By Fr Jesu Robinson SDB for BIS Mumbai

Don Bosco Technical Institute (DBTI), Walvanda, Jawhar in Maharashtra, celebrated World Youth Skills Day with great spirit and participation on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in collaboration with the District Skill Development Department, Palghar. The event focused on this year’s global theme, "Youth Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills," underscoring the essential role of skill-building in empowering young people and creating a more inclusive and prosperous society.

The celebration was marked by the presence of distinguished guests - Dr Apurva Bhasur (IAS), Sub-Divisional Officer, Jawhar; Mrs Renuka Tammalwar, Assistant Commissioner, District Skill Development, Employment, and Entrepreneurship Guidance Centre, Palghar; Fr Jesu Robinson, Director of Bosco Samajik Vikas Sanstha (BSVS); Fr Monty Rodrigues, Principal of Don Bosco Technical Institute (DBTI); Mr Keshav Shawra, the Skill Development Officer, Jawhar and Br Savio D’Mello, Administrator of BSVS.

Mrs Tammalwar in her address, explained the global and national relevance of World Youth Skills Day and passionately urged the tribal youth to equip themselves with practical skills and seize the employment opportunities offered by various government schemes. “The future belongs to those who are skilled. Skill training can be your ticket to independence and dignity,” she emphasized. Fr Robinson welcomed the dignitaries and participants and delivered a motivational message to the young attendees. He stressed the importance of acquiring technical and vocational skills, especially for tribal youth who often lack access to mainstream opportunities. “Skills are the tools that will build your tomorrow,” he said, encouraging the youth to take full advantage of the training facilities at DBTI Walvanda and walk confidently toward economic empowerment and social transformation. Fr Rodrigues, in his inspiring keynote address, reminded the youth of the unique potential they hold. He said, “We don’t need to go to the mountain; rather the mountain has come to us. We must use our skills to extract the minerals and materials it holds.” He stressed that the resources and opportunities are now within reach with the help of District Skill Development Department, Palghar, and only skilled hands and determined hearts are needed to unlock them.

Don Bosco Technical Institute, Walvanda, has been a beacon of hope for the tribal communities of Jawhar and Mokhada talukas. Through its various trades—electrical, welding, motor mechanic, electric vehicle servicing, tailoring, computer training, and more—DBTI is shaping the lives of hundreds of tribal youth, helping them break the cycle of poverty and dependence.

The celebration reiterated the reality that skills are not just a means to employment, but a source of dignity, purpose, and identity. For tribal youth, skill training opens doors to self-reliance, leadership, and local entrepreneurship, allowing them to become change-makers in their own communities.

As the world commemorated World Youth Skills Day, the celebration at DBTI Walvanda stood out as a meaningful effort to ignite the potential of rural and tribal youth through focused, relevant, and quality skill training — a vital step towards peace, progress, and a promising tomorrow.