FLASH NEWS:
NEWS
MUMBAI:
A Salesian’s Encouragement Helped an Orphaned Youth Find His Calling in the Mumbai Police
News reported by: BIS Correspondent Mumbai
While enrolled in a Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) programme, Sunil Kharghe approached a Salesian priest at Shelter Don Bosco, Wadala, after realising his true passion lay elsewhere. He wanted to leave college and focus entirely on preparing for the Mumbai Police recruitment examinations.
Instead of urging him to complete his degree first, the priest listened carefully and encouraged him to pursue the path he believed in. That trust helped shape the young orphan’s life, and he is now preparing to begin his career as a Mumbai Police Constable.
Sunil's journey began under tragic circumstances. He was only six years old when both his parents died, leaving him without immediate family support. Recognising the child's vulnerability, the village Sarpanch intervened and arranged his admission to a remand home, where he completed his education up to Class 10 with commendable results.
As he grew older, Sunil moved through institutions that supported young people ageing out of care. He first completed an Industrial Training Institute (ITI) course in Mumbai, then moved to a hostel in Borivali, where he finished his Higher Secondary education.
When he turned twenty, he exceeded the hostel's age limit and had to leave. He then moved to the Anara Nivara Kendra, where he learned to live independently. Supporting himself through work and paying for accommodation, he continued his education while balancing daily survival.
A new chapter opened when social worker Mr Vijay Johare helped him gain admission to Shelter Don Bosco in Wadala. The institution gave him stability and the chance to enrol for a BCA degree while preparing for police recruitment examinations.
During this period, Sunil discovered where his deepest motivation lay. Confident that policing was his true vocation, he sought guidance from one of the Salesian priests. The priest encouraged him to commit himself wholeheartedly to his chosen goal, and Shelter Don Bosco provided the books and study materials he needed.
Sunil responded with unwavering dedication. His efforts earned him 97 marks in the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) recruitment examination, and he cleared both the physical and written tests for recruitment to the Mumbai Police.
Then came an unexpected setback. Although he had been selected for both the SRPF and the Mumbai Police, his appointment was delayed due to missing essential documents. After years of preparation, the disappointment was devastating.
Once again, the encouragement he received at Shelter Don Bosco helped him move forward. Instead of dwelling on the setback, the Salesian community urged him to prepare again, assuring him that another opportunity would come.
Six months later, recruitment reopened. The community's confidence proved well placed: Sunil appeared for the examinations once more, cleared every stage, completed the documentation requirements and finally secured his appointment.
At just 22, he now stands ready to wear the Mumbai Police uniform.
Looking back, Sunil sees his success as the result of perseverance strengthened by timely encouragement. His journey shows how a few words of confidence from someone who believes in a young person's potential can alter the course of a life.
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Publisher: Libreria Editrice Vaticana
Year of publication: 2026
Available from: 4 March 2026
Pages: 928 pp., Paperback
