Pune, 12th December 2023: The International Day of Persons with Disability was celebrated on 12th December 2023 at the Community Hall of Don Bosco Youth Centre. The event was organized by Don Bosco Development Society and Sponsored by AXA Business Services Pvt Limited. DBDS was honored to have Mrs. Beena Baldota (Vice President-Finance) as the Chief Guest and Fr. Anton D'Souza (Rector- Don Bosco, Chinchwad), Fr. Colbert (Administrator- Don Bosco, Chinchwad), and Fr. Dinesh Vasava (Incharge-Social Ministry, Don Bosco Youth Centre) as the Guest of Honour. Mr Kailash, Ms Vimas, Mr Tushar and Ms Maria from AXA Business Services also graced the event with their presence and participation.

The event began by a welcome address by Fr George Miranda (Executive Director- DBDS). In his welcome address Fr George thanked AXA Business Services Pvt Limited for their generous support to the event and also to the Women Empowerment Project. This was followed by the lighting of lamp ceremony by the team members of AXA Business Services Pvt Limited and the guest of honour and a prayer song was also played to invoke the blessings of the almighty. 

Speaking on the occasion Mrs. Beena expressed her support for the cause and inspired and motivated the beneficiaries and emphasized the importance of inclusivity and equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Speaking on the occasion Fr Dinesh thanked the AXA Team for taking out their precious time to grace the occasion with their participation.  

Speaking on the occasion Fr. Anton D'Souza shared that this world is full of good people like AXA Business Services Pvt Limited who help the needy and helpless with their resources. He thanked the staff and all those who worked behind the curtain to make this event successful.  

During the event 11 hearing aids (machines), 23 wheel chairs, 3 Tri Cycles, and 3 Crutches were distributed free to poor people in need of these aids and assistive devices. The beneficiaries were very happy and expressed their heartfelt gratitude to their benefactor AXA Business Services Pvt Limited. The event served as a reminder that by working together we can create a world where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can live a life of dignity and fulfilment.

The program ended with thanksgiving address by Fr George Miranda. He once again thanked the team of AXA Business Services Pvt Limited for their support to the event and for taking out time to grace the event. He thanked the Salesian community of Don Bosco Youth Centre and Don Bosco Chinchwad for their full support and commitment to this event. He also thanked all the Sisters of Mother Teresa, staff members, volunteers, and the helpers of Don Bosco Youth Centre.