by Amar Prabhu for BIS Mumbai

It was a momentous occasion for Don Bosco Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Kurla, as they celebrated their diamond jubilee year by hosting the Regional Technology Exhibition 2024-25 on February 12, 2025. This prestigious event was organized by the Government of Maharashtra, Department of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation, Mumbai Region.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Mr Nitin Nikam, Joint Director, Vocational Education and Training, Regional Office, Mumbai, and the chief guest, Fr Anthony Pinto, SDB, Rector and Director, Don Bosco Centre for Learning (DBCL), Kurla. Mr Nikam, in his inaugural speech, thanked Don Bosco for providing the facility to organize the exhibition. He emphasized the importance of students taking their projects to the next level, reaching the stage of incubation and startups. Fr Anthony Pinto also spoke about the incubation and startup facilities available at Don Bosco through their Section 8 Company.

The event saw enthusiastic participation from trainees and faculty from both government and private Industrial Training Institutes, as well as employees of the Vocational Education and Training, Regional Office, Mumbai. The Mumbai region encompasses 111 ITIs (67 government and 49 private) spread across Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburban, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg. The exhibition's primary objective was to provide a platform for students to showcase their innovative projects, thereby fostering creativity and problem-solving skills among young minds. It served as an opportunity to encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing among participating institutions and to promote a scientific temper and innovative thinking.

A total of 74 projects were displayed, encompassing 33 mechanical, 18 electrical, 16 electronic, and 7 non-technical projects, with 370 students participating. A large number of visitors from ITIs across the seven districts of the Mumbai region attended the exhibition. The preliminary round was conducted at the district level, where the best project in each category from each district was selected to participate in the regional exhibition.

The projects showcased the talent, innovative ideas, and technical skills of the participants. The exhibition was judged by experts from industry and academia, a challenging task considering the high quality of the entries. The jury shortlisted 10 projects from the 74 to represent the Mumbai Region at the state-level project competition and exhibition in Amravati. Adding to the excitement, Don Bosco ITI secured second place in the region with their project, the "Safety Helmet." This innovative helmet is equipped with technology to detect if the rider is under the influence of alcohol. This technology not only helps in eliminating riders without helmets but also addresses drink-driving related accidents, improving overall road safety for two-wheeler riders.

It was a moment of immense pride for Don Bosco to host this event and receive such positive feedback. Organizers were commended for maintaining high standards, paying attention to the smallest details, and enhancing the overall experience for visitors. The institute wishes its trainees all the best for the State Level Project Exhibition and Competition at Amravati. This event truly highlighted the talent and potential of young innovators in the region and served as a fitting celebration of Don Bosco ITI Kurla's diamond jubilee year.