By BIS Correspondent for BIS Mumbai

On the evening of December 21, 2025, the Don Bosco Industrial Training Institute (DBITI), Kurla, resonated with a vibrant blend of tradition, talent, and transformative vision as it celebrated its 61st Annual Day. The event, held at DBCL, marked the successful conclusion of the institution’s Diamond Jubilee year (1965-2025). The celebration brought together the Salesian Provincial Council, management, staff, parents, and trainees to honor a 60-year legacy of excellence in vocational training.

The evening commenced with the guest entourage—led by Fr Ashley Miranda, SDB (Provincial, Mumbai Province) and accompanied by Fr Anthony Pinto (Rector), and Principal Mr Amarr Prabhu—was ushered in by a Lezim performance. The traditional Maharashtrian dance set a tone of cultural pride that remained a hallmark of the evening. Following the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, the audience was treated to a unique rendition of the Institute Anthem. In a creative departure from tradition, the anthem—penned by Fr Charles Anthony—was performed through a graceful dance by the trainees.

The centrepiece of the evening was the "DBITI at 75" presentation by Principal Amarr Prabhu. Moving beyond a standard report, Mr. Prabhu outlined an ambitious "Road Map" for the next 15 years, focusing on sustainable skill development.

Marking the formal closure of the Diamond Jubilee Year, the institution presented special mementos to the Provincial Council and the local Salesian community. Fr Ashley Miranda, while addressing the gathering, praised the institution's resilience: for six decades, DBITI has been a sanctuary for the young, turning raw talent into professional mastery.

A Marathi musical act based on the Biblical story of the Prodigal Son, conceptualized and directed by Fr Charles Anthony, moved the audience with its message of reconciliation.  This was followed by a vibrant Folk Dance celebrating Vasant Ritu (the Harvest Festival), and a soul-stirring medley of carols trained by Fr Kiran. The technical prowess of the students was also on display through a "Skill Act"

The event concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks by Mr Kenneth Saldanha.  As the Grand Finale and the Maharashtra State Song brought the curtains down, the impact of the event was clear: DBITI Kurla remains a beacon of hope in the mission of empowering the marginalized through quality vocational education. With a clear roadmap in hand, the institution now marches confidently toward its 75th year, committed to shaping the industrial landscape of India.