Dear Bosconians of Don Bosco Technical School, Maligaon,
I take this heartfelt opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to each one of you—staff, students, parents, supporters, and dedicated workers—for the unwavering support and boundless love you have showered upon me during my decade-long association with this esteemed institution. What started as a temporary commitment in 2015 quickly blossomed into a profound spiritual home, where I grew not just as a leader but as a fellow traveller alongside you all. Don Bosco Technical School has transcended the boundaries of a mere workplace; it has been a sacred sanctuary of selfless service, where we have collectively shaped the lives of hundreds of young people through rigorous vocational training, practical skill-building, and holistic formation rooted in the Salesian spirit of Don Bosco. Your kindness, collaboration, and shared passion transformed ordinary days into extraordinary milestones, constantly reminding me of Don Bosco’s enduring vision and fiery passion for the young at risk.
Over these transformative years, we journeyed together through a tapestry of challenges and triumphs that tested our resolve and celebrated our victories. From modestly expanding our workshops to pioneering cutting-edge programs in welding, electronics, automobile mechanics, hospitality, Artificial Intelligence, and essential computer skills, we empowered underprivileged youth from the nooks and corners of Assam and beyond to dream big and stand tall with confidence. I must candidly regret the setbacks we faced with our CNC operators training program, which has not yet taken off as envisioned—but I hold firm hope that under new leadership, we will revive and excel in it, turning potential into reality.
I recall with immense joy the grand inaugurations and convocations of these programs, the vibrant cultural events like our annual feasts and talent shows, and the co-curricular activities where students unveiled innovations crafted from tireless hands and creative minds. Yet, the most cherished moments remain the quiet, personal victories of our alumni: stories like Raju, who transitioned from a flood-affected village to a stable welding job in Guwahati; or Priya, whose hospitality skills landed her a role in a top hotel chain, enabling her to support her family; and countless others who rebuilt shattered families, spread their wings to distant cities, and chased dreams we helped ignite. These narratives of grit-to-grace transformation form the true, pulsating heartbeat of our institute, proving that skills, when paired with faith, unlock destinies.
A million thanks to you, dear staff, for your unwavering dedication and selfless support in sculpting the dreams of our young, even amid your own personal difficulties, financial strains, and daily struggles. Your commitment to keeping our Salesian mission alive—fostering a warm, family-like environment—has been my greatest source of inspiration. In the footsteps of Don Bosco, we alchemized raw skills into beacons of hope, vulnerabilities into unyielding strengths, and despair into purposeful lives. At our core, our mission delivers holistic training that seamlessly blends industry-focused technical expertise, computer applications, and vital life skills to boost employability, productivity, and workplace confidence. Our “Skills Unlimited” philosophy embodies our relentless drive to shatter boundaries in skill development, propelled by a team of expert trainers who collaborate hand-in-hand with local industries. The proof lies in our alumni: many now thrive in successful careers with competitive salaries, from AI technicians in tech start-ups to auto mechanics in service centres, underscoring the real-world impact of our programs.
I feel immense happiness reminding ourselves that Don Bosco Technical School is far more than a vocational training center—it’s a versatile skills development hub, committed to inclusive access for diverse groups of young job seekers from marginalized communities. Our specialized curricula and hands-on training are meticulously aligned with evolving employment opportunities, equipping students to excel across sectors in India’s rapidly changing economy. Whether mastering AI tools for tomorrow’s digital jobs, perfecting electronics for smart manufacturing, or honing hospitality skills for service excellence, we’ve instilled in them not just competence but compassion, employability, and enduring life skills that echo Don Bosco’s holistic approach.
Looking back, I cherish our shared prayers during sacred feasts like Don Bosco’s feast day and Workers’ Day, the infectious laughter echoing across our sunlit campus, and the remarkable resilience we displayed amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Assam’s devastating floods, economic hardships, and political uncertainties. Thank you for your understanding and steadfast support through my moments of tension, worry, and even my regrettable short tempers—your patience, prayers, and gentle reminders steadied me like a rock. You taught me that true leadership blossoms in humble service, resounding with St. John Bosco’s clarion call: “Work for the young with all your strength.” These trials forged unbreakable bonds, deepened my faith, and reaffirmed our shared calling to the poor.
To our unsung workers, the indomitable backbone of this institute: Your expertise and unmatched craftsmanship have elevated us to the most appreciated vocational hub in the region. Your skilled hands didn’t just build machines or fabricate essential items for our locality and institution with precision—they constructed entire futures, brick by enduring brick. Your quiet heroism fuels every success story; thank you profoundly from the depths of my heart.
As I prepare to depart for new horizons, know that my heart remains eternally here, woven into the fabric of this beloved school. To the incoming leadership: Carry this flame forward with bold courage, innovative spirit, and unwavering fidelity to Don Bosco’s charism—adapt boldly, expand inclusively, and always prioritize the poorest of the poor. To our students: Forge your paths with integrity, unwavering faith, and the skills we’ve nurtured; let Don Bosco be your eternal friend and guide. To parents and supporters: Your trust, sacrifices, and generosity fueled our triumphs—stand resolutely with us still. To all: Thank you for crafting this decade into an unforgettable tapestry of grace, growth, and glory.
May God bless Don Bosco Technical School, Maligaon, abundantly with His peace and prosperity.
With deepest gratitude and blessings,
Br. (Dr.) Joby Mani SDB
Outgoing Director & Manager
Don Bosco Technical School, Maligaon, Guwahati
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