In 1968, Br. Peter Mathews arrived at the Beatitudes, Vyasarpadi, and he was given charge of the youth. He started the Don Bosco Oratory which grew to be very popular and was named Don Bosco Youth Centre (DBYC) on June1st, 1979. The Youth center was further enriched with the presence of Bro. Sigamony who served as its Director from 1971 to 1978. In 1978, the DBYC celebrated its 10th Anniversary; the final day celebration on August14th was presided over by the then Governor of Tamil Nadu, Mr. Prabhudas Patwari.
DBYC started several activities with an average membership of 200. This Youth Centre was earlier affiliated to Tamil Nadu Hockey Association, Tamil Nadu Table Tennis Association, and Tamil Nadu Bharat Scouts and Guides. Coaching classes were conducted for academic studies, Music, Table Tennis, Hockey, Weight-lifting, and other sports events. As the years passed by football became the more prominent sport and hockey ceased to be the key activity. In 1978, DBYC was affiliated to Madras Football Association, and in 1984, it was enlisted into the second division.
Every year, the members have to renew their membership. There were 4 groups in the DBYC namely, the Sub-Juniors (Below 16), Juniors (Below 20), Seniors (Below 24) and Elders (Above 24). Because of some problems, the DBYC was closed for some time. In 1990, when Fr. Stephen Bernard joined as the new Director, he reopened the DBYC in a new block.
The DBYC functions under the principle “healthy mind in a healthy body”. Our motto is: “All for one and one for all”. At present there are around 250 registered members who take part in the daily activities. They are given opportunities to improve their talents, in particular Sports. They assemble at the Center every day at 4.00pm and leave the Center by 8.00pm. The following are the activities at the youth centre: Foot Ball, Volley Ball, Table Tennis, Carroms, Gym activities, Boxing, Music, Karate, Scouts and Guides etc. Besides sports and games, they are also involved in social work and environment related mission. Animation Programmes and counselling are given to prepare them for life. Membership to the Youth center is open to all.
Poverty and unemployment had driven the people of this neighborhood (North Chennai) to rowdyism and all sorts of crimes, but the work of Salesians has given life and hope to thousands of young people. Many of the youngsters who were members of the DBYC are well settled in life and they are trying to give back to society what they received here. The Youth Centre has also produced many leaders and social workers.