NEWS
Faith and Folk Art Empower Youth at Leadership Camp in Tirupattur
A vibrant confluence of culture, catechesis, and youth empowerment marked the recently concluded ten-day “Leadership Training Camp and Youth Catechesis through Folk Art” held from May 21 to May 31, 2025, at Sacred Heart College (SHC), Tirupattur. Jointly organized by the Salesian Province of Chennai (INM), the Youth Ministry Delegation, Deepagam (Don Bosco Catechetical Centre), and SHC, the camp brought together 65 youth and children from seven rural parishes in Vellore and Tirupattur regions, including participants from Chennai and FSAG sisters of Shalom Province, Tindivanam.
Hosted in the serene and spacious environment of SHC, the camp, titled Kalai Vazhi Irai Mozhi 2025 (KVIM25), aimed to integrate faith and culture. The heart of the program was God-Talk (Irai Mozhi)—a catechetical dialogue through folk arts that encouraged participants to encounter the divine in their everyday lives. Through theatre, music, dance, storytelling, and visual art, the youth were guided to discover their identity, spirituality, and leadership potential.
Each day began with yoga and Silambum (drill), followed by the Eucharistic celebration. Sessions in leadership, self-awareness, confidence-building, team spirit, and communication were interwoven with intensive training in folk arts, such as Paraiyaattam, Oyilaattam, Kollattam, and Silambaattam. Creative expression was further explored through drama workshops, face-mask making, makeup art, journaling, and motivational games. Eminent resource persons, including Prof. Parthiparaja, Mr. Rajasekharan, Mr. Velayudham, and Mr. Murugan, infused the sessions with passion, discipline, and cultural depth.
Fr. Don Bosco, Provincial, visited the camp on May 24 and encouraged the youth to deepen their faith through cultural expression. He praised the SHC community for making the camp a reality and appreciated the musical contributions of Fr. Jesudoss. “We are God’s creation, and drama is a joyful, powerful means to experience that,” he said.
Highlight events included two powerful theatrical performances. Adharma Dhesatthu Maranangal, directed by Mr. Valayutham, was a modern drama exploring existential questions, social oppression, and the “culture of death.” On May 28, Mrs. Sneha Parthiparaja staged En Aadai, En Urimai, a bold mono-act performance on women’s rights, body autonomy, and caste discrimination.
The camp culminated in a spirited valedictory celebration on May 31, live-streamed on YouTube. The trainees performed folk dances and skits and offered testimonials. “I have gained the confidence to speak on stage,” said Vasikaran from Jolarpet. Sudha from Maranodai reflected, “God doesn’t grant favours, but opportunities—and this camp was one.”
Fr. John Christy, Youth Ministry Delegate, summarized the camp’s essence and awarded certificates of participation. Fr. Jesudoss, in his concluding remarks, emphasized that true transformation comes not from outward show but inner growth.
KVIM25 created a transformative space where youth experienced art as a sacred bridge to faith, leadership, and self-discovery. It was, as one participant aptly put it, “a life-changing journey that taught us to listen, believe, and express with heart and purpose.”
















