The Province of Bangalore received nine prestigious honours at the national YaR Awards 2026, for its outstanding contributions to child protection and youth empowerment. The awards presented by the Don Bosco National Forum for the Young at Risk (DB YaR Forum) on 29 September at Don Bosco Provincial House, New Delhi, during the National YaR Conference 2026, celebrate and honour outstanding achievements by its members in the service of the young at risk.
The recognitions highlighted the diverse and sustained efforts of institutions, programmes, young people and individuals associated with the YaR mission across the Bangalore province.
The Award for the Best Don Bosco Institution was conferred on Don Bosco Yadagiri for its dedicated work in child welfare, child rights, child protection and community development. The institution’s contribution to the welfare of children and vulnerable communities was also locally recognised when it was honoured as the Best NGO in Yadagiri on 12 June 2026.
The YaR Collaborative & Community Based Programme Award was presented to “Wings of Excellence: Giving Wings to Success”, implemented by the Fishermen Community Development Programme, Don Bosco Kollam. The programme’s collaboration with the District Child Protection Office and the Digital De-Addiction Centre, Kollam, enabled support for around 120 children and young people, particularly from economically disadvantaged fishing families. The initiative provided scholarships and educational support while promoting awareness of healthy digital habits.
Don Bosco Kollam also received the YaR Short Film Award for its film “കടലാഴം (Kadalazham)”, which portrays the life, struggles, rights and collective resilience of a fishing community, giving visibility to their experiences and aspirations.
Mr. John Joshua Nirmal of the Bangalore Hub received the Homelink Service of Excellence – Best Hub Coordinator Award, which recognises his long-standing service since 2014 and his leadership in strengthening Homelink DIGI. Between March 2025 and July 2026, the Bangalore Hub coordinated 12 partner organisations, recorded 4,566 DIGI data entries, conducted 30 trainings, 32 visits, and documented 26 success stories, along with several analytical reports.
The YaR Social Media Award was presented to the BOSCO Bangalore team – Bangalore Oniyavara Seva Coota (BOSCO). The award recognised BOSCO’s creative and meaningful use of digital platforms to communicate, connect and raise awareness about children and young people, while strengthening the visibility and engagement of the YaR mission.
The Akshara Nada Award was presented to Ms. Shashikala Kunchigannal of CHITHRA Don Bosco, recognising her dedication to teaching, creativity, writing and social service. Her contribution to Kannada language and literature through poems, songs, articles and books was particularly acknowledged.
The YaR Youth Award – 18 to 21 Years was conferred on Mr. Raju Gowda, in recognition of his courage, determination and commitment to building a better future despite challenging family circumstances. Raju was admitted to BOSCO Mane in 2018, completed his SSLC with 76% and his Second PUC with distinction. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) at Kristu Jayanti College.
The YaR Campaign – Best Poster Award brought further recognition to BOSCO Bangalore. Children from BOSCO, Ms. Bhavana and Ms. Fathima won the First and Second Prizes respectively for their posters based on this year’s YaR Campaign, themed “Walk beside me in my digital journey”, seeking to encourage responsible, safe and supportive digital engagement among children and young people.
With these nine awards, the Province of Bangalore demonstrated the breadth of its commitment to the YaR mission. The achievements at the YaR Awards 2026 affirm the collective efforts of Salesians, staff, collaborators, young people and communities who continue to work towards creating safer, more supportive and empowering environments for children and young people.
