by Cl. Nelson Mudaliar
NASHIK-MAHARASHTRA, JUNE 30, 2014: In a bid to invite more youngsters to the panorama of job opportunities available in the market, Rev. Fr Corlis Gonsalves, the Rector of Don Bosco Vyawasaik Parshikshan Kendra, Chinchwad spoke to the brothers of Divyadaan and the Novices of the Salesian Training Institute on June 21, 2014, in a session that began at 7:15pm and ended at 8:30pm.
Fr Corlis began by stating a simple truth, "Job opportunities for a 'SKILLED INDIA' are still in plenty. Like Don Bosco had started Technical Institutes during the Industrial revolution with foresight, now one hundred and thirty-five DB Tech schools have been opened all across the country, which is second only after the government Institutes and Chinchwad is one that is of a very superior standard." He also said that, this vision stood as a mere dream without the awareness of these opportunities being created among the youth. Hence, he invited the brothers to look at their oratories in the light of creating awareness and promoting admissions to Chinchwad where the faculty always engaged in its mission of empowering the poor and marginalized youth and helping them take their place in society.
When speaking about the humble beginnings of Chinchwad in 1999, Fr. Corlis praised the work of Providence alone in awe, on how funds were raised since the work was always for the poor. With the recent investment made by LORCH, a German Welding Industry, the workshop in Chinchwad has become a centre of training for faculties of other institutes as well. Through a PowerPoint presentation, Fr. Corlis explained the scope in the four-wheeler, two-wheeler, refrigeration, retail, tailoring, hospitality, electrical, welding, BPO and CNC courses which DBVPK offered to students.
The greatest assets as affirmed by the corporate giants were mannerisms and soft skills that were nurtured in the students of DBVPK. After tie-ups with JBM, Volkswagen, BOSCH, Knorr Bremse, TAJ Group of Hotels, Mahindra, FIAT India and other industries, Fr. Corlis with pride said that almost 97% of the institute's students had settled down with a job. He also expressed his grief on the minimal number of catholic youth who were involved in these courses. Yet, the Institute rejoiced in the setting up of a new hostel and training centre at Chakan, which promised more seats to disadvantaged youngsters.
This was followed by a Q and A session involving the staff and students of both the Institutes. Fr Corlis clearly said,"As Don Bosco would want it, lack of education and money will never be an obstacle to someone for entering DBVPK, Chinchwad." He urged the brothers of other provinces to seek out youngsters from their own states and villages who wished to enhance their lives.