrating the bicentenary of the dream of Don Bosco at the age of 9, SYM FEST 2024, with the theme “Anchored in Hope – Youth as Agents of Change,” is taking place at Don Bosco, Tirupattur, Tamil Nadu, from December 29, 2024, to January 1, 2025. The event is bringing together over 1,600 young people from Salesian centers run by SDBs and FMAs across India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Representing the Bangalore Province, 88 youth and 8 Salesians, led by Fr. Varghese Kapllikunnel SDB, the Provincial Youth Delegate, along with regional youth directors, are actively participating in the fest.
SYM FEST 2024 is being organized by DBYA-SA, the INM Province, and the Youth Ministry Delegates of the Provinces, coordinated by Fr. Patrick Lepcha, the SPCSA delegate for Youth Ministry. The inaugural function features Mr. V. Nandakumar IRS, Commissioner of Income Tax, Finance Ministry, Government of India, as the Chief Guest, and Mr. T. Jayaseelan IDAS, Controller of Defence Accounts, Government of India, as the Guest of Honour. Fr. Don Bosco Lourdusamy SDB, President of DBYA-SA, is presiding over the event, accompanied by Salesian Provincials from SDB and FMA.
The Holy Masses on these days are being presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Ambrose Pitchaimuthu DD, Bishop of Vellore, who celebrates the opening Mass.
Key sessions include Fr. Patrick Antonyraj SDB, Secretary-Vicar of the Rector Major, Rome, speaking on SYM – The Past, The Present, and The Future and SYM Profile – My Choice and My Responsibility SYMSYNOD. Dr. Sultan A. Ismail, Scientist and Member of the Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission, leads a session on Youth and Integral Ecology. Talks on My Dream for My Country are delivered by Fr. John Parankimalil SDB and Mr. John Louis IAS and Mrs. Sharmila Louis, LLM, Advocate, High Court.
The event also featured a Christmas Cantata, a sound and light program celebrating Christmas, and a SYM Cultural Display fostering cross-cultural communion. A Peace and Unity Rally in cultural attire, spanning a 2-km walk, promotes harmony and cultural exchange. Additionally, opportunities for confessions in multiple languages, held in an open ground setup reminiscent of World Youth Day, are being widely appreciated by participants.
Our youth participated in all the events, especially the competitions: Dance, Tableaux, Rangoli, Canvas painting, Shortfilm, with much vigour and enthusiasm.
A vibrant New Year’s Eve midnight program is also being celebrated with joy and enthusiasm, to enter the new year with optimism and new dreams.
On the day of conclusion, the New Year Mass will be presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Lawrence Pius DD, Bishop of Dharmapuri, marking the conclusion of the fest.
