by Fr Mayank Parmar for BIS Mumbai

On March 22, 2025, the first batch consisting of 45 students from the BRIDGE Course at DISHA Don Bosco Kawant, Chhotaudepur District, Gujarat were awarded certificates in a special ceremony and the second batch of 75 students was also welcomed, both events were held at the Don Bosco, Kawant, with the joint efforts of the Rotary Club of Vadodara, Muni Seva Ashram Ghoraj and BOSCH company. 

The program began with a prayer of communal harmony, followed by the lighting of a lamp. To honor the guests present, the Don Bosco family presented them with bouquets and a book titled "Empowering Women in Rural India", authored by Father Mayank Parmar. During the event, Father Mayank Parmar, the Rector of Don Bosco Kawant, briefly explained the various initiatives undertaken by Don Bosco for the upliftment of tribal communities and the importance of BRIDGE course for the underprivileged youth of this area. 

In addition to the certificate distribution, 15 computers for a Computer Lab and 30 desks for a classroom, which were donated by the Rotary Club of Vadodara, were also inaugurated for the Bridge Course students.  Setting up a computer lab and a classroom was another milestone in the growth and development of the BRIDGE program. Manoj Saheb expressed that the Rotary Club is willing to donate all the required materials. 

Several distinguished guests were present at the event, including Rotary Club President Umed Saheb, Past District Governor Jatin Saheb, Past District Chairperson Nisha Bhargav, Mitesh Vadiya, and Hemant Patel from VTC, who all delivered meaningful speeches during the occasion. Hemant Patel, in his speech, highlighted various courses that are run at Muni Seva Ashram, Ghoraj. He also emphasized how important it is to have Rotarians coming forward with their generosity in order to support such programs for the underprivileged tribal youth. Kavita, one of the students who received the certificate expressed that “the teaching at Don Bosco is very excellent and I felt privileged to complete this course and now I am going to proceed further to Muni Seva Ashram, Ghoraj for the nursing course and make my career.” Another student Ashok Rathwa, said, “I really enjoyed the atmosphere of Don Bosco Kawant and I am promoting this course to others too.” 

The entire event was coordinated by Coordinator Kirit Dholakiya, and the vote of thanks was given by Anita Jindal, ensuring that all aspects of the program were smoothly carried out. This event marked a significant step in empowering students and uplifting the local community, as well as strengthening the collaborative efforts of various organizations working toward the welfare of the underprivileged.