BIS Mumbai
BOSCO INFORMATION SERVICE #3156
DBCL, KURLA CONTRIBUTES TO NATION BUILDING
Fr. Mario
KURLA-MUMBAI, OCTOBER 05, 2012 : The birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi was an auspicious day for the blessing and 
laying of the foundation stone for a new building at Don Bosco Centre for Learning, Kurla. This is an initiative of the Bombay Salesian Society, India in association with the Peter Bachmann Foundation, Switzerland to develop an area of 66500 sq. ft. that will be used for training and development of young people thus contributing towards community and nation building.
In his welcome speech, the Rector of DBCL, Rev. Fr. Adolph Furtado welcomed the Provincial Rev. Fr. Michael Fernandes and the Vice Provincial Rev. Fr. Ajoy Fernandes. He thanked them for their cooperation in facilitating this project. He welcomed the heads of institutions, the faculty and students as well as the architect and the contractors. He thanked the Peter Bachmann Foundation, Switzerland for associating with the Salesians at DBCL, Kurla as they respond to not only educate for employability but also to inspire to make a difference in the world of work and life.
In the spirit of the day, Gandhi Jayanthi, the theme of the Prayer Service was “Let there be Peace and Let it begin with Me.” The Blessings of Almighty God were invoked upon this venture, the safety of those involved in the construction as well as a successful completion of the project was prayed for. The foundation stone was then blessed by the Provincial and the commemorative plaque unveiled.
In his speech Rev. Fr. Michael lauded the efforts of the Salesian community, Kurla for their vision, hard work and the will to draw the collaboration of several significant individuals and agencies to accomplish much for the benefit of the young. He expressed his gratitude to the Peter Bachmann foundation, Switzerland for their solidarity with this venture and assured the community of his whole hearted support.
The Salesians of Mumbai began their first Technical Training Institute on the outskirts of the city, in the industrial hub of Kurla. 
Like any industrial township it drew a large number of semi skilled and unskilled laborers, mostly young men from the rest of India searching for any kind of work to eke out a living. The St. Joseph’s Technical Training Institute was a boon for many a wandering youngster looking for a job.
Over the years new Technologies have dominated the industry that call for new kinds of skills and new ways of interacting. The Salesians ever attentive to the changing times and needs have responded in offering new types of training that enable the young to take their place in modern industry.
Every academic institution on the DBCL campus has social objectives that faculty and students strive to realize. An awareness of the plight of the underprivileged and the willingness in the words of Gandhi “to be the change they want to see” among the disadvantaged spurs them to look for solutions and contribute in every possible way to realizing a more humane country and stronger India.
Mahatma Gandhi said “A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history.” The DBCL family along with the Peter Bachmann Foundation has embarked on one such journey.
BOSCO BIS INFORMATION SERVICE (BIS) MUMBAI
Don Bosco Provincial House,
Matunga, Mumbai - 400 019. INDIA
Email: bis@donboscomumbai.org
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