BIS #2594 DBIT, KURLA TRAINS MUMBAI UNIVERSITY NSS STUDENTS

Royal D’Souza
 

KURLA, SEPTEMBER 21, 2011:Don Bosco Yuva Sanstha, Karjat for the third year in succession welcomed sixty five NSS volunteers from thirty colleges affiliated to the University of Mumbai for a five day residential ‘Leadership Training Camp’ between September 6-10, 2011. This was jointly organized by the NSS Unit of Don Bosco Institute of Technology, Kurla and NSS Central Suburb Zone, University of Mumbai

The objective of this program was to help the participants develop as leaders of five thousand two hundred NSS  volunteers belonging to the zone and take full responsibility to lead NSS programs in their college during the academic year.

The inaugural program was graced by Prof. Atul Salunke, NSS Program Coordinator - University of Mumbai; Dr. Satish Kolte, NSS District Coordinator – Mumbai City Zone and Fr. Xavier, Director - Don Bosco Yuva Sanstha, Karjat.

The aims and objectives of NSS, its administrative and financial structure as well as the various NSS schemes were explained in detail. Dr. N. G. Joag, Principal - DBIT animated the group with an interactive session on goal setting and Leadership skills which was much appreciated.

“DBYS was an ideal setting for this camp” said Leandra Menezes. The BPL youth residing there for a short period of six months are offered life skills and vocational skills that make them employable thus becoming assets to society. The methodology used by the Salesians is simple yet life transforming. The emphasis on preserving eco systems, recycling and care for environment were lived out experiences as Shubankar one of the NSS participants put it; “I was amazed at these young boys who interacted with us so confidently. What surprised me was that they had goals for themselves and some even wanted to become entrepreneurs! That was a lesson in leadership.”

The NSS program focused on skills development including the art of communications, report writing, editing and time management. Disaster and safety management, environment consciousness like conservation of Water and Energy and empowerment of women were topics that received good coverage. For students accustomed to having all their needs taken care of by their family this camp challenged them to take charge of several responsibilities in the running of the camp. Well, they had the Karjat boys to emulate who displayed self reliance, resourcefulness and diligence in getting their job done on a daily basis. DBYS boys too benefited as they had the opportunity to learn English from the University students.

The Leadership Training Camp’s success was largely due to the overwhelming support received from Fr. Xavier and the careful planning of Dr. Joag and Mr. Royal from Don Bosco Institute of Technology, Kurla.