PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, June 23: In a tribute to education, empowerment, and community service, XLRI Jamshedpur held the certification ceremony for the 4th batch of trainees from the Fr. McGrath Skill Development Centre.
The event marked the successful completion of a six-month training programme aimed at equipping young individuals from underserved backgrounds with essential livelihood skills.
A total of 35 trainees received certificates after completing courses in Computer Skills and Data Entry (27 students), Garment and Fashion Designing (3 students), and Plumbing & Electrical Wiring (5 students).
These participants, many of whom began their journey with uncertainty and limited exposure, now move forward with enhanced capabilities, confidence, and in some cases, confirmed employment.
Also Read- Airtel strengthens cybersecurity in Jharkhand: CEO meets State DGP
Fr. Donald D’Silva, S.J., convenor of the Skill Development Centre, welcomed attendees and recalled the centre’s roots in XLRI’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
He highlighted the renaming of the centre in honour of Fr. McGrath, a revered educator and Jesuit missionary known for his dedication to the labour class.
“This initiative is more than skill-building; it’s about carrying forward the legacy of a man who believed in transformation through dignity of labour,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address, Fr. S. George, S.J., Director of XLRI, congratulated the graduating batch while urging them to see the certification as the start of a longer journey. “Lack of exposure and mentorship often limits the potential of the underprivileged. But with the right push, anyone can rise. This is your moment,” he said, encouraging students to dream big.
Fr. Pravin Jose, S.J., Director of Xavier Community College, traced the journey of the batch, which began in January 2025. He noted that some graduates have already secured job offers, including employment at India Post, while others are exploring entrepreneurial ventures.
Also Read- Jharkhand University of Technology students await 2nd semester results after 10-month delay
The most remarkable moment of the event came from the students themselves. Trainees, including Bindu Lata Bastaray, Rintu Mahanayak, Papuna Pradhan, Romalin Baliar Singh, and Dibani Nayak shared their journeys, expressing gratitude for the opportunities provided by XLRI.
A cultural performance showcased their talent and confidence, underlining the holistic transformation enabled by the programme.
In closing, Abraham Nayak delivered a vote of thanks on behalf of the graduating batch, acknowledging the dedication of faculty, trainers, and the Jesuit community in shaping their futures.
