By Kenneth Saldanha for BIS Mumbai

Demonstrating its prowess as a premier hub for vocational excellence, Don Bosco Centre for Learning (DBCL), Kurla, served as the host venue for the prestigious India Skills 2025 | Maharashtra State Finals on February 3–4, 2026. This event was organized by the Maharashtra State Skill Development Society (MSSDS) and the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in strategic partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Skill India. The competition sought to identify and elevate the finest young technical talents across the state through rigorous, industry-standard assessments. The inaugural ceremony on February 3 was graced by Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Hon'ble Minister for Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation, who served as the Chief Guest. Other distinguished attendees included Mr Amit Saini, IAS (CEO, MSSDS), Mr Bobby Kuriakose (Convener, CII Maharashtra), and Mr Satish Suryawanshi (Joint Director, DVET). Notably, Mr Amarr Prabhu, Principal of Don Bosco Industrial Training Institute, steered the inaugural session by delivering both the opening and closing remarks.

The competition provided a vital platform for participants to demonstrate their skills in a high-pressure environment, mirroring the technical demands of the global industrial landscape. The event serves as the gateway for Maharashtra’s youth to progress toward regional and national championships, eventually eyeing the WorldSkills international stage. The two-day event culminated in a grand Valedictory Ceremony on February 4, 2026, which welcomed a new panel of luminaries, including Mr Vinay Katiyar (Collector, Mumbai Suburban), Vaishali Srivastava (Regional Director, CII Western Region), Mr K. Nandakumar (Chairman & Managing Director, Chemtrols Industries Pvt Ltd), and Mr CS Murthy (Regional Director, RDSDE). Fr Anthony Pinto (Rector/Director, DBCL), Mr Amarr Prabhu, Principal, DBITI were present to honour the participants. During the proceedings, speakers emphasized that the precision showcased at DBCL is a precursor to India’s future industrial growth. Winners and runners-up from each trade were felicitated with medals and certificates, marking their official qualification to represent the state at the upcoming regional-level competitions.

Hosting the State Finals reinforces DBITI's standing as a critical partner in the government’s mission to make India the skill capital of the world. For the students and faculty of the department, the event was more than a competition; it was an immersion into world-class standards, aligning perfectly with the DBITI’s mission of providing quality skill training that leads to sustainable livelihoods. By successfully executing an event of this magnitude, the institution has demonstrated its capacity to handle large-scale state and national initiatives, paving the way for future collaborations with global industrial partners. As the victorious candidates prepare for the regional rounds, DBITI Kurla remains committed to nurturing the talent and character required to lead the next industrial revolution.