By Kenneth Saldanha for BIS Mumbai

On February 11, 2026, at 12:50 p.m., the Mahindra & Mahindra – Don Bosco Dexterity Training Centre was formally inaugurated at  Don Bosco Industrial Training Institute, Kurla. This specialized facility was established to bridge the critical gap between traditional educational training and the high-precision requirements of the modern manufacturing sector. The ceremony was graced by a host of distinguished guests from Mahindra & Mahindra, including Mr. Girish Nair (Unit Head – Axle, Engine & Transmission PU), Mr. Abhay Likhite (Head – Employee Relations), Mr. Nirmal Parmar (Senior Manager – CSR), Mr. Pradeep Dabholkar (Senior Manager – PIPM), and Mr. Sunil Rane (Senior Manager – Administration). Representing the Don Bosco leadership were Fr. Anthony Pinto (Rector/Director, DBCL) and Mr. Amarr Prabhu (Principal, DBITI). The event stood out for its focus on "Dexterity"—the art of performing repetitive tasks with absolute precision and consistency.

The inauguration was the culmination of a deep collaborative effort. A month prior to the launch, an intensive five-day “Training for Trainers” (ToT) program was conducted at the Mahindra & Mahindra Kandivali plant. Three DBITI faculty members—Mr. Swapnil Mahadik, Mr. Edmond Becker, and Mr. Osmond Rodrigues participated in this Level 4 (L4) training to master the Dexterity Training model and implement it effectively for our students. The formal ceremony began with the unveiling of the inauguration plaque and a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a live demonstration of the dexterity training equipment led by Mr. Swapnil Mahadik. This demonstration provided attendees with a practical look at how trainees will develop the fine motor skills and disciplined execution required on a real factory shop floor.

The program featured powerful insights into why this initiative is a "newsworthy" milestone for technical education. Mr. Pradeep Dabholkar explained that true dexterity involves a "right blend of attitude, skills, and knowledge," emphasizing time management and zero defects. Mr. Nirmal Parmar highlighted the synergy between Mahindra’s CSR commitment and Don Bosco’s reputation, stating, "When youth grow, the nation grows".

Describing the center’s objective, Mr. Abhay Likhite called dexterity the "bridge connecting youth with the manufacturing sector". Mr. Girish Nair expanded on this long-term vision, noting that with Mahindra’s production capacity in units like Nagpur expanding to over five lakh vehicles per year, skilled technicians are in higher demand than ever. He assured students that this training would make them truly "future-ready".

The inauguration of the Dexterity Training Centre is a landmark for the DBCL mission, reinforcing the institution’s role in providing holistic, industry-ready education. Fr. Anthony Pinto expressed gratitude for Mahindra's visionary partnership, noting that the center directly addresses the evolving demands of the global industrial landscape. Principal Mr. Amarr Prabhu, in his vote of thanks, highlighted that this unique program would not only benefit DBITI but also serve as a model for transferring valuable industry experience to other government ITIs.

By mastering these specialized skills, our trainees are positioned to build strong professional careers with the hallmark of Don Bosco reliability. This collaboration with a 75-year-old giant like Mahindra & Mahindra ensures that DBITI remains at the forefront of vocational excellence, with future plans already hinting at the introduction of even more specialized trades. The event concluded on a patriotic note with the rendition of the Maharashtra State Anthem, marking the start of a new chapter in industry-institution collaboration.