AGRO TECH, POLUR Don Bosco Agro-Tech
Presently, there are 150 boys (69 Catholics) in the 6 courses offered at the Institute: Mechanic, Electrician, Motor Vehicle, Carpentry and Cabinet Making, Non-Formal Welding and Non-Formal Carpentry. There are 8 instructors (5 Catholics), 2 office-staff and 5 domestic staff, all paid by the Management. The Institute runs 2 groups: Cultural Group and Social Awareness Group. Wood Work and Welding are the 2 production units of the Institute. The carpentry section brings in a substantial income to the house. The students are given opportunities to learn and master their respective trade, ensuring cent per cent employment at the end of the course. Their spiritual needs are also taken care of. They have Catechism and Moral Science classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays and holy mass once in two months.
Boarding
There are 64 boarders, of whom 56 are Catholics, mostly from Vellore Diocese, 1 Hindu and the rest of other Christian denominations. Daily Eucharist is celebrated, and every first Tuesday the Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered. The Rector meets them once a month. Monthly recollections are also organized. The boarders are divided into 7 groups: Arokia Madha, Sagaya Madha, Lourdu Madha, Velankanni Madha, Fatima Madha, Poondi Madha and Cultural Group. All these groups help the boys to develop their talents and to build up their Christian way of life.
Village Integral Animation (VIA)
The Village Integral Animation (VIA) is a social action centre for social transformation through awareness creation and people participation. Since 1985, it works in 3 blocks (Polur, Chetpet and Kalasapakkam) in 85 Villages. Earlier it was functioning under the name of Rural Development Project. Now it goes by the name of Village Integral Animation (VIA) sponsored by the Province Programme Project.
Don Bosco Ticino Farm,
Don Bosco Ticino Farm, situated some 3 kilometres from the house, comprises 31 acres along the River Cheiyar. Recently, the Administrator has put in a lot of work clearing the land and sowing paddy, sugarcane and other crops. The house also has a farm of 7 acres on its premises with goats, cows, pigs and some cultivation. The produce of the farm supplements the income of the house.
Past Pupils
The Don Bosco Past Pupils Association, started in 1992, has at present, 114 life members and 10 office bearers. Two meetings are held annually, and every 3 years, the office bearers are elected by the members in the annual body meeting. The past-pupils help the Institute and in the neighbourhood apostolate in small ways, especially by conducting sports and cultural competitions. The Unit members and office bearers take part in all the activities of the Provincial Federation and contribute their mite as proud sons of Don Bosco.
Evening Study
Eighty children attend this daily evening study centre at Selvampettai, assisted by 3 lay teachers. The Salesian community comprises 7 confreres: 5 here and 2 at SIHARAM. The 5 confreres here are made up of 2 priests, 2 perpetually professed brothers and 1 temporarily professed brother in practical training. The 2 confreres at SIHARAM are both priests.
