As part of the project of Computer Literacy and Skilling sponsored by Knorr-Bremse Global Care, a batch of 17 technical students (9 boys and 8 girls) at Rasquinha Don Bosco Technical Training Centre began the computer course in January 2026. 

The students were taught basic computer skills (Paint, Word, Excel and Powerpoint) by the computer instructor, Mr Lakish Ramchiary. They were also taught how to use online apps (Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms). They attended sessions on Awareness of Cyber Threats and Value Education.

Exams were conducted for the students in each of the different software packages. Certification was held for the students of the technical course on 12th June, 2026.

As part of the project of Computer Literacy and Skilling sponsored by Knorr-Bremse Global Care, a basic computer literacy course for students residing in the neighbourhood of Rasquinha Don Bosco Technical Training Centre was begun from August 2025 . The number of students who successfully completed the course was 16 (9 boys and 7 girls).

 The students were taught basic computer skills (Paint, Word, Excel and Powerpoint) by the computer instructor, Mr Lakish Ramchiary. They were also taught how to use online apps (Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms). Sessions were conducted by Fr Cleo Braganza on Awareness of Cyber Threats and Value Education.

Exams were conducted for the students in each of the different software packages. Certificates were awarded to the students of the evening course on 8th December, 2025 in the presence of dignitaries from Knorr-Bremse Global Care.

 A newly refurbished Computer Lab funded by Knorr-Bremse Global Care (KBGC) was inaugurated at Rasquinha Don Bosco Technical Training Centre, Chakan on Saturday, 28 June, 2025. This lab will be employed to run a Computer Literacy and Skilling programme for the students of our technical institute, as well as other school students from the neighbourhood. Students will learn basic computer skills, the use of basic office software, online office apps, cyber safety, and value education.

The Knorr-Bremse delegation was represented by KBGC Asia Pacific Executive Director  Martyn Perkins, Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing Arun Bisht, Deputy Manager – Sales and Marketing Ajinkya Bangar and a few others. The visiting dignitaries were solemnly welcomed in traditional Indian style. A brief history of the institute was presented, which recalled the close ties of Knorr-Bremse with Rasquinha Don Bosco since its inception. Mr Perkins, in his address to the students, shared his vision for the institute and congratulated the management, staff and students who would be the direct beneficiaries of this initiative. The visitors engaged in informal interactions with the students and were impressed by a few student testimonies.

The institute hopes to recruit more students, especially from marginalised rural communities, to train them in technical skills and prepare them for a job in industries. One of the students, Atif said, “I want to do well and secure a good job. I know this institute will make my dream a reality.”

For the first time, some of the students from Don Bosco ITI, Chinchwad, Pune, participated in the Skill competition held at the Pune district level, on 5th January, 2019 at Aundh ITI and at PCMC Morwadi ITI where they had to showcase their skills and talents of their respective trades. It was organized by the Association of Non – Government ITI Skill competition.

It’s a matter of pride for the institute that Shilpa Ohol of Draughtsman trade (2016-18 batch) bagged the coveted first rank and Stanford Pinto of current Mechanical Motor Vehicle (2nd year) won the second position.

The following students from the institute, Vivek Shinde (Electrician trade), Keskar Balu (Welder) and Prakash Madyate (Fitter) also participated in the competition.

Rev. Fr. Lester Fernandes, the director, appreciated the initiative and effort taken by Mr. Mayur Deshmukh, the Principal of the ITI section, and the staff and congratulated the winners. Brother Damodar, the principal of the NSDC section gave away the certificates.

The Don Bosco Development Society (DBDS), Chinchwad celebrated International Women’s Day on 15-March at Don Bosco premises in Chinchwad. About 250 women participated in this programme held under the aegis of ‘AXA health risk reduction project’ supported by AXA business services. 

The programme was graced by: Advocate Vaishali Kalbhor (Ward Counsellor), Dr Menakshi Suryavanshi (Principal-Geetamata School), Ms Manisha Habane (SP-Traffic Police), Ms Vaishali Maharkar (Associate Manager-Accenture), Ms Sayantani Deb (Team Lead –Accenture) and Br Damodar Wankhede (Principal-Don Bosco Institute). 

The guests inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp. This was followed by a silent play by the students of Don Bosco ITI on ‘Beti Bachao and Beti Padao’. Br Damodar shared his views on the need for women to take up technical and industrial training for their empowerment. This was followed with the felicitation of the successful women entrepreneurs who started their business after getting trained under this project. The women entrepreneurs also shared their experiences and success stories with the audience. 

This was followed by the keynote address by the guests. Advocate Vaishali spoke on the topic of ‘modern women’ and touched upon how the women are getting into new ventures and creating their place in this society. Dr Menakshi spoke on the topic of education and changing value system. She highlighted the role of parents especially mother in gender equality and safety of girls in society. The students of ‘tailoring’ classes enthralled the audience with their catwalk. The programme ended with the vote of thanks by the staff and snacks were served to all.