On October 18, 2025, the grounds of Auxilium Convent, Wadala, Mumbai, blossomed into an oasis of hope and unity as Srs. Joanna Lobo, Khushbooben Vasava, and their dynamic team, orchestrated the vibrant “Anmol Utsav.” The theme, “Aap Asha ki Anmol Kiran hai” (“You are a precious ray of hope”), resonated through heartwarming music and jubilant laughter, echoing a powerful message of solidarity.
Supported by an inspiring alliance of NGOs, this event was more than a festive celebration—it was a living witness to the transformative power of partnership and the courage to reach out to the margins, echoing themes now at the core of global religious missions.
Over 850 children—accompanied by 65 spirited volunteers—came together in a kaleidoscope of diversity and joy. The campus pulsated with excitement as streams of young participants, hailing from Mumbai’s slums, railway stations, and partnering organizations, entered with eagerness and wide-eyed wonder. Their presence was a testimony to the guiding light of hope that such initiatives shine on society’s most vulnerable.
NGOs Uniting for Change
The celebration distinguished itself by bringing together children and staff from twelve remarkable NGOs:
- Anmol Koparkhairane
- Anmol Uttan
- Ashish Bhavan
- Children of the World (Vishwa Balak)
- Door Step
- Jeevan Dhara
- Jivan Ankur
- Prayatna (Malad)
- Sahayini
- Shelter Don Bosco
- Sparsha
- Vimala Vikas Kendra
Children from Wadala’s pavements and major railway stations—CST, Dadar, Wadala—arrived independently, driven by dreams and community spirit. Notably, Anmol Uttan and its outreach arms saw a robust presence with dozens of girls joining, alongside alumni returning as mentors—a living chain of hope stretching across generations.
A Day Ablaze with Energy and Empowerment
From the first notes at 8:30 a.m. to the final applause at 4:30 p.m., the day brimmed with a tapestry of activities: games, uplifting sessions, dances, plays, energizing speeches, and the thrill of prizes. Lively team games and art sessions unleashed creative talents, while nourishing meals and refreshments sustained the high spirits. Sr. Joanna Lobo, radiating warmth in her welcoming address, crystallized the mood: “Friends, finally we are here to celebrate together!” When the hall echoed with applause, it felt as if unity itself was applauding.
Sr. Dr. Teresa Joseph’s keynote struck a chord that lingered: “You are a precious ray of hope… All we need is a ray of hope.” Her words reminded everyone that hope—however fragile—can illuminate any darkness. She called each participant to “continue to be a ray of hope” in their communities, planting courage and faith with open hands.
Nurturing Minds, Defending Dignity
Workshops reflected pressing realities. Sr. Moksha Antonappa, veteran social worker focused on migrants, led 350 teenage girls through an honest conversation on human trafficking, self-respect, and human dignity—arming them with awareness against exploitation. Simultaneously, Sr. Shweta Simon SRA, a trained lawyer and rights advocate, empowered nearly 300 adolescent girls, demystifying child rights and the importance of legal protection. For over 200 younger girls, Sr. Ujwala Nato kindled creative hope with art sessions on the central theme, making sure even the youngest understood: They, too, are rays of hope.
Providence in Action: Faith that Moves Mountains
Central to every Salesian mission is an unwavering trust in divine providence—a legacy from St. John Bosco. Sr. Joanna Lobo’s retelling of how the Utsav was financed epitomizes this trust: faced with daunting costs, the organizers began with nothing but faith and a small gift. Word spread, generosity multiplied, and alumni, friends, and benefactors opened their hearts and wallets until every need was met—down to the last rupee. “God provided exactly what we needed. When you share you receive,” reflected Sr. Lobo, her gratitude echoing St. Bosco’s conviction that abundance springs from faith and communal action.
Handcrafted Futures: Launching SAMMAAN
A milestone of the celebration was the unveiling of “SAMMAAN”—a craft-based enterprise launched by girls trained in tailoring, with guidance from staff and Sr. Lobo. These young entrepreneurs are not only acquiring skills but learning the dignity of self-sufficiency and the joy of sharing. Their enterprise embodies the Utsav’s goal: supporting one another, being rays of hope to others.
Dreams That Light the Way
In a candid interview, Sr. Lobo shared her enduring vision: for each young person to recognize their own worth, to become independent and resilient, unbowed by society’s prejudices, pressing forward despite obstacles by drawing strength from their community. “The theme is our impetus,” she said, “to support one another and remain rays of hope—even, and especially, for those who struggle to find it within themselves”.
Journeying With Young People at Risk
For decades, the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco have dedicated themselves to nurturing girls at risk in the Bombay Province, preparing generations of Sisters as skilled social workers and mentors. Homes for girls at Uttan, Koparkhairane, Keshnand, and Belgaum have sheltered and empowered hundreds of vulnerable children since 2000. The mission is holistic: shelter and care, emotional and psychological support, education, skill development, leadership formation, and social integration.
Koparkhairane’s aftercare home is a beacon of this mission, enabling girls to complete their education, secure meaningful jobs, and step into leadership—or start their own families—standing tall and proud as agents of their own future.
Rays of Transformation: Stories of Resilience
Sr. Antonappa recounted stories that illuminate what hope can achieve:
Educational Breakthroughs: Chandra More (name changed), after a crisis of failure and loss, found fresh resolve at Anmol home. With counseling, support, and vocational training, she returned to school, completed her exams, and obtained a tailoring certificate—her life transformed by perseverance and communal support.
Economic Independence: Kamini Pawar (name changed), trained in computers and retail, now thrives in an MNC, earning Rs. 45,000 per month—a symbol of self-reliance and restored dignity.
Business Empowerment: Komal Junghare (name changed) leveraged her education and digital marketing skills to support her family’s strawberry enterprise, illustrating how empowerment multiplies hope beyond the individual to whole communities.
Celebrating Love in Service
The journey of organizing and sustaining such a festival—finding resources, motivating teams, accompanying girls day and night—demands immense sacrifice, hard work, and spiritual depth. Echoing the example of recently canonized St. Maria Troncatti, the Sisters discover beauty and meaning in daily service—renewing their mission, one young life at a time.
The Light of Hope: A Call to Keep Shining
As the music faded and the grounds emptied, the legacy of “Aap Asha ki Anmol Kiran hai” remained as a promise—one that will continue to light the way for Mumbai’s vulnerable youth. In each smile, each handcrafted product, and each triumphant return to education or employment, the Utsav’s message endures: you are, and you can be, a precious ray of hope in this world.