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Don Bosco Tech Marks 20 Years of Youth Skilling at SkillVention 2026
News reported by: Eugene Florence
National convention in Bengaluru brings together industry, CSR partners and Salesians to chart an AI-ready roadmap toward Vision 2031.
Marking two decades of youth empowerment through skills training, the Don Bosco Tech Society hosted SkillVention 2026, a two-day national convention held in Bengaluru from February 19–20. The landmark gathering brought together Salesians, industry leaders, CSR partners, policymakers, and alums to reflect on 20 years of impact and to chart a strategic path toward Vision 2031.
More than an anniversary celebration, SkillVention 2026 emerged as a moment of Salesian renewal—reaffirming the organisation’s skilling mission in the context of rapidly evolving industry expectations, artificial intelligence, and national priorities such as Viksit Bharat. The overarching theme, “AI-Powered Future Skills,” framed discussions on how advanced technologies can be integrated into skilling ecosystems without compromising human dignity.
In his inaugural address, Fr. Davis Maniparamben underscored that youth empowerment remains a moral responsibility rooted in the Salesian charism. Rev. Fr. George Mathew echoed this view, highlighting the need for robust operational systems such as the BOON Face MIS, while cautioning that institutional scale must never dilute Salesian identity. These sentiments resonated during the “Panel of Pioneers,” where founding member Rev. Fr. Furtado Adolph asserted that the dignity of the young person is non-negotiable.
The panel featured senior professionals, including Mr Devi Prasad Mahapatra (International Rice Research Institute), Ms Manisha Bhattacharya from the long-standing CSR partner Accenture, and Mr Sriraj, GM Operations at Leela Palace. Moderated by Ms Anita Sharma, one of DB Tech’s founding members, the discussion also included representatives from ITC and Schneider Electric.
The first day also celebrated DB Tech’s journey with the launch of a commemorative volume, “Grassroots to Global – 20 Years of Skilling with a Heart,” and a film chronicling its evolution from modest beginnings to nationwide impact. Cultural performances from 20 states marked the anniversary, followed by awards recognising outstanding staff contributions.
Day two shifted focus to “The Ecosystem & Future of Skilling,” featuring expert panels on policy, industry integration, and CSR collaboration. NASSCOM, Bosch, and international representatives discussed National skilling priorities and AI-driven digitalisation. Industry dialogues examined emerging skill demands across defence, hospitality, aviation, and talent acquisition. At the same time, CSR leaders from IBM, Wadhwani Foundation, and Cognizant stressed continuous learning in an era of short skill lifecycles—captured in the refrain, “Learn. Unlearn. Relearn.”
Participants also critically assessed vocational pathways beyond the gig economy, with discussions on Work-Integrated Learning and sustainable employment models.
A highlight of the convention was the signing of multiple MoUs with training and placement partners, including NASSCOM, Aerophile Academy, Leela Palace, and 24*7.ai. A parallel innovation expo and job fair added practical momentum to the dialogue.
As SkillVention 2026 concluded, DB Tech reaffirmed that its enduring strength lies in its Salesian heart. Moving toward Vision 2031, the organisation reiterated its commitment to train and place one million youth over the next five years—ensuring that every skill imparted becomes not just a pathway to employment, but a foundation for dignity, identity, and hope.
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