The Circle of Happiness (2013)

The circle of HAPPINESS

THANKS

The circle of HAPPINESS A compendium of stories of change

About Don Bosco Tech Society DB Tech was set up in 2006 with an objective to provide quality vocational training to the disadvantaged youth. DB Tech provides employment-linked, market-driven vocational courses of short and long duration to the economically and socially marginalized youth. A network of 176 skill training centres, DB Tech is arguably the largest spread across 25 states of India.

DB Tech attempts to bridge the widening divide between those who have access to opportunities and those who are increasingly being marginalized from the 'new economy' jobs. DB Tech addresses this endemic problem with a market-based approach that is sensitive to the socio-economic needs of youth in the 18-35 years age group. Short duration skill development is thus an imminent imperative.

This initiative also addresses the needs of huge youth population by providing skills in order to make them employable and help them secure 'decent work'.

DB Tech is an example of synchronous social action of various stakeholders, which is aimed at mainstreaming and ensuring economic security for youth who could be victimized by poverty. To enable them to gain a foothold in the competitive job market, DB Tech helps them acquire the required livelihood and soft skills in an environment of learning and mentoring that is responsive to the individual's emotional and developmental needs.

DB Tech offers a wide range of technical training courses like, Automobile, Civil Engineering, Computer Application, Computer Hardware, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Electrical, Electronics & Telecommunication, Welding & Fabrication, etc. Besides the formal technical training, the DB Tech also has non-formal training in various demand driven courses in service and manufacturing sectors.

A Foreword Bosco Academy for Skills and Employment (BASE) of Don Bosco Tech Society has successfully implemented across India in cooperation with various funding partners and other network partners since 2006. The hallmark of the program is to handhold and uplift youth from vulnerable and underprivileged backgrounds, such as youth who are victims or vulnerable to trafficking, or hailing from families with unemployed parents, families living below poverty line, families where a woman is the only bread winner, rural and tribal youth, school dropouts, drug addicts, orphans and the differently abled, from various states of India.

With proven success behind us, the need was felt to publish the same to remind us of continued responsibility to work further for many more such youngsters, in difficult circumstances.

Our special thanks to funding partners, Ministry of Rural Development (Govt. of India), VIA Don Bosco, Accenture, Axis Bank, Foundation, Tata Housing, Landmark Group, BOSCH India Foundation, Quest Alliance, Odisha Livelihood Mission, Godrej and Schneider for their generous financial assistance. Thanks to other stakeholders for their cooperation in this

program and DB Tech field staff for their tireless service and commitment to make this program a great success. Special thanks are also offered to the employers, alumni and families who shared their stories and experiences of the intervention of DB Tech through its skill training.

The factors behind the success are hard work and dedication of ground level colleagues who identified deserving and promising youngsters for the program who have a dream in their eyes and eagerness to achieve the dream. They also recognized suitable training courses for them and helped in the stages of transformation. Placement team had worked closely with the various industries to ensure that at least 75 per cent of youth will get a gainful employment. This value added chain of services helped the most deserving candidates to successfully complete the course and also land in suitable jobs.

This compendium showcases the process of transformation of vulnerable and helpless individuals who could rise above their difficult situations, with thoughtful and timely intervention of DB Tech backed by several partner agencies. The following pages provide brief insights into the lives of some youth, who have scripted their own unique success stories with assistance from DB Tech.

Happy reading!

The Circle of Happiness - A compendium contains over sixty five success stories from a range of skill development programs being implemented by DB Tech across India. Each two-page case study includes a brief introduction about the youth who is being benefitted from vocational training program and his/her pre and post journey in DB Tech.

This compendium is intended for individuals, implementing agencies, policy makers and academics who are interested in youth transformation.

Published by Fr. A. M. Joseph SDB (On behalf of DB Tech Society) Edited by Mr. Devi Prasad Mahapatra

Content developed by Ms. Hiteshi Pal

Illustrations, layout and designed by Mr. John Daniel

Photo credits DB Tech Communications

Printed in India at Bosco Society for Printing & Graphic Training Ph: +91 11 26910729, Email: boscopress@gmail.com All rights reserved. Publications of the Don Bosco Tech Society can be obtained from Don Bosco Tech Society Nangloi Road, Najafgarh, New Delhi – 110043, India (ph : +91 11 280 11431; fax : +91 11 280 11432; E-mail : info@dbtech.in). Requests for permission to reproduce or translate DB Tech publications – whether for sale or for noncommercial distribution – should be addressed to DB Tech Society, at the above address.

Message from Executive Director Dear Friends, This book is a collection of 65 case studies of youth, who were part of DB Tech’s skill training program and wanted to share their success with others. They have stood the test of times and are happily pursuing their jobs at various locations across India.

Youth hailing from remote locations, with varying educational qualifications and social backgrounds responded to the call to equip themselves with employable skills. Now they are happy for what has happened. Many never thought a short term training of three months could bring such drastic changes in their lives. Now they are proud to share their experiences and exposure they received under DB Tech’s skill training program.

We congratulate these winners, who have taken bold steps in shaping their lives. Our wish is that many more youth will get inspired to build a career.

Sir Winston Churchill said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

My good wishes to those who embarked on this journey and for those who are going to venture into this realm in the near future.

Fr. A. M. Joseph Executive Director Don Bosco Tech Society

Contents 1

Aaliya

3

Amina Amit Anandaraj

5

12

2 14

4

Anjelus Anoop

16

6

Banrisha Barket 8 9 Chennamma Dilip 10

18

Divya

22

7

11

20

Farooq

23

13 Femasdi Florence Havingwell 15

Heemu Hiramon Idalia Ishfaq Jimworld Jobin Kingkor

Kishor Kitborlang

24

25 Koyel & Chaitali

Lakshmi

31

Leena Mhachani Miri Nafisultana Nagaraju

33

Nalini Neikhoting

27 17 29 19

21

26

28

30

32

Contents Niren

45 Sajad Ahmad

Nithin 35 36 Ramakrishna Ramendra 37

Sajad Misgar 47 Shabaaz Shaista

34

38

Rathan Rejitha

40

42

Romesh Roshidas Rudesh Rumi

44 Saddamhusein

49 39 51 41 53 43 55

Shantina Shruthi Sindhu Sonam Sumitra Tanveer Tanzin

56 46

48

Thamim

Thayamma 58 Thayappa Vimala

57

59

60 50

52

54

Vinoli Wankmen Yolindaris & 62 Pasqualina

61

1

Name: Aaliya Altaf Centre Name: DB Tech (Srinagar, J&K) Domain: Hospitality Employer: Mobineers Designation: Team Leader Salary: Rs 4500 per month

Aaliya Altaf

“At that time education was a luxury so I could not afford. Being the eldest daughter, I always tried to supplement my father's income,” says Ms Aaliya, a BASE alumnus from Srinagar centre.

She hails from an extremely poor family of seven from Rainawari (Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir).

Right from early childhood, she had to fight a relentless battle with poverty and epilepsy.

Forced to drop out during graduation, she searched for a decent means of making a living, but met with repeated failure.

One day, as Aaliya's friend was browsing through a newspaper, her eyes fell on an interesting article on some vocational training course being offered at a BASE centre in Srinagar. It was mentioned that the centre had been set up by DB Tech in association with Ministry of Rural Development (Govt. of India).

The centre offers three months livelihood training courses in various domains to underprivileged youth and helps them get entry-level positions in the job market. “She insisted me to be benefitted from the program, which was being intended to uplift the less privileged youth like us,” shared Aaliya. Curious

to know more, Aaliya along with her friend rushed to the centre and asked the trainer of the DB Tech about the program and if she was eligible to enrol in the course, and whether there was any fee to be paid for it.

She was pleasantly surprised when the trainer told her that the course was not only free of cost, but also the trainers will assist her in finding a suitable job at the end of it.

She along with her friend enrolled in the BASE and was selected to undergo a course in Hospitality. What she learnt in these three months at BASE went far beyond the technical skills that required to work in Hospitality sector. She also learnt several useful life skills that taught her to stand firm in times of adversity, work steadily out of it with a positive outlook and a perseverant approach. She was given a fair amount of training in computer basics too, which she finds helpful at her workplace.

It opened up a new world for her, and she is now employed in Mobineers with a monthly salary of Rs 4500 pm. She says, “The BASE not only taught me several things about Hospitality, but also helped me to restore my self-confidence, which is one of the important attributes an employer looks for in an employee.”

2

Name: Amina C. H. Centre Name: DB Tech (Sulthan Bathery, Kerela) Domain: ITES Employer: Pinnacle Solutions Designation: Trainee Salary: Rs. 4000 per month

N

Amina C. H.

estled away in the hills of Beenachi Tea Estate is the family of 22-year-old Amina, who joined the BASE program on July 5, 2010. Coming from an economically poor background, it was difficult for Amina's family to make the ends meet. Her parents somehow managed to get her married to Kamarudheen C H, who is a contract labourer. But even after marriage, she has to struggle for every basic need. One day, she came to know about the BASE program launched by DB Tech in corporation with Ministry of Rural Development (Govt. of India). The skill training is provided to the youth, who are either school dropout or could not study for financial constraints. After hearing about the project, she could not believe that the project was not only completely free but also provides 100% job guarantee to the students. Keen on confirming the news, she boarded the bus to Don Bosco (Sulthan Bathery). On reaching there, she was happy to meet other students like her.

At the Don Bosco Technical Institute, she was briefed about the project and was told to bring her husband for further counseling.

After being counseled, she was determined to enroll in the course. Having an aptitude for computers, she joined the ITES course. Though, Kamarudheen comes from an orthodox Muslim family, he was extremely cooperative of his wife's decision to join the course and support her.

Kamarudheen said, "With my inadequate earning, it is difficult to sustain the complete family. After this course, my wife could be a helping hand for me and for my family. I will be really happy in her success. I don't have any problem if she joins this programme.” On the day of enrollment, Amina thanked her husband for his presence that motivated her to join the course. She also said, “My father-in-law and mother-in-law have been are extremely helpful and supportive towards this decision.”

She successfully finished the course and bagged the job at Pinnacle Solutions. On achieving what she wanted to, she shared happily with tears in eyes, “Today, I am very happy that I am able to support my family financially. For this, I want to thank all my trainers at DB Tech, who kept on encouraging me.“ Her husband being delighted stated, “At first when she joined the program, I was apprehensive but now my apprehension has turned into triumph. I am proud of my wife.”

Even her Manager at Pinnacle Solutions, Mr. Rejit praised her by saying, “It has been over two months since Amina joined us. She is extremely hardworking, helpful and sincere. I am impressed with the kind of attitude she works and the way she understands her responsibilities. It has been a pleasure working with her.”

Anima with Bincy (Her colleague) at her workplace

3

Name: Amit Bhowmik Centre Name: DB Tech (Nitika, West Bengal) Domain: Hospitality (F&B Services) Employer: Little Italy Designation: Service Personnel Salary: Rs 5000 per month

Amit Bhowmik

A

mit Bhowmik is a student of the fourth batch of BASE program conducted at DB Tech (Nitika) under the domain of Hospitality (F&B Services). He is the only son of his family and is residing with his parents in the district of North 24 Parganas (West Bengal). 21-year old Amit completed his matriculation with lots of struggle.

His mother is suffering from cardiac problem; and a huge amount of money is required for her treatment. Initially he used to run a small shop at his village but unfortunately could not make profit out of the business. So it was becoming tough for him to run the family as the business was about to shatter.

With new dreams and aspirations, he decided to join the BASE program so that he can give his family a standard life style and can take care of his mother.

He lives in the far remote village named Shyampur in West Bengal. To come for the class, he needs to wake up at 5.30 am in the morning and start at

around 6.30 am to reach the centre at 9.00 am; and in the evening after the class, he used to reach at his place at around 9.30 pm due to the unavailability of trains. Because of extreme poverty, he could not even managed to buy a shirt and a pair of shoes during the tenure of his course. He used to find it difficult to go for industrial visit and interview organised by the center. Still he continued with the hope of getting a bright future. According to his trainers, he was a very regular and sincere student.

Soon after completing the course, he got an excellent job at the Hotel Little Italy located at Park Street in Kolkata at a salary of Rs 5000 per month with other facilities.

On visiting his workplace, the trainers were amazed by noticing the change in him. He was wearing a brand new uniform. The trainer says, "We wish him that the change in him for his betterment stays forever and God may give him a direction towards success.�

4

Name: Anandaraj Centre Name: DB Tech (Lalgudi, Tamil Nadu) Domain: Hospitality (Housekeeping) Employer: Madurai Sangam Hotels Designation: Housekeeping Assistant Salary: Rs 5500 per month

Anandaraj

A

nandaraj is a 19-year old boy, who comes from Manamadurai, a small village in Sivagangai district (Tamil Nadu). His parents are daily wage farmers, who work in agricultural farms. His father’s earning is less than Rs. 3000/- in a month; and it gets utilized for purchasing tools, seeds and pesticides for cultivating the land as a rule of sharecropping. He has to give half of his production to the owner of the land. Life became an endless toil for the family for obtaining even the most basic needs instead of necessities. He had studied up to matriculation in a nearby school, but had to put a halt to his studies due to financial scarcity. Finally, he had to opt for some sort of work that can bring in financial support for the family. He started working as a painter for whitewashing the buildings but his inner sense didn’t allowed him to go further with the same as he could get something better being a matriculate. Then, he started working as a helper in a Welding workshop but again he wanted a better place to work.

One day, while walking on the road he met Mr Anwar (Trainer, DB Tech, Lalgudi), who was engaged in a mobilization drive for skill development program on behalf of DB Tech. He told him about the free three months training program being offered at the DB Tech centre located at Lalgudi. Eager to know more about the

program, he made enquiries about the course and the benefits of the skill development. His happiness knew no bound when he got to know about the assured job assistance after the training. Next day, he reached the center with all documents required for enrolling in the course.

After the Interest Inventory test, he was advised by the trainers to join Housekeeping domain. During the training, he used to be one of the efficient and sincere students. Within a few weeks, he became confident enough to perform well in the Hospitality sector.

After three months, when the training got completed, trainers arranged the interview with Madurai Sangam Hotels, where he got selected for Housekeeping Assistant at a starting salary of Rs. 5500/- per month along with food & accommodation. His supervisor says, “He is doing well. He may not have a Hotel Management degree but he knows the skills required for Housekeeping .

He is a hard worker. I am sure that he will certainty prosper in this life.”

On asking how things materialized today, he said, “For whatever I have today, I am grateful to DB Tech and Accenture, they have given me this wonderful opportunity to get trained. “ Regarding Anandraj’s success, his father shared, “I feel proud to see my son working with a well-known hotel, the recognition for this goes to DB Tech family.”

5

Name: Anita Bara Centre Name: DB Tech (Hatia, Jharkhand) Domain: Beautician Employer: Planet Salon (Ambikapur) Designation: Beautician Salary: Rs 7000 per month + incentives

Anita Bara

A

nita Bara belongs to a very poor family located at Jagannathpur village in Jharkhand. Her father is a farmer and the only earning member in the family. Anita took great pain to study and complete her matriculation. She had great dreams about her career but poverty did not allow her to pursue. At the age of just 15 years, she confronted with a major shock of losing her father, who died in a road accident. This shock led her live in a depressing mode for a really long time.

But slowly she started understanding her responsibilities and began supporting her mother in looking after the family. Her mother works as a maid from one house to other. Anita started working in a cosmetic store at a monthly income of Rs 600 and was also continuing her studies.

One day, she came to know about DB Tech running Aajeevika project through a mobilization activity conducted by the DB Tech team in her village.

Aajeevika is an initiative launched by Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), Government of India.

This initiative gives young people from poor communities an opportunity to upgrade their skills and enter the skilled workforce in growing sectors of the economy. Knowing about it, she straightaway admitted herself for the Beautician domain in the seventh batch of BASE program.

During her tenure in the 3-month training program,

she was always regular and showed great efforts in learning domain specific knowledge. She said, “It is for the first time that I have understood the importance of life and what life is.” After the completion of training, she got selected for a job in Body Care located at Ranchi at a monthly remuneration of Rs. 4000/-. Just after two months, she received a hike of Rs. 500/- in her salary.. At present she has several job offers in hand; and she has preferred joining Planet Salon located in Ambikapur at Rs. 7000/- per month + incentives + accommodation.

Expressing delightfully at her success, she said, “Whatever I have learned and achieved during 3month training can't be expressed in simple words.

My life has got completely transformed. DB Tech has blessed me with a 'New Life', I am now grown up in all aspects i.e. education, personality and the perception towards life. DB Tech has offered me an opportunity for life.”

She even said that social inequalities need to be completely destroyed. For this, India requires a major revolution. She will raise the voice whenever and wherever required. Everyone should contribute towards the development of the country. While addressing the youngsters, she said," Don’t loose your hope, we will become the evidence of shining India.”

6

Name: Anjelus Minj Centre Name: DB Tech (Maligaon , Assam) Domain: Motor Mechanic Employer: Abhishek Motors Designation: Motor Mechanic Salary: Rs. 5500 per month

Anjelus Minj

2

3-year old Anjelus Minj hails from the backward village of Gohaibheti of Udalguri district in Assam. His father is a farmer, who struggled really hard to make both ends meet and provide a normal lifestyle to the family of six members. Seeing the pitiable condition of his father, Anjelus decided to take the responsibility of the family on his shoulder. Things turned out to be miserable when after few months his father died. In order to help the family better, he decided to join some technical course preferable of short duration. While looking for the same, he came to know about Don Bosco Technical School (Maligaon) from his guardian Fr. Joseph Congadi.

With the hope to fulfill his own dream and his aged mother’s aspirations, he took admission in the Motor Mechanic course. He showed keen interest in the training and was regular in class. Soon the time came when his training was completed, and Anjelus got employed. Through DBTS, (Maligaon) and the intervention of PRT placement cell, he got placement as a Mechanic at Abhishek Motors, which is a principal dealer of Tata Motors. He joined it with the aim to gain good experience and improve further in his job. The firm, recognizing his great potential to excel in the profession, sent him twice to Kolkata for one month higher training for skill upgradation in May and December 2009. He was earning Rs. 5,500 per month with other benefits like PF, ESI, etc. Mr. A. K. Nath, (Deputy General Manager, Abhishek Motors) highly appreciates him for his sincerity, discipline, punctuality and hard work.

Anjelus is now an independent person. Being the eldest son, he is now able to look after his complete family. When asked how he feels today, he shared, “Whatever I am today is because of DB Tech, the credit goes to my trainers who made me so capable. At the training I got every opportunity to learn the technical skill and could inculcate life skills through training activities, seminars, games and other extra-curricular activities.” Anjelus feels proud of his achievement and has a word of advice for other youngsters, who like him are on the brink of losing hope. “Failures are the stepping stone for success,” he says emphatically. Anjelus also dreams of setting up his own garage one day.

7

Name: Anoop TT Centre Name: DB Tech (Sulthan Bathery, Kerala) Domain: Automobile Employer: Maruti Service Station Designation: Assistant Crane Operator Salary: Rs 4000 per month

F

Anoop T T

or Anoop TT, the BASE program funded by MoRD was like a ray of hope – a true life saver! Having failed matriculation, this 18-year old had lost all hope of studying further and getting a job. Anoop hails from a small family in ManthauadyTaluk, Sulthan Bathery (Wayanad District, Kerala). His father is a farmer, who cultivates banana and has a small plot of land. His meagre income of Rs 1000 per month is insufficient to meet the household needs.

Financial difficulty coupled with his academic failure was making him depressed. After 10th standard, he dropped out from the school. Sitting at home and being clueless about what to do next, that is when his friend told him about the course offered by DB Tech in partnership with MoRD. His father suggested him to

give it a try. Both of them visited the Don Bosco Tech centre located at Sulthan Bathery.

Based on his academic background, skills and interest, he was advised by the trainers to join the Automobile course. He stayed in the hostel and continues to do so even now also. Expressing his gratitude he says, “I am thankful to Fr. Antree (Centre Head, DB Tech, Sulthan Bathery) and MoRD project for the training I received here. I only wish if the course would have been for longer duration.

With no idea about Automobile, this course served as an eye opener to me. It helped me to learn much about Automobile sector. Now, I am eager to do a one year Automobile course. Though, I was weak at studies but my teachers were very supportive.”

About his studies, his English teacher Vinaya Joseph shared, “I am glad that Anoop has been placed. When he joined the course, I had to start from A, B, C, D…. right from the scratch.

Academically, he was weak but thankfully, one doesn't require good English to be a good mechanic. Though if you know English, then it's an added advantage. Not knowing it should never be taken as a barrier. An interesting incident took place when in his monthly assessment, not knowing what to write, he copied the questions on the answer sheet. He left no room to give a big '0'. But I am glad that he cleared his life's examination after having bagged a job that fetches monthly salary of Rs 4000 with free lodging, boarding and other allowances.”

Having a lot of dreams, he says, “Once I receive my first salary, I would like to buy a mobile for my father, a saree for my mother and then after few months, I will buy a bike for my younger brother to ride.” Perceived to be the weakest in his class, today he is among the first few students from Sulthan Bathery, who have been placed successfully. For his father, Thankachan TT, it was like a dream come true to see his son employed in Maruti Authorized Service Station at Sulthan Bathery. He says, “Don Bosco has given a new direction to my child's life.”

When asked about his ambition in life, Anoop says, “I would like to own a BMW.” He laughs and says, “Even if I may not be able to achieve it, but there is no harm in dreaming big.” For Anoop, this three months course has changed his life – igniting in him a spark to live and a spark to give back to the society.

8

Name: Thamim Ansari Centre Name: DB Tech (Madurai, Tamil Nadu) Domain: Hospitality (F&B Services) Employer: Sangam Hotels Designation: F&B Serviceman Salary: Rs 5000 per month + perks

Thamim Ansari

T

he same depressing story of discontinuing studies due to poverty applies to Thamim Ansari as well. 21-year old Thamim belongs to Kadachanendal, a small village in Madurai district(Tamil Nadu). His parents Abdul Kani (Father) and Fathima (Mother) are daily wage labourers, who work in the nearby farms. Being the eldest in the family, Thamim had to discontinue his studies after completing matriculation to support his poverty stricken family. He started as a helper in a building construction firm. But he discontinued the work because he could not cope up with the heavy work load. Without losing hope, he went for another job as a helper in a Hotel. But he was mostly used for errand job due to lack of proper skills.

Facing this he decided to go for some sort of skill training as he was really interested in Hospitality sector. One such day, very unexpectedly he got to know about three months training program being offered in Hospitality domain at DB Tech (Madurai), which is funded by Accenture. Knowing about the program and it does not cost anything, he got really delighted and discussed it with his parents and soon joined the Hospitality course.

He always used to be regular student in the class and very eagerly he learned everything. “Out of all the trainees in Hospitality, he was incredibly steadfast towards the learning,” told Mr. Jeeva (Hospitality Trainer, DB Tech). He successfully completed the course with 'A' grade. And at the campus interview, he got selected by Sangam Hotels as an F & B Serviceman at a monthly salary of Rs. 5,000 and perks. His employer Mr. Nagaraj says, “He manages work very efficiently. He is very responsible person. Hardly I visit the hotel but without my presence, he manages things really well.”

Regarding three months journey, Thamim said that he is grateful to DB Tech and Accenture for giving him this opportunity to turn the ways round through the training. His father says, “DB Tech is the reason for our happiness today. Thanks to DB Tech for allowing us to be successful.” Thamim expressed his joy by saying, “At DB Tech, I not only learned Hospitality skills but the training also motivated me to face real life difficulties. DB Tech is the place where the person gets skilled. I am grateful to all my trainers for lighting up my dark life.”

9

Name: Banrisha Syiemlieh Centre Name: DB Tech (Barapani, Meghalaya) Domain: Hospitality – Cookery Employer: CafÊ Oromo Designation: Steward Salary: Rs 5000 per month + allowances

Banrisha Syiemlieh

B

ASE Program being launched by DB Tech in partnership with Ministry of Rural Development (Govt. of India) is like a ray of hope for the youth, who for any reason could not continue their studies and lost all their hopes to live a better life. Banrisha Syiemlieh, a young girl who comes from a village Mawkyrwat in West Khasi Hills of Meghalaya faced similar problem, but what surprised is that today she is working with an international brand and earning the salary of Rs 5000 per month plus allowances. What made this possible is the DB Tech’s BASE program, which offers three months livelihood training in different domains for the deprived and disadvantaged youth and also assists them in getting a entry level opportunity in the industry.

Banrisha Syiemlieh said,” DB Tech came as a turning point in my life, when I met with the trainers from DB Tech (Barapani) during the mobilization activity.

I visited the centre and appeared Interest Inventory test following the admission procedure and got admitted in Hospitality – Cookery domain.” Her trainers used to say that during the training program she was always found to be very sincere, attentive and ready to learn new skills. Before joining the program, she was introvert but gradually she developed her soft skills and confidence.

Today she is working with Café Oromo located at Guwahati and is very happy to get such an opportunity in an international brand. Expressing her happiness, she says, “This opportunity by DB Tech has made my dream come true. Without paying even a single penny, I got to learn many valuable and essential skills. I have got an opportunity to stand on my own feet and have created an individual identity. My mentors have

helped me in building up my confidence, improving my communication skills and have always motivated me. Now I feel confident enough to face all sorts of challenges that comes my way.

Earlier, I used to be afraid of meeting new people and never thought that I will be able to earn my own livelihood. I am very much grateful to DB Tech for conducting such training program for the economically marginalized youth.”

Looks very happy with her success, her mother says, “Banrisha has set an example for all girls whose parents were afraid of sending their daughters to work outside. I am thankful to DB Tech for making my daughter’s future bright.”

10

Name: Barket Ali Centre Name: DB Tech (Baramulla , J&K) Domain: Hospitality Employer: Roayal Khazir Sarovar Group Designation: Housekeeping Supervisor Salary: Rs 5000 per month

Barket Ali

“Himayat has helped me to take new heights, new goals and new achievements. I am happy and satisfied with my life,” says Barket Ali, a alumnus of DB Tech (Baramulla).

It was in November 2012, when Barket heard about Himayat program launched by Ministry of Rural Development (Govt. of India) from the staff members of DB Tech (Baramulla), who were conducting the mobilization activities in his village.

He belongs to a poor family of nine members, who lives in Sopore district of Kashmir. His father, Mr. Ali Mohd Lone is the only bread earner for the complete family. Barket always wanted to take up the responsibility of the entire family. But due to lack skills, it was really difficult for him to get a job in the organised sector. “The most interesting factor that sounds good about the program is to get a job after successfully completion of the training. I was convinced that this training will serve as a means to reach the goal that I want to achieve.”

Next day, he visited DB Tech (Baramulla) to complete all the formalities and appeared the Interest Inventory test. As per his inclination, Barket was counseled by the trainers to enroll in Hospitality domain. He joined the training with great enthusiasm and dreams. According to one of the trainers, "Barket is a sincere student in the class, who is hardly absent in any class during the training

program. He was always ready to get mould himself as per the requirement of the training activities. He inhabited all the skills required to work in the corporate sector.”

After three months of training, he turned out be the most suitable person to work in the Hospitality sector. DB Tech helped him to get employed by arranging an interview with Roayal Khazir Sarovar Group, a renowned hotel in the city. Fortunately, he got selected for the Housekeeping department at a remuneration of Rs. 4500 per month.

When the employer was asked to speak few words about Barket, he stated, “I am convinced with the skills that Barket has received from DB Tech. He is perfect for the Hospitality sector. I personally like the way he speaks to the tourists.” Within a month, he was promoted from Room Boy to Housekeeping Supervisor. Today he is drawing the salary of Rs. 5000 per month.

11

Name: Dilip Haripal Centre Name: DB Tech (Sonepur, Odisha) Domain : Sales & Marketing Employer: Aegis BPO Designation: Customer Service Executive Salary : Rs. 7500

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Dilip Haripal

Dilip Haripal

partially differently abled person particularly from a BPL family is always taken in sympathetic note. Their hidden talent often faces unfavorable circumstances in which they compel to surrender. At this juncture timely guidance is pivotal.

Here is the success story of one such determined partially disabled youth. Mr. Dillip Haripal, a Sales and Marketing alumunus, has undertaken 3-month skill training at DB Tech (Sonepur) under OLM (Odisha Livelihood Mission) project. DB Tech and ORMAS (Panchayat Raj Department, Government of Odisha) have come together to provide assistance for skill formation of the rural youth and to enhance their capacities to undertake selfemployment as well as access better salaried employment through different market driven trades. Under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) scheme, Odisha Livelihood Mission (OLM) is started to create high-quality skilled work force / entrepreneur relevant to emerging market by providing market-driven skills to rural youth.

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illip hails from a small village Amamunda, which is located in Binika district of Sonepur. His father, Mr Narendra Haripal is a farmer, who could barely sustain even the family’s most basic requirements. To meet the financial needs, he opened a small grocery shop in his village. Though his parents have not studied much, they understand the value of education and always encourage him to study. Being the only son of his parents, every day his father used to lift him in his arm to attend the school as he could not manage to walk by himself.

When he was in seventh standard, his father got him operated that has allowed him to walk on his own. Dillip is a determined person and is also having many hidden talents. He has the talent of writing and composing music. Once he composed music for DB Tech and presented the same in Parents Meeting, which was appreciated by many participants. “Whenever I see anything different from the common phenomenon, I get involved to learn or to know that,” says Dillip. His mother is looking forward for his marriage but his father wants him to marry only after he becomes independent.

Dillip came to know about DB Tech from one of his schoolmate. He preferred to join the vocational training program instead of sitting idle at home.

Sharing his intention in enrolling the program, he said, “With the hope that DB Tech will show me the right path and will give me a lifetime opportunity, I enrolled in the Sales & Marketing course, which is absolutely free in every aspect.” Being a residential program, he resided in DB Tech hostel with his friends. His keenness in the subject promptly made

him all trainers' favorite. After few days, he became a unanimous leader to all. After the training hours, he always gathers his friends for recreational activities in the evening. “Spelling errors were his setback. Dillip always take my guidance to rectify and spend nights to tame the difficulty. During ITeS class, his eyes would beam with hope,” says Mr Surath Jena (Trainer-Support Domain, DB Tech, Sonepur). Finding some leisure hours he used to spend in the Computer Facility Centre to learn MS Office. Dillip says, “I was happy and amazed to see that the trainers are constantly encouraging me to learn more and even more.”

After course completion when his batch mates were facing job interviews at different shopping malls, his trainer was looking for a right place for him keeping his physical abilities in mind. After few days, he was selected by Aegis BPO as Customer Service Executive at a salary of Rs. 7500 with accommodation. Keeping his ability and performance in mind, his employer gifted a 3wheeler scooty to Dillip. Regarding his success, Dillip said “I am quite thankful to my trainers at DB Tech, they could have provided me a job related to my domain but they have valued my passion to work in a BPO. My life has got meaning today.”

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Name: Divya Centre Name: DB Tech (Mysore, Karnataka) Domain: Sales & Marketing Employer: Pizza Hut Designation : Customer Service Representative Salary: Rs 8000 per month + allowances

Divya

22-year-old Divya hails from Naganahalli, a small village in Mysore district of Karnataka. She had appeared the intermediate examination and was waiting for the result. Her father Mahadeva, a poor farmer, can hardly sustain the family with his measly income.

Divya’s mother Susheela is a housewife, while her brother studies in Class VIII. She always wants to support her family financially so that she can look after her parents and keep them happy. Her father has been borrowing money from a local moneylender at a phenomenal interest rate for cultivation. Because of failure of the crop, he found himself under crushing debt, unable to pay back lenders. He started a small business in the hope to get some profit to normalize the situation.

But in this front, he faced nothing but failure which made his situation more gloomy. Suddenly her life took a 'U' turn, when her father sold his small piece of land to repay the debt.

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n this situation, she didn't have other options but to discontinue her studies and was moving out in search of work. Due to lack of skills, she got some jobs in unorganized sector with meagre income. She was earning with broken heart, regrets and hopeless dreams. She suffered endlessly with the financial condition of the family. The dream of Divya of studying and working in a renowned company was entirely changed and diverted to an opposite direction. Her mother also started working in an incense stick company and had to struggle a lot to earn some money. She used to get money for the bundle of sticks, she could complete in a day.

Life went on with the same speed in a slow recovery of the loss happened in her father’s business. When things were going in such disaster, a friend from her neighborhood recommended her about DB Tech training to relieve her from all worries. She suggested the training would give her skills through which she can fulfill her dreams, and also earn a better living to keep her family happy.

Hoping for the positive results and to settle down, she took a decision to join the BASE program that

offers three months skill training in several domains. The program has been launched by DB Tech in partnership with MoRD (Govt. of India). She visited the centre and gave the Interest Inventory test which decided that she will join the Sales & Marketing course. During the course, she used be attentive and much interested during all the sessions without missing even a single class. Her interest and dedication made her way easier by offering her several options on her path to success.

After completing her course successfully, she attended some interviews and finally got selected in Pizza Hut with a monthly income of Rs. 8,000.

Fulfilling her dreams, she said, “I am very happy. I feel proud that now I can look after my family.

Finally I have lived my dreams today.” His father is delighted at her success and unable to control the tears. He said softly, “It was beyond our expectations that she would achieve this much. But thanks to God and DB Tech, who made it possible.”

Her manager said, “I can proudly say that Divya is a precious gift given by DB Tech. She offers good service to the customers with the sense of welfare.”

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Name: Chennamma Centre Name: DB Tech (Sutgatti, Karnataka) Domain: Industrial Sewing Machine Operator (ISMO) Employer: Dave Garments Designation: Sewing Operator Salary: Rs 4500 per month + incentives

Chennamma

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8-year-old Chennamma hails from Srinagar, a small village in Hubli Taluk, Dharwad district in Karnataka. Being deaf and dumb by birth, she can’t speak and listen. The head of the family, her father is a farmer, who has little inherited land to cultivate something for the family.

Chennamma’s mother used to work as a daily wage earner. The brave lady encouraged her daughter to study and meet life’s challenges with confidence and courage. It seems that she took her mother’s words seriously and successfully cleared her matriculation examination in a special school. But after that she had to abandon her studies, as there was nobody to guide her personally.

Right from her childhood, Chennamma had always exhibited a flair for stitching. She used to help her mother with some petty income by stitching clothes. One day, she came to know about about Bosco Academy for Skills and Employment (BASE) center from one of her friends, which is located at Sutgatti (Hubli, Karnataka). Chennamma got excited and wanted to know about the training program. Accompanied by her aunt, she visited the centre to enquire about the program. The trainers advised her to take up a course in the Industrial Sewing Machine Operator (ISMO). Though, initially she had a tough time in communicating effectively with her trainers due to hearing problem. But with time, she surmounted all the challenges and passed out with an impressive record.

A few days later after completing her ISMO course, Chennamma attended a job interview with Dave Garments, but the employer was not ready to offer her the job, because of her in-capabilities. The BASE trainers convinced the employer about her sincerity and hardworking attitude. The employer got convinced and decided to give her a chance to work in the firm. She was offered the salary of Rs. 4500

per month plus incentives, which she cheerfully accepted. She started working with great zeal and commitment. Her manager, Mrs. Devaki was very much impressed with her dedication and hard work. This dedication help her to become a permanent staff with eligible for other benefits.

Thanking BASE for what she is today, Chennamma says, “BASE is a place not only for physically-abled students, but also for people with disabilities like me. The training I have undergone has made me realized that even the differently abled people can achieve their goals in life. The training has helped me to overcome my deficiency with a positive outlook towards the life. I am really grateful to my trainers for instilling self-belief in me, to DB Tech for taking this great initiative and to MoRD for bestowing us with this special project.” Her mother’s eyes gleamed with tears of joy, when she was asked how she feels today. She said, “I am very happy that my daughter is bearing the family expenses and taking care of everyone’s needs like a normal person. Chennamma has indeed been such a good influence in our village.”

Her manager at Dave Garments, Ms Devki says, “It has been over a year since Chennamma joined us.

Although, in the beginning, she hardly used to speak to anyone at the workplace believing that people would find it difficult to understand her. But gradually, she overcame her shyness and got friendly with everyone. She is extremely punctual, hardworking and helpful by nature. I found her as a fine example of a challenged person who instead of looking for sympathy from others, commands their respect with her grit, determination and quality of work. I am also impressed with her responsibility towards her family. It is really nice to have such a person in our midst.”

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Name: Farooq Ahmed Wagay Centre Name: DB Tech (Pulwama, , J&K) Domain: Hospitality Employer: Commercial Sales Tax Office Designation: Data Entry Operator Salary: Rs. 4000 per month + incentives

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Farooq Ahmed Wagay

arooq has a severely crippled right leg as a result of polio, he hails from a remote village Monghama in Pulwama district (Jammu & Kashmir). “When he was hardly a year old, he was found to be suffering from one or the other disease. On consulting the doctor, it came in to notice that Farooq is affected by polio that has caused 60 percent disability in his lower limb,” says Farooq’s mother, Ms. Zaina Akther. His father, Abdul Gani Wagay is a daily labourer earning a meagre sum of Rs 3000 per month.

Recollecting his pre-BASE phase, Mr. Abdul Gani says, “Before joining DB Tech, I was very apprehensive about the fortune of my son, as there was no expectation for his employment/job or any kind of business.” Financial problems act as a hindrance to the education of Farooq and owing to lots of difficulties. He could study just up to matriculation. Due to lack of financial support from the family, he had to discontinue studies before entering the college. Unlike other villagers, they don’t even have any cultivable land, thus no source of income from agricultural side.

A second hand portable television was the only source of entertainment for them. But due to illiteracy, they hardly use the television as the source of information, they never believed at the information feature of this audio visual medium.

His parents are illiterate with no exposure to education. Farooq came to know about DB Tech from that portable television only, when his parents were watching a daily soap opera. As he wanted

more information about the program, he immediately contacted the DB Tech trainer and clarified all his queries related to the skill based training. The trainers advised Farooq to join the Hospitality course keeping his interests in the mind.

Throughout the course, Farooq proved to be a regular and punctual student. After the course completion, Farooq got placed as a Data Entry Operator in Commercial Sales Tax Office. Now he is drawing a salary of Rs. 4000 per month plus incentives. “Farooq was always serious towards this training program. He was also willing to relocate anywhere for a job. He was a dedicated, hardworking, active learner and always wanted to support his family through his earning,” says Altaf Lone (Centre Coordinator, DB Tech, Pulwama).

Regarding this new break for earning livelihood, Farooq says, “I have learned a lot from DB Tech which made me feel that I am capable of doing something and also helped me to earn and support my family.”

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Name : Femasdi Girisa Centre Name : DB Tech (Dimapur, Nagaland) Domain : Retail Employer : Jack & Jill Designation : Supervisor Salary : Rs. 4700 per month + allowances

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Femasdi Girisa

emasdi Girisa comes from a BPL family, who hails from Dimapur (Nagaland). Her father, a poor farmer, who completely depends on farming, could barely sustain his family of six. The yearly income of the family is just around Rs. 20,000. Due to this meagre income of the family, she had to discontinue her education after passing her matriculation examination. Quitting studies, she wanted to do something to support her family. At this time, when she was searching for sources of income to assist the family financially, she came to know about DB Tech's Bosco Academy for Skills and Employment (BASE) program. This skill training program offers three months livelihood training in different domains to the poor and needy youth. DB Tech also helps them get placed in the industry. This program is being launched by DB Tech in partnership with Ministry of Rural Development (Govt. of India).

After knowing about this vocational training program, she visited the DB Tech centre located at Dimapur that being really motivated her to join the training. After evaluating the Interest Inventory test, it was decided that she will be enrolled in the Retail domain. She was happy to get training in Retail domain as she was good in interacting and communicating with people. On asking what expectations she has from the program, she replied , "I have joined the program with the hope of getting a good job that can make me independent and with which I could support my family.”

The training program helped her learn skills to handle different customers confidently. She even learned how to operate the computer and communicate effectively. She had developed a right attitude to face life with hard work and honesty. From the number of interviews organised

by DB Tech for her, she got selected in Jack & Jill, an exclusive showroom in Dimapur, Nagaland and is now working with great satisfaction. When she was asked, how she feels to be working, she said, “I always used to think that doing a job is a very difficult task, as one needs to work for long hours and obey his/her seniors. But now, I find it really pleasing. I am learning so many new things to deal effectively with the people around.”

She is presently earning a monthly salary of Rs. 4700 per month plus allowances, out of which she spends Rs. 1500 on her own expenditure and rest satisfy the family needs. Talking about her, one of

her colleagues said, "Femasdi is really dedicated towards her work, and always aspire to go forward, she always keep on saying that she wants a promotion, so that she becomes a supervisor.” At her success, her parents exclaim, “DB Tech has provided Femasdi Girisa a good platform to make her career bright and has given us a reason to live.”

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Name: Florence Phawa Centre Name: DB Tech (Shillong, Meghalaya) Domain: Hospitality Employer: Hotel Polaris Designation: Receptionist Salary: Rs 4500 per month

Florence Phawa

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lorence phawa, a 23-year old girl hails from one of the poverty stricken families located at a small village, Mawlai Phudmuri, which is situated on the outskirts of Shillong. The misery of her life is that her father left the house leaving the entire family alone. Now the children were left with the mother; and she looked after them to fulfil their basic needs. Her mother used to work as a labourer in the village to feed the family of seven. Along with her, Florence's two brothers were also supporting the family financially towards the education of the four girls in the family.

Florence completed her matriculation from Sacred Heart Girls School, Mawlai. After matriculation, she joined Savio Evening College to continue with education; and she completed her intermediate.

She used to attend the class in evening and perform household work to help her mother during day time. One Sunday, when she was in church, she came to know about the DB Tech's BASE program through an announcement being made in the church. It is a program under which domain specific skill training is provided to the poor and the marginalised youth. Moreover, after the training, the students are also helped with job placement.

Keen to know more, she visited the DB Tech centre located at Shillong to get the answers of all her queries regarding the training. After meeting the trainers, she was determined to join the course and next moment got herself enrolled for the Hospitality domain.

Her trainers says that she was one of the intelligent, sharp, disciplined and humble candidates, who was always found keen to learn and earn. After completing the training, she got the chance to be interviewed with Hotel Polaris which is situated in Kerala. Her passionate attitude helped her get through the interview and today she is working with the same hotel as a Receptionist with a salary of Rs 4500 plus free food and accommodation. She has come out to a fine example of cheerfulness, courage and determination in the face of persistent adversity.

She exclaims happily, “At Hotel Polaris, I am not only earning money but enjoying an experience of happy life.�

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Name: Havingwell Lamare Centre Name: DB Tech (Umran, Meghalaya) Domain: Security Guard Employer: Neighreim Hospital Designation: Security Guard Salary: Rs 5000 per month + Allowances

Havingwell Lamare

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1-year old Havingwell Lamare is the eighth child of Mr. Klarsing Kharmawphlang and Mrs. Mebon Lamare. Along with seven brothers and five sisters, he was born and brought up in Umeit, (Umroi, Ri-Bhoi district, Meghalaya).

The parents had to work really hard to look after the big family. At the age of four, Havingwell Lamare was admitted in King of Kings Secondary School (Mawphyrdeb). His parents were proud to have him because this bright and intelligent child was being praised by everyone particularly by his school teachers for his studies, behaviour and attitude. When he was in class VII, unfortunately his father left the family. Thus, the mother was left helpless to look after her 13 children. It was really difficult for his mother alone to look after complete family. Still, she tried really hard to bring up the family.

Havingwell somehow reached class IX. Now he was mature enough to understand the miserable condition of her mother. Thus, he decided to quit education and started looking for some sort of work to help his family. He started working wherever he found any work to get daily wages.

One day, he came across an advertisement being

made by the RRTC, Umran in Mawphor newspaper.

This advertisement was regarding 3-month vocational training program being launched by DB Tech in partnership with MoRD. The best thing about the program is that it is totally free of cost, and provides placement support too. The advertisement came as turning point in Havingwell’s life. He didn’t allow the chance to be missed, He immediately enrol himself in the fifth batch of BASE program at Rural Resource and Training Centre (Umran) in Security Guard domain.

At the training, he stood out to be a sincere, obedient, hardworking and disciplined student. His positive personality was appreciated by everyone including trainers and trainees. As expected, after three months, Umran completed his course quite successfully securing grade ‘A’. He attended the interview being conducted by Colonel Shishupal Security Agency, Shillong. After getting selected at the same, he is today posted as a Security Guard in Neighreim Hospital. He is getting remuneration Rs. 5000/- every month along with other allowances.

“Standing on my own feet today, I am able to support my mother and look after my family,” says Havingwell Lamare.

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Name: Heemu Yusuf Centre Name: DB Tech (Srinagar, J&K) Domain: Hospitality Employer: Mobineers Designation: Computer Operator Salary: Rs 4500 per month

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2-year-old Heemu hails from an extremely poor family of Rainawari, a small hamlet in Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir). Heemu's father, an illiterate carpenter, toils hard at his profession but cannot provide enough for the family of five (wife and three daughters). Heemu’s elder sister dropped out of school after intermediate due to financial problem. Though keen to be well educated, Heemu had to quit studies after graduation, as there was no money in the family to afford her fees. As things stood, she was the most educated person in her entire family, and the first to complete graduation!

Heemu Yusuf

“I was always looking for an employment opportunity, so that I could supplement my family’s income, and also my sister could continue her study without interruption for money, who is now studying in the 10th standard,” says Heemu. She tried few odd jobs after her graduation but due to lack of skills she was offered very meagre salary, which was just equalizing her travel and food expenses. She was eager to accumulate some money for computer training. One fine day, her grandfather informed her about the skill development training by DB Tech. He advised Heemu to enrol in it, learn some livelihood skills and try for a job. After the ‘Interest Inventory’ check, her trainers counseled her to take up a course in Hospitality.

The first question that strikes her mind was the course fee for which she gave up her education. But fortunately Govt. of India’s such programs not only

give them a push to realise their dreams but also improve their family’s financial condition.

Rediscovering her joy in learning, Heemu worked hard during the 3-month course and passed out as one of the brightest students of her batch.

On completion of the course, she got a job offer in Mobineers, a reputed company, with a handsome salary of Rs 4500 pm plus incentives. Heemu had never touched computer before joining BASE. Besides the domain specific skills, she was imparted a fair knowledge about computer skills, which helped her now in the workplace. Heemu shares, “The training I received also greatly improved my communication skills and personality. It also taught me some very essential life skills and infused new confidence in me.” From her first salary, she gave a treat to her grandfather because the credit of her success entirely goes to him.

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Name: Hiramon kharkongor Centre Name: DB Tech (Shillong, Meghalaya) Domain: ITES Employer: 3i Infotech Designation: Data Entry Operator Salary: Rs 4500 per month

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iramon comes from the village Laitkor, which is located on the outskirts of Shillong. There are total nine members in the family including seven brothers, one sister and mother. His father died when he was about six years old and leaving the responsibility of the entire family on his mother. Since that day his mother has been trying hard to look after the family. Very unexpectedly, in the year 2008, the second eldest among the siblings passed away due to sudden illness, unluckily the same thing repeated in the year 2011 when the eldest brother died suddenly due to unidentified illness. These incidents affected the complete family very badly.

Hiramon kharkongor

One of his brothers looks after the entire family by working at a farm and rearing pigs on a very small scale. His sister has got married and has a four month old baby. His other brothers are studying, where as he has already completed his schooling from St. Jerome, which is situated in Nongmensong, Shillong and has also done his graduation from Raid Laban College.

After completing his education, he was now determined to work and look after the entire family. Unfortunately, he was unable to find any suitable job for himself. One such day, he came to know about DB Tech that has launched a 3-month training called BASE for the poor and deprived ones. This is a program that not only offers domain specific skill training but also helps students in placement after they have successfully completed the training. Knowing this he visited the DB Tech

centre located at Shillong and enquired more about the program.

The trainer at the centre counseled him and advised to go for ITES domain. He joined the training and took it very seriously. After completing it quite successfully, he got a chance to join a Call Center located in Kolkata. He worked there only for two months and came back due to family problems. After returning from Kolkata, he joined S S Netcom, a firm located in Shillong as a Data Entry Operator for about eleven months. He had to leave again since the firm was downsizing the staff.

Nevertheless, he was able to secure another job with the same profile at 3i Infotech and is working there till today. When he was asked to share his future plans, he said, “I am hoping to get better opportunities in life so that the future of my younger brothers can be secured.�

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Name : Idalia Samding Centre Name : DB Tech (Dimapur, Nagaland) Domain : Retail Employer : Vishal Mega Mart Designation : Sales Executive Salary : Rs. 4500 per month + incentives

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Idalia Samding

poor farmer, who owns a small land that produces just 40 quintal of rice in a year, feels guilty of not letting his youngest son Idalia Samding to study further since he has no money to spend on his studies.

We are talking about the family, who lives in a rural village in Peren district of Nagaland. The family includes his father, Mr. Kisie, and his mother, Mrs. Miakeilak, and their three children (2 sons and 1 daughter). Idalia passed his intermediate from Government Higher Secondary School at Jalukie town but could not go for further higher studies.

One bright day, during the mobilization activity at Peren district, one of the DB Tech trainer met Idalia and told him about the BASE training program offered by DB Tech. This BASE program is being launched by DB Tech in partnership with MoRD, Govt of India that offers three months livelihood training in various domains for the neglected youth and also help them get placed in the job market.

Without wasting much of his time, he got his name registered at the ASSISI centre located in Dimapur and gave the Interest Inventory test. As per the test, it is decided that he will be given training in Retail domain. The training program made him learn new skills. It made him confident enough to get a job in the Retail sector. The training of Retail Sales domain involves theory as well as practical classes, mock tests, demonstrations, industrial exposures visits, etc. Moreover, soft skills and IT education are also imparted to the students. When Idalia came for the training, he was a shy guy, who hardly spoke to anyone. Even when he used to spoke, he was the person of few words. But at the end of 90-day of training, his progress was unbelievable. He was now confident and well equipped with the skills to work in the Retail sector. He has turned to be one of the best students in Retail Sales domain in the ASSISI center.

After the completion of the training, DB Tech arranged for his interview with Vishal Mega Mart (Air Plaza), who had some openings in their outlet

in Dimapur. Along with him many qualified trainees went for the interview. After the interview, Idalia's name was announced as selected candidates. He has been hired as Sales Executive with the monthly salary of Rs 4500 per month + incentives. On getting this job, he shared his feelings by saying, “Today I am now earning Rs 4500 per month, out of which I spend Rs 1000 for my monthly expenditure; and rest I am saving for family and for my education. I am very happy to be working. I really enjoy my work. Within one year, I hope to become Floor Supervisor.”

Some of his colleagues shared their experiences of working with him. They recited that he is really confident. He deals quite confidently providing good service to his customers. His parents said, “This training program has given Idalia so much to count. His personality has improved tremendously from ‘no words-shy guy’ to a confident Sales Executive today, we thank DB Tech for this transformation.”

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Name: Ishfaq Majeed Centre Name: DB Tech (Pulwama, J&K) Domain: Sales & Marketing Employer: V Mart Designation: Cashier Salary: Rs 4000 per month

Ishfaq Majeed

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rom Pampore (Pulwama District) to Srinagar, Ishfaq’s transformation from a meek individual to a bold youth is truly remarkable.

His father, Mr. Abdul Majeed is working in a restaurant, can hardly sustain the family with his measly income. Ishfaq’s mother is a housewife, while his sister studies in Class XII. Poverty kept him from studying beyond college level. Ishfaq had to give up studies after completing his B.Com. During this depressing phase, he one day came across outreach program being organized by DB Tech to mobilize students for a BASE training centre that was being set up at Pulwama. To know more about the skill training program, he attended the outreach program and enquired about every feature of the skill development training.

Recollecting the mobilization days, his communicative English trainer Altaf Lone shared, “Ishfaq had a list of queries that need to be answered during mobilization. In that gathering, he came forward to the first row and asked over 10 questions continuously. While addressing those questions, we shared all the features related to the BASE program.” Very next day, Ishfaq reached the centre early morning with all necessary documents and was the first person to enrol in the course.

During the Interest Inventory, it was found that he has the quality of salesmanship. So the trainers advised him to join in Sales & Marketing course.

Ishfaq began the course whole heartedly, as he was not sure if being trained in salesmanship skills would get him anywhere in the job market. But after a few days of life skills training, his outlook towards the course changed dramatically. Ishfaq also found the communicative English classes very useful, and by the end of the course, he began to speak English with a fair degree of fluency. The 'Work Readiness Module' that rounded off the course taught him how to prepare his resume, face a job interview, and handle various types of workplace-related challenges.

He did very well in the course and soon received a job offer from V Mart (Srinagar) as a Cashier, with a starting salary of Rs 4000 per month. It was a huge boost to his financial condition, and he immediately began to think of bettering the financial condition. He says, “At BASE, I learnt different aspects of customer service and marketing, which are taught only in B-schools. I owe it all to my trainers. The life skills and time management skills I learnt from them are proving very useful at every step in my job. BASE is indeed the place of my re-birth.”

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Name: Jimworld N. Marak, Centre Name: DB Tech (Shillong, Meghalaya) Domain: Security Guard Employer: Kendriya Vidyalaya Designation: Security Guard Salary: Rs 4000 per month + other allowances

Jimworld N. Marak

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imworld N. Marak, a 19-year old boy belongs to the BPL family, who hails from William Nagar, Garo Hills. His family includes his parents and three sisters. His father work as a primary tuition master and mother is a housewife.

With the meagre income his father earns, it was difficult for him to run the family.

With a wish to support his father, he started searching for a job which can be a helping hand for the family. One such day, he came to know about DB Tech’s BASE training program that provides employment after offering three months of training from one of his friends. He was overjoyed to note that DB Tech in partnership with MoRD provides this training free of cost. Knowing this, he decided to visit the centre located at Don Bosco Technical School (Shillong) to gather complete information. Swayed over, he decided to join the program. He went through counseling done by the

trainers and got selected for the Security Guard domain. As shared by the trainers, “All throughout the training, he was sincere, punctual and always ready to acquire and adapt new facts. He used to be one of the regular and attentive students in the class. Apart from gaining domain knowledge, he was equally interested in learning English and computer.”

At the accomplishment of the training, an interview was arranged for him; and fortunate enough, he got selected as a Security Guard at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Laitkor Peak, Shillong on a monthly salary of Rs. 4000 with free accommodation. He shared, “I am happy to be able to work; and it’s all because of the training I have received at DB Tech.

Today I am capable enough to earn the living for the family because of the skills being instilled in me

by DB Tech.”

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Name: Jobin Samuel Centre Name: DB Tech (Trasi, Karnataka) Domain: Hospitality Employer: Moti Mahal Designation: Steward Salary: Rs 4500 per month + allowances

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Jobin Samuel

obin belongs to Muddoor village, which is a remote area in Kundapur taluk of Karnataka. Belonging to the poor family, he has to start working just after completing his intermediate. There was no scope of further education due to the shortage of money. He started to search for work to help his family, but unfortunately he was unable to find a job.

He was still trying hard to be successful in his efforts. One such effort helped him knowing about the DB Tech’s BASE program being launched especially for the poor and needy youth. This is a training program that not only train people in different domains but also helps them get placed in the industry. Instantly after knowing, he visited the DB Tech (Trasi) centre, completed all the formalities and enrolled for the Hospitality domain.

“I can never forget my first day at the class, I was really happy with the surrounding. I got a chance to meet many new people. I was feeling as if I have come to the most appropriate place. With training, my life, my hope and my aspiration started changing. The training not only gave me opportunity to skill-up myself but also to learn English, operate computer, speak in public without any fear through several activities," says Jobin. The interactive sessions, discussions, role plays on different subjects being carried out under the guidance of trainers prove to be very useful. The best thing about the program was the computer education. He was really happy of being able to operate computer without anyone’s assistance at the completion of the training. “These are some of the initial achievements, if I will start listing those

achievements, one page will not be sufficient ," says Jobin regarding the attainment during the course.

After the completion of the training, he was interviewed by Moti Mahal located at Mangalore; it is a 3-star hotel. It was the great opportunity for him to work and earn a better living to support my poor family. He got selected for the job at a monthly remuneration of Rs. 4500/-. “We feel greatly satisfied to see our son being dressed in a royal uniform and earning an amount sufficient for bearing the family needs.” says his parents after he got the job. “Along with salary, I am getting other benefits as well such as PF, ESI, three times meals, accommodation facility and in addition to that a fair amount of tips everyday. All the credit for this wonderful achievement goes to DB Tech and its trainers,” says Jobin.

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Name: Kingkor Talukdar Centre Name: DB Tech (Guwahati, Assam) Domain: Hospitality Employer: CafĂŠ Coffee Day Designation: Steward Salary: Rs 6000 per month + allowances

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Kingkor Talukdar

ingkor Talukdar, aged 25, from the outskirts of Nalbari is a fine example of cheerfulness, courage and determination in the face of persistent adversity. Though, he belongs to the poor family but still holds the courage to go up and fulfill his dream. His father Kanak Talukdar runs a very small timber business, which is not sufficient to meet even the domestic expenses of his family set aside educational expenses of the children. All this forced him to take some job to help his family and himself, he gave interview at several places but unsuccessful due to lack of required skills.

On the other side, as each day was passing by, it was becoming difficult for his father to run the family with his small household business that generates meager income. All this led his father scold him for sitting idle at home, and he furiously asked him to look for some job. All these things made him really depressed and feeling bad. To come out from the mental condition, he went to stay at his uncle’s house.

There his uncle told him about DB Tech that has launched a BASE program in partnership with MoRD. This program offers skill training in several domains that directly helps the unemployed youth get free training, free accommodation, and free food with the assured job placement.

The BASE program seemed to him like a silver lining amidst the dark clouds, as he could see some rays of hope peeping into his dark and gloomy life.

Without wasting much time, he visited the center located in Kharghuli and took admission in the Hospitality domain. Quite surprisingly he came out to be one of the intelligent, sharp, disciplined and humble candidates. “He always used to participate in all the activities very eagerly, whether it is an inter-active sessions or games,” says Mr. Sushil Das (Housekeeping Trainer, DB Tech, Kharghuli). After completing the training, he turned out to be a good speaker and got short listed for an interview with Café Coffee Day. He was really excited to attend this interview and leaving up to everyone’s expectation. He cleared all the five rounds of interview and got selected for Café Coffee day at the monthly salary of Rs 6000 with other allowances. It was a very proud moment for not only the trainers at Kharghuli centre but also Kingkor, whose dream has just come alive. Now, he is helping his family financially and also pursuing his Graduation from IGNOU. Kingkor’s father is very happy as today he proudly says that “Kingkor is my son”. Now after one and half year, Kingkor promoted from L2 to L1.

26 Name: Kishor Prakash Tirkey Centre Name: DB Tech (Kunkuri, Chhattisgarh) Domain: Sales & Marketing Employer: Bharti Walmart Designation: Floor Associate Salary: Rs 5300 per month + allowances

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Kishor P. Tirkey

nnocent and hard working 21-year old Kishor Prakash Tirkey is living in a village called Grotoline in Jashpur district with his mother Mrs. Sisilia.

According to hir mother, his father died long ago. His mother Sisilia was left with one daughter and two sons.

Even after losing the biggest support of the family, Kishor’s mother didn’t lose hope and stood like a strong pillar for her children. She worked in others field to fill the stomach of her children. Educating the children was next to impossible for Kishor’s mother. But she worked in fields day and night, kept herself hungry to educate her children.

Kishor wanted to continue studies but due to economic problem he dropped his education after intermediate and prepared for army or other vacancies but did not succeeded. Everyone at the family used to associate him with the word add cots to the word ‘useless’, saying you should try becoming the warden for family. All this created tension for Kishor, but his friend’s used to say he is a fighter for life; and he can survive in any situation.

One day, Kishor got a leaflet carrying information regarding DB Tech centre located at Kunkuri and also about the BASE program initiated by DB Tech in corporation with MoRD. The program helps the needy youth by providing free domain specific skill training.

Before it was too late he decided to visit the centre with his mother for admission. He was really curious to join the training.

He used to be the regular and punctual student, but the major hindrance in his way was to understand, learn and speak English. However, it was really important for him to learn English as he was undergoing the training in Sales & Marketing. At last his dedication and determination towards learning made him successful in all his efforts. Now he possesses all the qualities to become a good Sales Executive.

Finally, after the training of 90 days, he got a chance at campus interview by Bharti Walmart. Quite amazingly, he impressed the interviewers with his appearance, grooming and by making use technical words being used for Sales & Marketing and got selected. At being selected he confidently

said “I knew it. I knew it. I knew it...”

Kishor is today working with Bharti Walmart as a Floor Associate at a monthly remuneration of Rs 5300 per month + Rs. 100 per day as traveling allowance. His employer says, “Kishor is a very confident person. Besides being confident, he has the right knowledge for which I would like to thank DB Tech that is offering right practical knowledge to the students.”

Kishor’s mother being joyful shared her happiness with us saying, “After a long time, I am very happy.

Now I can take rest (with smile) because my son has got a sustainable job. Thanks to Don Bosco Tech, which is working in the villages for people like us. ”

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Name: Kitborlang Lyngdoh Lyngkhoi Centre Name: DB Tech (Mawpor, Meghalaya) Domain: Agriculture Employer: RRTC Designation: Field Assistant Salary: Rs 4500 per month

Kitborlang Lyngdoh Lyngkhoi

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itborlang Lyngdoh Lyngkhoi, one of the best students of BASE program, hails from Nongrim Nongladaw village. His 4-member family includes his father, mother and a younger brother, who is pursuing his schooling from a village school. His father looks after the family working as a farmer and his mother is a home maker. The annual income of the family from faming comes out to Rs. 16000.

Kitborlang has studied only up to Class XI. He wanted to study further but owing to the poor condition of the family he had to quit his education.

The unstable family income served as the major hindrance in his way to proceed further in studies.

One day, Kitborlang was going through the local newspaper and he came across an advertisement telling him about the DB Tech’s BASE program being particularly launched for the poor and marginalised youth. This is a program being launched by DB Tech in partnership with MoRD. Knowing this, he decided to join the program. Same day he visited the Mawpor centre to get himself admitted. He was enrolled for the Agriculture domain. On asking how useful he found the

training, he said, "The training was really satisfied, besides the training being provided in agriculture, I got to learn several life-skills and soft-skill. My communication skills got improved. The training even imparted computer knowledge free of cost to every trainee.”

His life took a new turn when after completing the three months training and got selected to work in the centre of Rural Resource and Training Centre (RRTC) on an agriculture project under Fr. Cyril Tirkey (Director, RRTC). At RRTC, Kitborlang is drawing the salary of Rs. 4500 per month. When asked how he feels to be successful and to work with RRTC, he says, “I am extremely happy with this achievement, I am now able some extra pence to support my brother in his studies and to add to the family income. I have even decided to continue my education further and have already taken admission in college. DB Tech has made my life cheerful. It has given me a reason to live. I am proud to be what I am today. All the credit for this goes to DB Tech, its trainers and its initiative to launch BASE program for the poor and deprived ones like us.”

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Koyel Mukherjee Name: Koyel Mukherjee Centre Name: DB Tech (Mirpara) Domain: Hospitality Employer: Café Coffee Day Designation: Steward Salary: Rs 4000 + incentives

Chaitali Ghosh Name: Chaitali Ghosh Centre Name: DB Tech (Mirpara) Domain: Hospitality Employer: Café Coffee Day Designation: Steward Salary: Rs 4000 + incentives

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hakpara, an industrial area in the vicinity of Kolkata, surrounded by slums of industry workers, who lived in makeshift houses made up of thatch walls and thatch roof. This is a hutment where almost every family lives in 90 sq. ft. area; where open sewers in the middle of the streets join together to a pool that is being used for bathing; few public toilets for general community; and a water tap for the drinking water. The life of slum dwellers is filled with downs and downs. When they travel towards the end, of road and after reaching at that point, they realize that it is not an end but only the starting point of a new journey. There could be plenty of turning points but it does not end, only carry the hopes for better tomorrow. In this voyage to become a developed nation, still we fail to provide basic amenities to many fellow citizens. Most of them hardly afford higher education, barely have pucca home to live and always be in a never ending queue for a barrel of clean water to drink.

DB Tech works as catalyst for them, who have

dreams and courage to achieve their destination on their never ending roads. In this case story, we have made an effort to cover a story of two girls, who live in slums and have struggled a lot to bring smiles on the face of their family members. Koyel and Chaitali are two childhood friends, who fall under same socio-economic category and belong to poverty-stricken families from Chakpara. They were born and brought up in same locality, studied in same school, got skilled in same institution and have chosen a career in same profession. They are always there for each other’s rainy days with an empty shoulder to support. One counsels the other for any juncture of uncertainty; and one paves the way for other when there is an opportunity.

18-year old Koyel discontinued her studies due to the lack of money as it was quite difficult for her father to enroll her in college.

After completion of matriculation, she was forced to quit her studies and tried her luck in different minimal work to support her family. Her father is a daily wage worker in a factory earning only Rs 120

per day and also does hand painting to add little extra to his income. “We feel guilty because we could not help her to study further because our income was barely enough to make ends meet,” says Koyel’s mother, Mrs. Soma Mukerjee who works as a cook to support the family in a hope that one day they will live better.

“I came to know about BASE program through an advertisement in the Bengali newspaper but quite uncertain about it because all the advertisements like this demands money when we enquired about the training program,” says Koyel. She rushed to the BASE centre located at Don Bosco SERI (Mirpara, Kolkata) and asked about the course fee.

The trainer briefed about this government sponsored skill program, which is exclusively designed for the youngsters like her. The centre team asked her to appear a test that qualified her to enrol in Hospitality course. The trainers at the BASE centre said the three-month course would not only teach her a lot about Hospitality, but also improve her English and communications skills. After completion of the 3-month training, presently she is working in Café Coffee Day (CCD)

and earning decent total of Rs. 4,000 per month to strengthen her family. When she handover her first salary to his father, Mr Santibrata Mukherjee said, “I am proud of my daughter because she has achieved a specific skill that helps her to enter to an organized sector what I could not achieve in my whole life.”

Her eyes glitters with several dreams, as she has made plan to study further and fly high to complete her dreams and support her parents. She made her parents proud by proving herself and set a benchmark for other poor needy people of that area.

Every day she travels around four hours to keep her dreams alive and returns back home at night around 8 pm.

Regarding her achievement, she says, “I fought in my life more than I thought; I wept in my life more than I thought, but I believe, certainly now time has come to smile rest of our life.”

But her classmate Chaitali started struggling during her school days when her father met with an accident. After that black day, he was not able to work anywhere but it is due to the kindness of the

factory owner who agreed to pay a token amount of financial support every month. In his meager income, it is really tough to maintain a family of four (wife, one son and Chaitali). “Situations were worst for us when he lost his one eye in the accident; and at that time we were hardly able to get two meals a day,” says Chaitali’s mother, Ms. Abha Ghosh. It was like a turning point for her as there was no one to look after the family, as her father was away from job for long duration due to his medical treatment.

Chaitali’s brother is studying in class X and his family income was not sufficient for both household and study related expenditure. She had to sacrifice her studies after her matriculation because she did not want her brother to drop his studies due to the lack of money.

When her friends were enjoying their annual vacation, she was busy in exploration of best option that she could have for her in those hard days. At that time, Koyel had already joined Café Coffee Day. Looking at her financial condition, she asked Chailtali to join the skill development training conducted by DB Tech; and assured to extend all her support in this regard. Chaitali was quite happy

on those days because she could visualize the silver lining on the cloudy sky. Without a second thought, she decided to follow the same path as covered by her friend. She joined the Hospitality as Koyal and grabbed the job in same company. “Koyal and Chaitali both had distinguished characteristics but both were common in many things, both of them wanted to be a good and successful in their life.

Koyal was fast learner whereas Chaitali was very positive and open-minded to learn new things. But in BASE program, Koyal was senior to Chaitali. Both of them cracked interview in the first attempt and now working in same company. It is very big achievement for them as well as for DB Tech as it helped them to reach at their destination,” says Mr Soumen Sarkar (Hospitality Trainer, DB Tech, Mirpara) There are many youngsters like Koyel and Chaitali, who have done great things in their life whether on small or large level. DB Tech has always helped the needy and poor people to become successful by providing them short-term livelihood training.

These people have made DB Tech proud by giving us the chance to facilitate them in best way.

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Name: Lakshmi R. Centre Name: DB Tech (Chitradurga, , Karnataka ) Domain: ITeS Employer: Sillicon Computer Education Designation: Faculty Salary: Rs 5500 per month + incentives

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Lakshmi R.

nless she takes a step forward, you may not notice that she is physically challenged. “Being first daughter itself is a burden but my disability doubles it for my parents. My life took a new turn at the age of four when I was labeled ‘Disable’. I suffered from heavy fever, and after that, I don’t know how but I lost strength of my left leg,” says 25-year-old Lakshmi R. recollecting the reasons of her disability. She hails from an extremely poor family in Koverahatti, a remote village about 25 km from Chitradurga (Karnataka), which is tenuously connected to the outside world. Lakshmi's father Ranganathappa, a poor farmer gets too little yield from his poorly irrigated land to support his family of five (wife, two daughters and a son). “It is a traumatic moment for us. Sometimes I just curse my poverty because of which I could not provide quality treatment to my daughter,” says Ranganathappa. He makes barely Rs. 1000 a month from his small piece of land, which remains mostly dry throughout much of the year. He always wanted to educate Lakshmi so that they will not suffer like him in future. Though there is no primary school in their village to start her studies, he enrolled her in a school located in neighbor village where she completed her matriculation. Recalling Lakshmi’s in-house school, Ranganatha says, “Since childhood, she always used to convert our hut into a classroom where she used to be the teacher and all the wooden pillars were students. Holding a wooden stick in her hand, she used to spend the whole day with her students (Wooden Pillars). From that day, I used to tell myself that now I have a teacher in my family. Now onwards, no one will be illiterate in our village.”

Lakshmi was good at studies, and managed to complete her Class XII. But she could not go further, as there was no money in the family to pay for her education. She tried hard to find some means of earning for the family, but nothing came by. Apart from the little academic knowledge that she had gained at school, Lakshmi started tuitions for the school-going children in her village. It was during this difficult period that Lakshmi heard from Mr. Muqthar Javeed (ITeS Trainer, DB Tech) about a vocational training program called Bosco Academy for Skills and Employment (BASE) being organized in the vicinity by Don Bosco Centre, Chitradurga. “I approached Lakshmi because she actually needed a chance to prove herself. She has a burning desire to come out of the poverty and take care of her family,” says Mr. Javeed. Lakshmi enrolled in the course and took the ‘Interest Inventory’ check administered by her trainers. They counseled her that ITeS would be an appropriate domain for her to take up.

During the training period, she tried to make all the possible efforts to make the maximum use of time, infrastructure and guidance of her trainers. “I had not even touched the computer before joining DB Tech. Here in DB Tech, I learned ITES technical skills, punctuality, discipline, communication and teaching skills that will surely help me in my professional career,” says Lakshmi. “She is a fast learner and whenever she got an opportunity to show her teaching capabilities, she always came

forward to demonstrate. She used to work as an instructor in the practical classes. Looking at her teaching abilities, I taught her some teaching skills,” articulated Mr. Javeed. Not only at operating computer, but she also excelled in communicative English and life skills. Recollecting the valedictory function, Mr. Christopher Regan (Communicative English Trainer) says, “The valedictory function is memorable for all of us, it was the event where Laksmi spelled out her complete life in English. It was appreciated by the dignitaries. She has the determination to fulfill the goal of her life.”

Her hard work paid off. Lakshmi completed the course with a fine performance record, earning the appreciation of her facilitators and fellow-aspirants alike. She was soon offered a job as a Faculty in Sillicon Computer Education, with a starting salary of Rs 5500 per month, plus other incentives.

Appreciating her qualities, Mr. Pandu Ranga (Centre Manager, Sillicon Computer Education) says, “Sillicon provides similar skill based training to the BPL youth. Lakshmi has that potential to handle these youngsters with her teaching proficiency.

Although she is physically challenged but she has a big dream which she wants to convert into reality.”

Today, Lakshmi empowers many youngsters by facilitating the skill being taught by her trainers in DB Tech. She has a dream to become a good teacher; certainly this opportunity not only gives her chance to fulfill her goal in life but also the satisfaction to enrich many other.

30

Name: Leena Centre Name: DB Tech (Mysore, Karnataka) Domain: ITES Employer: GRS Fantasy Park Designation: Receptionist Salary: Rs 4000 per month + incentives

Leena

Leena was a young girl, who often found herself in trouble. She was brought up by her parents in Kerala with all the restrictions that a female child faces. She had a desire to go for higher education and want to stand on her own feet, whereas, her father wanted her to get married soon and look at her future in a cultural way. It was really hard for her to pass SSLC without anybody’s support. She was finding herself alone with no one to share her feelings. One fine day when her parents were busy arranging for Leena’s engagement, instantly she expressed her will to study further in front of her sister. Then and there her sister decided to go against their parents to support her to study further. She decided not to let her suffer lifelong. Strongly enough she tried convincing her mother and father, but all her efforts went in vain. Not considering her father’s decision, she took Leena to her husband’s house in Belwatha, Mysore.

One fine day, Leena’s brother-in-law returned home with a pamphlet describing DB Tech skill training courses offered at Roshini centre located in Mysore. With a ray of hope, Leena with her sister and brother-in-law visited the centre. The discussion with the trainers led her join ITES domain, though it was difficult for her to communicate as she has completed her education in Kerala and thus was not good in Kannada. While she feared about the same, the trainers assured her that she will move out with a respectful job and convince her that Kannada language will not keep her behind. During the training, she got to learn Kannada language. Her trainers are of the view that she is one of the dedicated students. Besides that she had always been very respectful to the trainers and the others around her. It will not be wrong to give her a title of the best student of the batch.

Though in the beginning, she used to keep herself away from all the activities, but as the days passed on, she was seen involved in all the day-to-day

There is an example of DB Tech's effort at GRS Fantasy Park

Leena says……….

activities.

Today, Leena feels lucky to be working at a place she used to see in her dreams. She had always heard about GRS Fantasy Park but never thought of entering in. But today, she has been selected by GRS as a receptionist. She is extremely happy to get a job at her fantasy place. The salary she is being offered is Rs 4000 and other allowances.

“I really feel proud of my daughter, when my friends and relatives from Kerala come and tell me that they met Leena in GRS operating computer at the reception,” says Lenna’s father, who objected her for further studies.

With eyes filled with tear, Leena says, “I would have never achieved what I have today if I would have not spoken out.”

Her Manager at GRS Fantasy Park says, “GRS welcomes many more candidates like Leena, who are completely efficient and dedicated towards her work.”

31

Name: Mhachani Patton Centre Name: DB Tech (Dimapur, Nagaland) Domain: Sales & Marketing Employer: DNR Info Technology Designation: Telecaller Salary: Rs 9000 per month

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Mhachani Patton

eing born and brought up in a small town located in Dimapur, Nagaland, Mhachani Patton is a 22 years old girl, who belongs to the Lakhuti village that comes under Wokh district. She is the only child of her parents. Her father passed away when she was in class X leaving the family in the pathetic condition. Her mother runs a small business to look after the family.

Mhachani gave up her studies after completing intermediate as she doesn’t want her mother to be additional burdened for her education.

Though after dropping her schooling, she was unable to decide what to do sitting idle at home.

At the same time she was thinking how she can help her mother to overcome from all the trouble that she is facing.

One of these days, she came to know about the training being provided by DB Tech under BASE program. The moment she noted that the three months training will lead her to be the working member of the family, her happiness knew no bound. Much interested and convinced, she decided to join the training whispering to herself, “It is an opportunity that I should not miss. It is a bestowed sent by God.” After making all the inquiries about the program from the centre, she got herself admitted to the Sales & Marketing domain. Joining the program, she was determined to do her best at the training and learn as much as she can. According to her trainers, she used to be punctual and always keen to learn in the class.

Being a quick learner and an obedient trainee, she did well in her training. Now she was ‘just perfect’ as a Sale and Marketing representative, equipped with all the skills required for Sale and Marketing domain, she was good at convincing people, even her communication skill got improved. She groomed herself very well in just three months.

After the training, now it was the time for the placement. Mhachani was asked to face an interview at DNR Info Technology Pvt. Ltd. situated in Kolkata. Lucky enough, she got through the interview and was offered the salary of Rs. 9000/per month. Her manager says,"She is very punctual, active and enthusiastic at the workplace. She is an asset for the company. We are happy with her good performance.”

Happy enough, she expressed, “Now I am helping my mother in every possible way. I am an

independent woman today; and I am proud of this fact. All this has been made possible by DB Tech’s training. I sincerely thank DB Tech for offering me this opportunity and guiding me to a right path.”

32

Name: Miri Tigga Centre Name: DB Tech (Kharguli, Assam) Domain: Hospitality Employer:Cafe Oromo, Guwahati Designation: Team Member Salary: Rs 4700 per month + allowances

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iri Tigga, aged 21, hails from Rangapara located on the outskirts of Sonitpur district. She is one of those glittering examples who persist with courage and determination despite the inclemency of life. Her poor family background did not deter her from utilising her potentials to earn a decent living and to support her family. This was made possible because of the opportunity provided by DB Tech.

Her father, Benjamin Tigga passed away in 2007 when Miri was studying in matriculation. She was very keen in studies but her father’s death was a hard blow to her.

He was a driver and his meager income was insufficient to make both ends meet. Now the bread winner of the family is no more. So Miri being the eldest in the family has to cope life without support from any corner.

Miri Tigga

She has two younger brothers and two younger sisters, whose future depends entirely on Miri’s capability to support them financially. No one came to the aid of Miri, even her relatives refused to help her giving umpteen excuses. Her hope was smothered and she was getting frustrated. Having no other options, Miri had to discontinue her education, as also her brother and sister.

Nevertheless, fortune still favoured Miri. One day, in the market place she came across a banner hanging over two electrical polls, it was regarding the BASE program running in DB Tech (Kharghuli).

Availing the opportunity, she went to the center with lots of queries in her mind. Mr. Sushil Das, (Trainer, DB Tech, Kharghuli) then answered all her queried. He also mentioned that free food, accommodation and training with assured job placement are the entitlements of the program.

Without much ado, she enrolled herself in DB Tech.

Once again the BASE program served as a ray of hope in someone's dark and gloomy life. “She was inducted in the Hospitality domain and was one of the intelligent, sharp, disciplined and humble candidates. Miri was always eager to participate in any sort of activity, be it interactive sessions or games,” says Mr. Sushil Das (Hospitality Trainer, DB Tech, Kharguli). Availing each of the opportunity to come forward and speak in English, Miri turned out to become a good speaker. She hosted a couple of shows during her training days in BASE. She shared a warm relation with all the trainers and carved her own niche in the hearts of all trainees. At the time of placement, she got short listed for the interview with Café Oromo and was very excited about the whole thing. She excelled in the interview, clearing all the five rounds and is now employed with Café Oromo at a monthly salary of Rs 4,700 plus other allowances. Her joy knew no bound.

Miri has made everyone proud. She is extremely

grateful to all her trainers at DB Tech for helping her overcome the misery of life and letting her live with the head held high. Now, she is not only able to help her family but can also save a portion for education of her siblings. She acknowledged that her life became happier after she joined DB Tech.

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Name: Nafisultana Centre Name: DB Tech (Yadgir, Karnataka) Domain: Sales and Marketing Employer: Hinduja Global Solution Designation: Customer Relation Officer (CRO) Salary: Rs 8500 per month + other benefits

Nafisultana

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afisultana is daughter of Bhanubi, who comes from a small backward village of Annikere. Economically the family struggled a lot to meet household expenses. Still Nafishltana lived a happy life till her matriculation.

After matriculation, because of her father’s death, she hardly experience the same happiness which she enjoyed in her school days. Since her father was the only breadwinner in the family, she could no more continue her studies after this misfortune. Her mother had to manage the family alone. As she wanted to help her mother, she decided to go for some field work as a daily wage labourer. Though, both mother and daughter were earning but the money which was coming in was not sufficient.

One of these days, Nafisultana’s mother came to Yadgir city while returning she met with DB Tech trainers distributing some the pamphlets in the bus.

She read pamphlet about DB Tech offering free skill training program for the poor and needy youth. The moment she completed reading, she decided to ask her daughter to join the program. This was the

day that changed the life of the complete family.

The very next day Nafisultana’s mother took her to the centre located at Yadgir to get her admitted.

She got admission in the Sales and Marketing domain. She used to be obedient, sincere, and regular during her classes, above everything else she was respectful to all the trainers and elders. She was always willing to do everything when she was asked. She used to participate in all the activities very actively.

Today, after completing her three months training in Sales and Marketing, she is working with one of the leading company known as Hinduja Global Solution situated in Chennai. She has been appointed as a Customer Relation Officer (CRO) at a salary of Rs. 8,500 per month with PF, ESI, etc. At present she is happy doing her job and even her family situation is improving day by day. She is really grateful to DB Tech (Yadgir) along with all those who were instrumental in shaping her life.

34 Name: Nagaraju Centre Name: DB Tech (Mysore, Karnataka) Domain: ITES Employer: Parle Agro (More Mega Store) Designation: Promoter Salary: Rs 7500 per month + bonus + incentives

Nagaraju

Nagaraju hails from Gundulpete, which is located in Mysore district of Karnataka. He was the only son to his parents, Mr Javaregowda and Ms Thayamma.

He narrated his misery how he first struggled in his impoverished family and then resigned to his fate with a little hope of ever escaping the clutches of poverty.

One fine day with his certificates in his hands he went out in search of a job to realize that intermediate certificate is not enough to get a good job in the present scenario. This led him decide to start a business of his own. Soon he realized that starting own business is not an easy task. Now from business, his mind switched to work in a transport company. Here again he struggled working hard as a Driver. In fact the biggest problem in this job is that he had to drive hundred miles to reach his workplace, though he decided to take a room near his workplace but he started suffering from home sickness. This time he wanted a career move that can bring him close to his family.

One day, when he was at his uncle’s place in Mysore, he went to the local grocery shop to get milk. He came across a pamphlet stuck at the door of the shop. The pamphlet carried the advertisement about BASE training program being offered by DB Tech in different domains. The advertisement brought smile to his face, as finally he got what he was looking for from a long time.

Then and there, he decided to enroll in the training program. On the career front, this was his final and the most appropriate step taken by him. This decision not only brought him a respectful job with

good salary but also brought him close to his family.

After completing the three months long livelihood training in ITES, Nagaraju is now working in Parle Agro (More Mega Store) as Promoter at a monthly remuneration of Rs 7,500 with extra bonus and incentives. At last, he is thankful to DB Tech, all the trainers and MoRD (Govt. of India) for healing his life through the skill training program.

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Name: Nalini Centre Name: DB Tech (Trasi, Karnataka) Domain: Sales and Marketing Employer: Bharat Petrol Pump Designation: Sales Executive Salary: Rs 4500 per month + incentives She is simple. She is shy. She is quiet. She is a girl, who belongs to an extremely poor family residing at Gangolli in Kundapur Taluk of Udupi district in Karnataka.

She got influenced to join the skill training program Bosco Academy for Skills and Employment (BASE) when her friends told her about this newly implemented program being offered by the DB Tech centre located at Trasi. This skill training program is being implemented

by DB Tech and funded by Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), Govt. of India. After obtaining permission from her parents, she joined the three months vocational training program in Sales and Marketing domain.

Nalini

“One thing I liked about the training is the way the training team assists and helps us to overcome our shyness, hesitation etc. You might not believe but I have maintained a record of all the activities, several moral stories, life skill sessions, action songs taught in different languages and the competitions,” says Nalini while narrating her experience during the training program.

“Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch. Take a step in faith and the victory is thine.”

She found it so true in her life and in so many trainees in DB Tech. By the end of three months, they were fully charged to exercise their abilities and talents in this competitive world. Learning did not get over there. They were ready to get out, bend their backs to work and learn. “With this decisive mind and spirit I left for Bangalore with other 13 more friends from the Sales & Marketing domain to

work at ‘Andromeda’ as a Tele Sales Representative,” says Nalini.

It is rightly said that experience teaches one. It has proved to be true in her case as well. She also learnt great lessons in 2-3 months of work outside the world. Circumstances forced her to quit the job and to move to her native place. Though, the counseling by her trainers and parents again helped her to try the luck in her native place. She agreed to work in Gangolli if she gets an opportunity. The placement team of DB Tech help her to find a job in Bharat Petrol Pump. Now she is working as a Sales Executive at a payment of Rs. 4,500/- per month with incentives.“I wholeheartedly thank DB Tech, Salesians at Don Bosco, and trainers for being instrumental in obtaining for me this wonderful self supporting life. Shine DB Tech, Shine India!” says Nalini.

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Name: Neikhoting Centre Name: DB Tech (Dimapur, Nagaland) Domain: Hospitality Employer: Soothe Lodge and Kauff Restro Designation: Receptionist Salary: Rs 4800 per month + allowances

N

eikhoting comes from a family that has a poor economic status. It is sad to hear but this one statement forced her to give up her studies. She left her studies after completing her intermediate. Being a college dropout and sitting idle at home, she was unable to find a way to go ahead in life. She had lost all her hopes regarding her career and future. It was during this miserable period that she came to know about BASE training provided by DB Tech through her friends. The moment she heard about assured assistance in job placement, she got really motivated to join the training.

Neikhoting

Without giving a second thought, she joined the training program with the hope of getting excellent job. The training program helped her develop her personality and communication skills. Through the Interest Inventory test, she appeared, it was examined that she has a very pleasing nature and thus fits well for the Hospitality domain. The training curriculum, encouragement and guidance provided by the trainers, together with industrial exposures and mock interview training helped her grow easily. She learned up the things very quickly and developed herself learning all the skills required for a perfect job. Her trainers were of the view that during her training, she was very regular, hard working and a sincere trainee. The moment she completed her training, she attended a job interview and performed really well. She got the job

as a receptionist at Soothe Lodge and Kauff Restro at Super Market in Dimapur. Though, initially she was not satisfied with her salary but now she is extremely happy at being paid very well. She is earning the monthly salary of 4800 and other allowances..

When asked how she feels today, she said that DB Tech has taught her the ways of life and has also showed ways for her brighter future. She feels proud at receiving training from DB Tech. Today, she can call herself an independent girl. Even her parents are delighted with her achievement, and don’t mind shouting that they are proud of their divine daughter. With her income she is not only happily managing her own expenditure but also looking after the family needs well.

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Name: Niren Bezbaruah Centre Name: DB Tech (Kharghuli, Assam) Domain: Hospitality Employer: Café Coffee Day Designation: Team Member Salary: Rs 6500 per month + allowances

Niren Bezbaruah

Like any poor youth, Niren Bezbaruah too has his own story of struggle, hardships, endurance and then a moment of triumph. 26-year old Niren lives in the village Bajani, which is situated on the outskirts of Nalbari, Assam.

Like so many others, for him as well the end of BASE training will be the beginning of a career.

“The completion of the BASE training program (launched by DB Tech in partnership with MoRD) will bring in several new opportunities with new hopes and confidence. BASE program will provide a platform and a foundation for career,” he acknowledges. Under this program, the unemployed youngsters get free training, free accommodation, and free food with assured job placement. For some, poverty seems to be an insurmountable obstacle; however a man who has the will to succeed will find the way to go forward. The complexities of Niren Bezbaruah’s life made him

even stronger in his determination to do better in life. The real life situations made him perplexed with no ways to turn, though fortunately BASE provided him with skills and opportunity that matches his talents and aptitude. He joined the DB Tech centre which is located in Kharghuli, Guwahati.

Niren’s father Narayan Bezbaruah is a very poor peasant, who does not own a farm of his own. He works for others to get the insufficient amount to support the family. This led Niren to discontinue his education and shoulder the responsibility to lend a hand to his parents with some earning. He also wanted his younger brother to be educated and occupy good post in Government office, so that his future would be bright. He himself tried for a job in the Government sector umpteen times but failed due to poor English. Through the BASE program offered by DB Tech (Kharghuli), Niren got an opportunity to grab the chance to equip himself with alternative skills to be employed. He was being given training in the Hospitality domain. His trainers were of the view that his docility and friendliness endears him to everyone and he is very keen at learning.

At present, he is working with Café Coffee Day, drawing a monthly salary of Rs 6500 plus other allowances. And Everyone around Niren- his family, friends, and trainers - is happy to see him working.

Niren shared his happiness saying that he is grateful to his teachers and DB Tech for offering him this life transforming opportunity. At the end he exclaimed, “Opportunity comes only once, either you grab it or lose it.”

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Name: Nithin Olivera Centre Name: DB Tech (Trasi, Karnataka) Domain: Hotel Management Employer: Moti Mahal Designation: Banquet Steward Salary: Rs 4500 per month + other benefits “My poor mother was the only bread winner for us as I lost my father a few years ago. Thus, I always wanted to help my mother and wanted to improve the financial condition of my family. For the reason, I completed my matriculation and started looking for some work. I worked wherever I got the chance, be the hotels or in farm. No matter how hard I worked the conditions never improved as the salary being offered was really less,� says Nithin Olivera.

Nithin Olivera

One Sunday, when he was in church there was announcement made by Parish Priest regarding the free 3-month training program being launched by DB Tech in partnership with MoRD, especially for “the poor and needy ones. And it was told that the rest of the details can be gathered by visiting the DB Tech nearest centre located at Trasi. Next day, he along with his sister, who has just completed intermediate went to the centre and enrolled then and there without wasting much of the time. Both of them were admitted Hospitality domain.

He joined the training with great enthusiasm. The training was a wonderful experience for him. He found training to be most appropriate, much helpful and really motivating. The training has not only imparted knowledge and skills to work but has also given him a chance to groom himself, learn etiquettes to perform better in the outside world.

This is the best that could happen to him. He heartily thanks all his trainers for the mentoring.

After 3-month of training, he got a chance to be

interviewed at Moti Mahal, a three star hotel in Mangalore. He cleared the interview and was asked to join the very next day. “The day I got the job was the happiest day of my life. Full of energy and hopes, I started working, and it is after joining that I realized the importance of all that was taught to me,” says Nithin. Regarding his workplace performance, his employer said, “At the work place, he carries out each task being assigned to him quite confidently. The things taught in DB Tech are proving to be really useful in the daily conduct at office. Now he could speak better English.” Better communication in English was due to dialogue exercises, group discussions, and loud readings being exercised during the training classes in Bosco Academy for Skills and Employment (BASE). In Moti Mahal, he is drawing the monthly salary of Rs. 4,500.

Apart from salary, he gets other benefits such as PF, ESI, three times meals, tips and accommodation.

“Let great thoughts and good work by DB Tech may bear abundant fruit on earth,” says Nithin.

39 Name: Ramendra Centre Name: DB Tech (Mohanlalganj, Uttar Pradesh) Domain: Retail Employer: Bata Pvt. Ltd. Designation: Retail Executive Salary: 4500 per month

It was the time, when DB Tech’s mobilization activities were going on in the village Marui, which is located in Mohanlalganj Tahesil, Lucknow (UP). One of the staff members noticed a clumsy boy continuously looking at them with curiosity and zeal in his eyes. He politely invited the complete team to his house; the team went through a biggest shock seeing the miserable condition of the family. Enquiring from the family they came to know that his father is a poor farmer, who cannot bear the expenses of educating his son. And also that Ramendra had just passed his intermediate examination and has discontinued his studies owing to the poor financial condition of the family. The team even learned about Ramendra’s will to work to support the family.

This is when the DB Tech staff members served the boy as per the requirement.

Ramendra

They told him about 3-month vocational job oriented training program conducted by Ministry of Rural Development (Govt. of India) in partnership with DB Tech.

On the day of counseling, he came confidently and filled up the Interest Inventory that decided that he will be admitted to the Sales & Retail domain. The Retail trainers made him aware of the challenges one needs to face while working in the retail sector.

“Work pressure, long hour shifts and the targets are enough to step back, but one needs to be determined. As he was ready to accept such challenges, he started with his training. And very consistently and sincerely, he completed the 3month training. Throughout three months of training he was one of the most disciplined students,” shared the domain trainer.

Ramendra’s hard work and devotion resulted in the form of a job in Bata Pvt. Ltd., Delhi. It’s been five

months that he is working in Bata as a Retail Executive. He has recently been transferred to Hazratganj, Lucknow. What is impressive about Ramendra is his attitude towards working. Even during the time of adversity, he never gave up. He always strives to overcome his short comings. He is now supporting his father and also continuing his studies. He says “DB Tech has changed my life and enlightened my career. Today, I am not what I was few months ago. I advise the youngsters in my village, if they really want to change their life and get successful, they must join DB Tech. I am highly thankful to my trainers and the complete staff of DB Tech Society.” His father is of the view, “My son has now become matured enough. He not only understands his responsibilities but also is working to fulfill all of them. Thanks to DB Tech.” His mother says, “Ramendra has now learnt the lesson of life.

DB Tech has made him strong and capable enough to face the reality.”

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Name: Ramakrishna Centre Name: DB Tech (Quepem, Goa) Domain: Electrical Employer: IFB Industries LTD. Designation: Electrician Salary: Rs 6000 per month

Ramakrishna

Ramakrishna’s family comes under BPL list. This Schedule Tribe family includes father, mother and three male children. Ramakrishna’s father is a farmer; and his elder brother is married and engaged in farming activities that brings in some financial support. Owing to the poor condition of the family, Ramakrishna could study only up to class VIII. Being at home, he didn’t wanted to go for farming. He was interested in doing something different. With this desire he went to Mumbai and started working as bonded labour. After some days, he realized that his earning is really less in comparison to other skilled workers. And noticing that many people are earning handsome salary after going through some skill based training. He admitted that without technical skills he could not get a good job. This mind setup made Ramakrishna restless and he started enquiring about such courses available in the city. He found that some institutions are providing some vocational training program. But due to his low qualification and higher fees demanded by the institutes, he could not find the way. Since things were not going in favor of him in Mumbai. He decided to back to his native place. Reaching home he got the good news from his father regarding DB Tech offering domain specific skill training program in partnership with MoRD (Govt. of India). The training is provided free of cost with placement assurance. His father came to know about the training from the awareness program conducted by the DB Tech team, who mobilizes people by meeting village panchayat.

Hearing this, he contacted DB Tech centre located at Quepem and enrolled himself without wasting

his time. He started off with the training in Electrical domain. He recollects, “At the training, I learnt basics of Electrical, house wiring details, domestic appliances, lighting systems, etc. The practical sessions, site visits, presentations and guest lectures used to be very interesting.” The training not only helped him acquire traits like discipline, leadership but also improved his English, which is really important in the present day scenario. After the completion of training program, He got placed in IFB Industries Ltd. Initially as a Electrician, he used to get the salary of Rs 4500/-per month but within six months, he got a increment. Todayhis salary is Rs. 6000/-p.m. “I thanks DB Tech for all this wonder,” says Ramakrishna.