The Annual Technical Commission Meeting of the Salesian Province of Tiruchy was held on 29 June 2026 at Don Bosco ITI, AMSAM, Trichy, bringing together the Provincial, Vice Provincial, Economer, Youth Ministry leaders, Commission members, and representatives from the technical institutes of AMSAM, Madurai, and Lalgudi. The meeting focused on strengthening technical education, addressing common challenges, and planning future initiatives.
The gathering began with a warm welcome, prayer, and introduction to the agenda. During the discussions, the Youth Ministry Delegate shared the latest directives from the Youth Department in Rome and announced the appointment of coordinators for the four dimensions of youth ministry. Fr. Francis Xavier was entrusted with coordinating the Social Experience dimension. The Youth Service Coordinator highlighted the importance of student groups and clubs in Salesian education, encouraging every institute to establish active student associations. The commission resolved to initiate Engineering, Rover, and Eco Clubs across the institutes while preparing common guidelines for their effective functioning.
Representatives from the three ITIs presented reports on student strength, staff, placements, achievements, industry collaborations, and future plans. The institutes identified common challenges, including declining admissions, outdated equipment, limited financial and human resources, student discipline, and retention. To address these issues, the commission proposed greater collaboration among ITIs through the sharing of laboratories, faculty expertise, training resources, modern industrial facilities, and unused equipment. It also recommended introducing additional short-term courses, strengthening industry partnerships, connecting with higher education institutions, and providing regular counselling for students affected by substance abuse.
In his address, the Provincial emphasized the importance of accompanying students even after graduation, prioritising character formation, fostering collaboration between Rectors and Principals, maintaining technical infrastructure responsibly, and ensuring the ongoing formation and well-being of Salesian educators. He reminded all participants that the mission of Salesian technical education is to form young people as responsible citizens and committed Christians, always remembering that they are Educators and Evangelisers.
The meeting concluded with a prayer of thanksgiving and a renewed commitment to collaborative growth, innovation, and excellence in Salesian technical education across the Province.
