New Delhi: The Don Bosco Society has appointed an Indian to coordinate its fundraising operations and social and development activities in 132 countries.
Fr George Menamparampil is founder director of Bosconet, a New Delhi-based secular organization that works for empowering the young. Established in 2011, the organization aims to instill in the youth the mission and methodology of Saint Don Bosco, who founded the Salesian congregation in 1859.
Fr Menamparampil was the chaplain of MIJARC (Mouvement International de la Jeunesse Agricole et Rurale Catholique or International Movement of Catholic Agricultural and Rural Youth) for two terms from 1989 to 1997. He was then based at Brussels, Belgium, catering to rural youth in 65 countries.
“My experience in MIJARC helps immensely in the new job,” says Fr Menamparampil who had to travel to remote villages in 35 countries during those years. He also learned French, Spanish, Italian and Dutch, “all of which will be of use to me in my new job.”
Fr Menamparampil further says the MIJARC experience of working with people from different countries and cultures has helped him understand the developed and developing worlds. He also understands the European culture and its demands, along with the expectations of the people in the developing world.
The science graduate says his lack of ecclesiastical or secular academic degrees has not put him on the back foot. “It has been no disadvantage; instead, perhaps it has been a fantastic advantage for me.”
The 67-year-old Salesian priest says he would have hesitated to undertake new initiatives if he were specialized in any particular subject. Since he is not qualified in anything, he has no problem to take up something new and different, he added.
Fr Menamparampil has conducted some 30 fundraising techniques as the Bosconet director. He says Bosconet seeks funds, expertise and other resources to help children and youth from poor families. It lobbies government and officials to formulate and adapt policies to favor needy youth. “We also support people’s movements for justice, equality and human rights.”
The priest also claims that he leaves behind “a very strong, committed, trained, experienced team of staff” at Bosconet. “If encouraged and allowed, they could do a lot right now. We have set the stage for an explosive growth,” he adds.
Referring to the sharing habit of Indians, the fundraiser says it is tough to persuade his countrymen to give beyond their extended family. He says India’s joint family system makes parents to give their wealth to their children even if they are educated and employed. Similarly, children feel obliged to look after all the needs and desires of their parents.
This trait has a flip side. Indians think their family will lose if they give donations to outsiders. People are more open to helping people from their state, religious or language groups, he added.
Fr Menamparampil says he will assume the new post on June 3. “This post is something new in the headquarters. Its scope will be defined over time,” he adds.
However, he will soon coordinate the congregation’s fundraising offices in various countries, evaluate project proposals and collect additional data, and follow up of funded projects.
Meanwhile, Fr. Noel Madhichetty succeeds him at Bosconet. His successor is currently the South Asian Delegate for Salesian Family.