The Church's commitment to fostering ethical values among India's young
It not only shapes individual lives but also builds a society rooted in justice, empathy, and integrity
Jan 22, 2025

Fr Kuruvilla Pandikattu SJ
In our rapidly evolving world, the Church's role in nurturing ethical values among young people is more crucial than ever.
In India, various Catholic religious orders, notably the Jesuits, Salesians of Don Bosco, and the Holy Cross Fathers have established numerous youth programs and educational initiatives aimed at shaping the moral character of the next generation.
Through organizations like the All India Catholic University Federation (AICUF) and a network of schools and colleges, the Church strives to develop leaders grounded in ethical principles, compassion, and a commitment to social justice.
India’s former president Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam once remarked, “The ignited mind of the youth is the most powerful resource on Earth.” His emphasis on the potential of young people aligns with the Church’s vision of investing in youth to create a more just and ethical society.
By focusing on education, mentorship, and character formation, the Church seeks to empower young individuals to become ethical leaders and responsible citizens.
The Jesuits
The Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits, has a long-standing tradition of working with young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Their focus on holistic education, skill development, and character formation has made a significant impact across India.
The Jesuits manage over 400 schools and about 60 higher education institutions in India, including prestigious establishments like St. Xavier’s College and Loyola College. These institutions emphasize academic excellence, ethical values, and social responsibility.
For instance, St. Joseph’s College in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, is renowned for its commitment to quality education and community service. The college has pioneered programs like Rural Development Science and Data Science, providing holistic formation to students and helping them become men and women for others.
The All India Catholic University Federation (AICUF) founded in 1924 at St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli, is a student movement that empowers young people to become leaders rooted in ethical values and committed to social justice.
Operating through a "See-Judge-Act" methodology, AICUF encourages students to observe social realities, reflect on them through the lens of Christian ethics, and take action to address issues of injustice and inequality.
In May 2024, AICUF inaugurated its centenary celebrations at its birthplace, marking a significant milestone in its history.
The Salesians of Don Bosco
The Salesians of Don Bosco, commonly known as the Don Bosco Fathers, have a long-standing tradition of working with young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Their focus on holistic education, skill development, and character formation has made a significant impact across India.
One of the flagship initiatives of the Don Bosco Fathers is Don Bosco Tech India, a nationwide network of skill training centers that aims to equip young people with vocational skills and employability.
Established in response to the growing need for skilled labor, Don Bosco Tech India has trained over 450,000 youth since its inception. An incredible number indeed!
The program focuses on providing practical, industry-relevant skills in areas such as electrical work, plumbing, hospitality, and information technology.
The initiative not only helps young people secure gainful employment but also instills in them the values of hard work, integrity, and social responsibility. The training centers emphasize ethical business practices, encouraging students to prioritize honesty and customer satisfaction in their professional lives.
By integrating ethical education with skill development, the Don Bosco Fathers ensure that their graduates are not only competent professionals but also morally grounded individuals.
The Don Bosco School Network, with over 500 schools across India, has been instrumental in providing quality education with a strong focus on ethical values.
The schools follow a holistic approach to education, which includes academic excellence, sports, extracurricular activities, and spiritual formation. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of honesty, empathy, community service, and respect for others.
For instance, at Don Bosco High School, Matunga in Mumbai, the students are regularly involved in community outreach programs, visiting orphanages, and organizing cleanliness drives.
These activities are designed to instill a sense of social responsibility and ethical leadership from a young age. By engaging students in service-oriented projects, the Don Bosco Fathers cultivate a spirit of altruism and empathy, encouraging youth to become agents of positive change in their communities.
The Holy Cross Fathers
The Holy Cross Fathers have made significant contributions to youth engagement and education in the northeast of India, particularly in states like Meghalaya, Assam, and Manipur. Their work focuses on providing quality education, promoting cultural integration, and fostering ethical values among the youth in this diverse and often underserved region.
St. Joseph’s School in Shillong, run by the Holy Cross Fathers, is one of the leading educational institutions in Meghalaya. The school has a strong emphasis on character education, integrating ethical teachings into its curriculum. Students are taught the importance of honesty, respect, and social justice through various programs and activities.
The school’s Leadership and Ethics Club is a notable example of its commitment to nurturing ethical values. The club organizes workshops on integrity, ethical decision-making, and community service, helping students develop a moral compass that guides their actions both in school and in their future careers.
The Holy Cross Fathers also encourage students to participate in interfaith dialogue activities, promoting understanding and respect among the diverse religious communities in the northeast.
The Holy Cross Institute of Management and Technology in Tripura regularly organizes community service projects where students engage with local communities to address critical issues such as sanitation, health education, and environmental conservation.
These projects are designed to cultivate a sense of responsibility and ethical leadership among the youth, reinforcing values like empathy and social justice.
By combining academic rigor with a strong ethical foundation, the institute equips students to become leaders who are both competent and morally grounded.
A century of advocacy
The AICUF stands as a prominent example of the Church’s commitment to youth engagement. It operates in schools and universities across India, emphasizing social justice, environmental advocacy, and interfaith harmony.
For instance, AICUF's recent initiatives include workshops on climate change, campaigns for human rights, and support for marginalized communities, particularly in rural areas.
These activities have fostered a generation of socially conscious youth who are committed to creating an equitable society. The centenary celebrations highlighted AICUF’s role in shaping leaders who are unafraid to challenge injustice while remaining grounded in faith and ethics.
Ethical formation through action
Another critical youth-focused initiative is the Young Christian Students Movement (YCSM), which works with students at the grassroots level.
YCSM has spearheaded campaigns against substance abuse, promoted interfaith dialogue, and championed community service.
By engaging students in activities that build ethical awareness and practical leadership, YCSM nurtures the values of accountability, respect, and social responsibility.
Role in holistic youth formation
The work of Catholic religious orders like the Jesuits, Salesians, and Holy Cross Fathers illustrates the Church’s holistic approach to youth engagement.
Their efforts align with the broader vision articulated by leaders like Dr. Kalam, who underscored the transformative power of an inspired and ethical youth.
By instilling values such as integrity, compassion, and social justice, the Church plays a pivotal role in preparing young people to face modern challenges with moral clarity.
Initiatives like Don Bosco Tech India, Jesuit educational programs, and AICUF are not merely educational; they are transformative, nurturing a generation of leaders committed to the common good.
Building a generation of ethical leaders
The Catholic Church’s engagement with youth in India, led by congregations such as the Jesuits, Don Bosco Fathers, and Holy Cross Fathers, demonstrates its unwavering commitment to fostering ethical values and leadership.
Through education, mentorship, and community service, the Church provides a robust framework for holistic development, ensuring that young people are prepared to contribute positively to society.
In celebrating milestones like AICUF’s centenary and witnessing the transformative impact of initiatives like Don Bosco Tech and Jesuit educational programs, the Church exemplifies its role as a beacon of hope and ethical guidance.
By investing in the next generation, the Church not only shapes individual lives but also builds a society rooted in justice, empathy, and integrity. This enduring commitment ensures that the values of love, respect, and social responsibility remain central to the formation of future leaders, inspiring them to carry forward the Church’s legacy of compassion and service.--ucanews.com
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