XLRI Jamshedpur trains 35 young men and women with employable skills

Jamshedpur: XLRI – Xavier School of Management has successfully trained 35 young men and women from economically and socially underserved backgrounds, equipping them with employable skills through its Fr. McGrath Skill Development Centre. After six months of rigorous hands-on training in Computer Skills and Data Entry (27 students), Garment and Fashion Designing (3 students), and Plumbing & Electrical Wiring (5 students), the learners’ journey—marked by resilience, growth, and determination—culminated in a proud and inspiring Certification Ceremony held at the XLRI campus.

The event was more than a formal closure—it was a celebration of purpose, opportunity, and the power of second chances. The air was filled with joy and applause as the newly trained students stood tall, ready to take their next steps with confidence and dignity.

The ceremony was graced by a distinguished panel of dignitaries including Fr. S. George, S.J. (Director, XLRI), Fr. Jerry Cutinha, S.J. (Provincial), Fr. Donald D’Silva, S.J. (Convenor, Skill Development Centre), Dr. Sanjay Patro (Dean-Academics), Fr. Pravin Jose, S.J. (Director, Xavier Community College), Prof. Sunil Sarangi, and  Harbhajan Singh (Chief Strategy & HR, XLRI Delhi-NCR).

In his welcome address, Fr. Donald D’Silva highlighted the deep-rooted inspiration behind the initiative—the life and legacy of Fr. McGrath, the Irish Jesuit priest who dedicated his life to the upliftment of the working class in Jamshedpur. “The centre was named to honour Fr. McGrath during XLRI’s Platinum Jubilee, and it continues his legacy of empowering lives through education,” he said.

Addressing the students, Fr. S. George, S.J. congratulated them and urged them to treat this milestone as a launchpad. “The world may define you by limitations, but you now hold the skills to redefine that narrative. Let this be the beginning of your journey as role models and contributors to your community,” he said, drawing attention to the broader mission of inclusion and upliftment.

The students’ journey, which began on January 15, 2025, was outlined by Fr. Pravin Jose, S.J., who noted not only the technical achievements but also the transformation in confidence and identity among the trainees. Several have already secured job offers, including placements with India Post, while others are exploring self-employment opportunities.

Fr. Jerry Cutinha, S.J., in his message, urged the youth to channel their learning back into their communities and be agents of change. Prof. Sunil Sarangi thanked faculty and mentors for their unwavering support, and  Harbhajan Singh offered valuable industry insights, encouraging students to take advantage of growing job prospects in skilled trades and to also consider entrepreneurship in India’s fast-growing industrial sectors.

The most touching part of the evening came from the students themselves. Bindu Lata Bastaray, Rintu Mahanayak, Papuna Pradhan, Romalin Baliar Singh, and Dibani Nayak shared their personal stories—of uncertainty turned into clarity, hesitation transformed into self-belief. Representing the batch, Abraham Nayak delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, acknowledging the institution, trainers, and well-wishers for their support.