On April 17, 2024, Don Bosco Chinchwad marked a significant achievement with the inauguration of its new Electric Vehicle (EV) Training Lab, a collaborative effort with Schaeffler India. This initiative, in partnership with Don Bosco Kurla, aims to equip young individuals with the technical skills necessary for the burgeoning EV sector.

The occasion was graced by the presence of Mr. Andreas Schick, the COO of Schaeffler AG, along with Fr. George Miranda, The Executive Director of Social Development in the Mumbai Province. Also present for the occasion was Mr. Sanee Awsarmmel, the Chairman of Asian Countries Chamber of Hospitality Industry, Mr. Mark Pirie, the Vice President of Purchasing & Supplier Mangement department of Schaeffler AG, and Mr. Shantanu Ghoshal, the Chief HR of Schaeffler India, along with various dignitaries from Schaeffler and Don Bosco. A delegation from Don Bosco Kurla, the hub of EV Mobility Training in the Mumbai Province was also present for the event.

Fr. Anton D’Souza, the Rector and Director of Don Bosco Chinchwad, along with Mr. Yogesh Kapse, the CSR Head of Schaeffler India, provided an overview of the joint ventures between the two institutions. Fr. D’Souza shared some information on the work of education in the technical field all over Salesian India. He also pointed out the technical courses undertaken by Don Bosco Chinchwad and the number of youth that are catered to. He thanked Schaeffler for collaborating with Don Bosco in training youngsters in technical skills. Mr. Kapse shared glimpses of the CSR work done by Schaeffler in collaboration with Don Bosco. Through the collaborative effort, the two institutes are able to fulfill two of the Sustainable Development Goals by the United Nations: providing quality education to the underprivileged and promoting economic growth through decent work opportunities

After a brief tour of the exisiting Autotronics lab, the dignitaries cut the ribbon to inaugurate the new EV Training Lab. A few students also shared their experience of receiving training at Don Bosco and how they were guided in choosing the right course according to their aptitude.

In his addresss, Mr. Schick thanked Don Bosco for the collaborative venture taken in skilling youngsters through technical education. He was appreciative of the hardwork and dedication put in by members of both Schaeffler and Don Bosco in helping youngsters improve their family economic status.

Fr. Miranda extended his congratulations to the community and staff of the institute on reaching this remarkable milestone, particularly during the bicentenary of Don Bosco’s vision. He drew parallels between this achievement and Don Bosco’s dream, lauding the efforts of the Don Bosco Chinchwad community in assisting the youth to realize their inspirations. He encouraged everyone to pursue their dreams while supporting the youth in discovering and achieving their own.

The delegation expressed admiration for Don Bosco’s initiatives to collaborate with Schaeffler, expressing deep appreciation for the successful partnership. Mr. Paotinlen Kipgen, a student at Don Bosco, voiced his gratitude to both institutions for aiding him in realizing his dreams and for providing similar opportunities to many other young individuals.