Ilamai is the youth services wing of the Salesian Province of Trichy (INT), dedicated to the holistic development of young people, especially the marginalized. Rooted in Don Bosco’s Preventive System, Ilamai focuses on education, empowerment, and pastoral care for youth across Tamil Nadu.
Key Focus Areas of Ilamai – Youth Services:
- Leadership & Life Skills Training – Equipping youth with values, confidence, and leadership abilities.
- Education & Career Guidance – Providing scholarships, counseling, and vocational training.
- Youth Animation & Pastoral Ministry – Organizing retreats, youth camps, and spiritual formation.
- Social Outreach & Empowerment – Supporting underprivileged youth, street children, and school dropouts.
- Networking & Collaboration – Partnering with parishes, schools, and NGOs for youth welfare programs.
Ilamai serves as a beacon of hope, empowering young people to lead meaningful lives through faith, education, and social responsibility.
Our Team
Fr. Rozario Antony SDB
Fr. Daniel Sebastian SDB
Fr. James Benjamin SDB – Trichy
Fr. Rubin Alex SDB – Madurai
Fr. Alexander Suresh SDB – Thoothukudi
Fr. Dhanaraj Rayappan SDB – Salem
Reports
May 2024: Youth Retreat at Don Bosco SAYAL
A half-day annual retreat was held, led by Fr. Rozario, followed by a meeting to welcome the new youth coordinator, Fr. Nishanth. The four dimensions of youth group growth were discussed.
June 2024: Youth Service Coordinators’ Meet
Held in Trichy, this meeting focused on youth education in the Salesian way. Discussions included SYMFEST planning, new initiatives, and annual plans with 28 Salesians participating.
July 2024: Group Inaugurations and Youth Visits
Don Bosco School in Varadarajanpet launched new student groups, distributing scholarships and uniforms. Youth meetings were conducted in Saveriyarpayam, Nettur, and Mathakottai to discuss new ILAMAI initiatives.
August 2024: Student Animations and Meetings
A motivation session for students was conducted in Sengipaati. Past pupils of DBAI met to discuss future plans. Salesian Cooperators attended an event on spirituality and youth guidance.
September 2024: Leadership and Career Guidance
Fr. Rozario visited youth in Poovalur and Threrespurum, focusing on training cultural groups. A job drive was organized in Salem Diocese in collaboration with Don Bosco Vazhikatti.
October 2024: Regional Leaders Gathering
A meeting for Jesus Youth leaders was held in Chennai, emphasizing personal experience and networking. The Tuticorin zone meet included leadership training, career guidance, and cultural programs.
November 2024: Youth Meets and Career Sessions
Youth meets in Trichy and Madurai featured career guidance, media discussions, and vocational talks. Interactive sessions and cultural programs engaged young participants.
December 2024: SYMFEST 2024
A grand youth event with Mass, competitions, discussions, and cultural performances. Key topics included social media, ecology, leadership, and faith. A peace rally and New Year celebrations concluded the event.
January 2025: Youth Convention and Sports Meet
A youth convention in Salem hosted 300 participants for spiritual enrichment. ILAMAI Sports Meet in Madurai featured football and volleyball tournaments, concluding with a grand prize distribution.
February 2025: Annual General Meeting
The meeting reviewed past activities and set future goals. Leaders were elected for media and cultural groups, and new plans for youth ministry were presented.
Introduction
The ILAMAI youth movement organized various events and initiatives across different provinces and zones to promote youth leadership, faith formation, cultural engagement, and social service. This report outlines the execution, participation, and impact of each program.
Objectives
- Strengthen youth leadership and spiritual growth.
- Encourage participation in social and cultural activities.
- Provide career guidance and skill development opportunities.
- Foster community engagement and collaboration.
Implementation of Key Events
1. Youth Leadership & Coordination
- June 21: 30 youth service coordinators gathered at Manikandam for training.
- July 26: A General Body Meeting in Dindigul with 65 participants set new strategic goals.
- August: Leadership training in Bangalore (25 participants) and Don Bosco Groups Meet in Manikandam (40 participants).
2. Zonal-Level Youth Engagement
- August 24, 31 & September 1: ILAMAI Leaders Meet held in Tuticorin, Madurai, and Trichy Zones, engaging 18 leaders in each location.
- September 28 & October 4, 18: Zonal animation events in Therespuram, Pallithambam, and Tanjore, attracting 90-120 youth per event.
3. Sports, Cultural, and Faith-Based Activities
- November 16: A sports meet at Amsam with 130 youth promoting teamwork and discipline.
- December 14: Christmas celebration in Manikandam Province with 50 youth office bearers and groups.
- March 15: A Cultural Fest at DB School, Covai, showcasing youth talent (80 participants).
- April 3-5: Youth Pasch retreat in Yercaud, fostering spiritual growth (50 participants).
4. Large-Scale Events & Youth Gatherings
- January 25-26: ILAMAI Mela in DB Keela Eral Province saw the largest participation of 300 youth, with activities focusing on community building.
- February 22: The General Body Meeting in ITI Madurai assessed past activities and planned for future strategies (65 participants).
Outcomes & Impact
- Increased youth participation in faith-based and leadership programs.
- Strengthened regional coordination between ILAMAI youth groups.
- Enhanced career and skill development through guidance sessions.
- Greater collaboration between different provinces and zones.
Challenges & Recommendations
Challenges:
- Limited participation from some regions.
- Need for more structured follow-ups on leadership development.
- Financial constraints for organizing larger events.
Recommendations:
- Strengthen digital engagement and outreach.
- Increase funding and sponsorships for youth activities.
- Conduct follow-up programs to sustain leadership growth.
Conclusion
The ILAMAI activities for 2024-25 successfully engaged youth across multiple zones, promoting leadership, cultural development, and faith-based initiatives. Moving forward, ILAMAI aims to expand its outreach and deepen its impact in the coming years.
June 2025: Leadership and Coordination
- June 21 (Sat): Youth Service Coordinators Meet – Manikandam
This meeting will gather youth service coordinators to discuss leadership strategies, event planning, and initiatives for the upcoming year.
July 2025: Membership and Governance
- July 13 (Sun): Membership Day – Registration
A registration drive to enroll new and existing ILAMAI members, ensuring better participation and engagement. - July 26 (Sat): ILAMAI General Body Meet I – Keeranur
The first GB meeting will outline the year’s vision, initiatives, and responsibilities for different zones.
August 2025: Leadership & Faith Formation
- August 15 (Fri): DB Groups Meet
A gathering of Don Bosco youth groups to foster collaboration and strengthen their role in ILAMAI. - August: LAF Programme – Bangalore
Leadership Animation & Formation (LAF) will train young leaders on effective leadership, faith, and social outreach. - August 24 (Sun):ILAMAI Leaders Meet – Tuticorin Zone
- A session to discuss action plans for the Tuticorin zone.
- August 31 (Sun):ILAMAI Leaders Meet – Madurai Zone
- A leadership development and networking meet for the Madurai youth leaders.
September 2025: Zonal-Level Growth & Bible Competitions
- September 1 (Sun): ILAMAI Leaders Meet – Trichy Zone
- September 14 (Sun): Salem Zone Meet
- September 28 (Sat):Tuticorin Zone Animation – Pre-novitiate
- A special formation program along with Bible competitions to enhance faith education among youth.
October 2025: Spiritual & Regional Gatherings
- October 4 (Sat): Madurai Zone Animation – Keele Eral
- October 18 (Sat): Trichy Zone Gathering – Keele Eral
- October 26 (Sun):Chain Rosary – Suriya Nagar
- A collective prayer initiative to strengthen faith and unity among ILAMAI members.
November 2025: Sports & Youth Strengthening
- November 16 (Sat):ILAMAI Sports Meet – Dindigul/Manikandam
- A sports event to encourage team spirit and physical fitness among ILAMAI members.
- November 9 (Sun):Trichy Zone Programme
- Strengthening youth engagement in nearby parishes through group-based activities.
December 2025: Christmas & Cultural Expression
- December 14 (Sat):Christmas Celebration – Keeranur
- A festival celebration with office bearers and youth groups.
- December: Cul-Ex 2025 – Live Christmas & Art Competitions
- A cultural and artistic platform showcasing ILAMAI youth’s talents.
January 2026: Grand Youth Festival
- January 25-26 (Sun & Mon):ILAMAI Mela – Madurai ITI
- A large youth gathering featuring faith-based sessions, leadership workshops, and talent exhibitions.
February 2026: Governance & Annual Planning
- February 22 (Sat):General Body Meeting II – Manikandam
- A review of the year’s activities and setting goals for the upcoming period.
March 2026: Cultural Festival
- March 15 (Sun):Cultural Fest for Groups (Institutes)
- A festival to celebrate diversity and creativity within ILAMAI youth communities.
April 2026: Faith & Spiritual Retreat
- April 5-6 (Sat & Sun):Youth Pasch – Yercaud
- A spiritual retreat for youth to deepen their faith and reflect on their mission.
May 2026: Skill Development & Community Outreach
- May:Spoken English, Competitive Exam Training & Placement
- Training sessions to improve job readiness and language skills.
- May:Animation Programmes in Nearby Parishes
- Strengthening ILAMAI groups by extending outreach to nearby parishes.
Conclusion
The ILAMAI Annual Program 2025-26 is structured to promote youth leadership, faith development, cultural growth, and career readiness. Through these initiatives, ILAMAI aims to build a strong and active youth community, empowered to lead and serve with faith and dedication.
