The Stellar Don Bosco Academy

Rev. Dr. Barnabe D’Souza is a Salesian priest with over 40 years of experience working with marginalized communities, vulnerable children, and people affected by poverty. Don Bosco Nerul warmly welcomes Fr. Barnabe D’Souza as the Rector of this prestigious institution.

He joined the Salesian Congregation in 1982 and was ordained a priest in 1993. Throughout his ministry, he has dedicated himself to the welfare and rehabilitation of street children and young people at risk. He served as Rector and Assistant Director of Shelter Don Bosco, a pioneering programme for street children, and founded Maria Ashiana, a rehabilitation home for adolescent street children affected by substance abuse and a Research Centre for the marginalized.

Rev.Dr. D’Souza has collaborated with several national and international organizations, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Vienna. He was part of the VNOGC to contribute to the formulation of global drug policies. He served as the Deputy Secretary General of the International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU), Paris, which represented over 220 Catholic universities worldwide.. Dr. D’Souza was the Founding Director of the Don Bosco Research Centre, Mumbai, contributing significantly to research, policy development, and social initiatives aimed at empowering disadvantaged communities.

Educational Qualifications:

· Ph.D., University of Coventry, United Kingdom 

· Master of Social Work (MSW), University of Mumbai 

· Bachelor of Philosophy (B.Ph.) 

· Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) 

· Bachelor of Theology (B.Th)

Leadership and Social Initiatives:

· Founder -Director, Connect All India – A social and financial inclusion programme (2002–2010) 

· Founder - Director, Maria Ashiana – A rehabilitation home for adolescents living on the streets and affected by drug abuse (1999–2012) 

· Founding Director, Don Bosco Research Centre, Matunga (1998–2013) 

· Deputy Secretary General, International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU), Paris (2014–2018)

Professional Experience:

· Director, Shelter Don Bosco – Street Children Programme 

· Director, Maria Ashiana, Lonavala – Rehabilitation Programme for Street Children and Adolescents Affected by Drug Abuse 

· Director, Don Bosco Research Centre, Matunga – Social Research and Development 

· Director, Don Bosco Balprafulta, Andheri – Child Rights and Juvenile Justice Initiatives 

· Formulation of Global Drug Policy, representing South Asian NGOs at the United (UNODC).

· Deputy Secretary General, International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU), Paris, France. 

· Currently serving as Rector, Don Bosco Nerul, Navi Mumbai, overseeing the CBSE School, Vocational Training Centre, Prafulta Counselling Centre, Don Bosco Media Centre, and Don Bosco Academy.

Publications:

Rev. Dr. Fr. Barnabe D’Souza has authored 14 books focusing on children in difficult circumstances, social development research, issues affecting marginalized communities, and educational leadership. He continues to work towards building a more inclusive and compassionate society, especially for children and young people in vulnerable situations.

Salesian priest serving as the Director of Tej Prasarini, the social communication department of the Salesian Province of Bombay. On May 24 2026–2027, he  joined Don Bosco Nerul as the Catechist while pursuing a Master’s degree in Counselling.

He holds Master’s degrees in Philosophy and English Literature, along with certification in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). Passionate about youth ministry and holistic formation, he conducts sessions on Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Communication Skills, and Value Management. A sports enthusiast and an avid reader, Fr. Joyston seeks to accompany young people in discovering their potential and living with purpose, inspired by the Salesian spirit of Don Bosco.

Fr. Adolf has several facets to his persona, has been in various places and positions of importance in the Province and Salesians of India, after he returned from the US, where he studied in Berkeley. He has been Principal in various Salesian schools, changing those to very modern systems, he began in Don Bosco Matunga where he changed the style of teaching and learning and did the same at Dominc Savio, Andheri where he was Principal and Rector. He was In – charge and founder of the Don Bosco International School Matunga and was Rector of St. Joseph’s Kurla, where he turned that institute on its head from a simple ITI producing grade V and VI category work force to re-inventing the institute to what it is today. He established there a Management institute with Bachelors and Masters’ degree, An Engineering institute with degrees and diplomas in IT, Marine and Electronic engineering. A top end Hospitality degree institute and a well equipped Mass media and Communications Degree College. Least to say, it is one of the premier institutes of the Salesians in India, all due to his leadership and vision. We know he brings a great depth of his wisdom and innovative perspectives to DB Nerul, much beyond the Student Counselor position he will be handling at Don Bosco Nerul.