On November 8, 2024, Don Bosco Tech Society in Thakurmunda launched its fifth batch of the “Skill to Succeed” program, dedicated to empowering a new cohort of future mushroom cultivation experts. This program, designed to foster sustainable livelihoods, welcomed an enthusiastic group of trainees eager to learn the craft and potential of mushroom farming—an industry growing in both economic and ecological importance.

The event commenced at the DB Tech Thakurmunda campus with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, a ritual signifying the journey from knowledge to enlightenment. This symbolic act was led by distinguished guests, including Mrs. Kabita Soren, Anganwadi Supervisor of Thakurmunda’s ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services); Mr. Jagadish Prasad Swain, the Centre Coordinator; Abhimanyu Behera, the Domain Trainer; and Mrs. Rasmita Behera, the Support Domain Trainer. Each guest brought their unique perspective, emphasizing the importance of skill development and self-reliance, making the ceremony both inspiring and purposeful.

In her address, Mrs. Soren emphasized the significance of acquiring practical skills, framing the program as a transformative opportunity for trainees to gain economic independence while actively contributing to community development. Mr. Swain echoed this sentiment, underscoring mushroom cultivation’s potential as a lucrative yet sustainable livelihood option in rural regions. He encouraged the trainees to embrace the program wholeheartedly, highlighting its potential to create both personal and collective impact.

The enthusiasm of the trainees infused the atmosphere with a sense of promise, marking a vibrant start to the 2024-25 training cycle. With this fifth batch, DB Tech has made strides toward equipping local communities with valuable, industry-relevant skills. Under the guidance of dedicated trainers, the participants will not only learn the technical aspects of mushroom farming but also gain insights into the sustainable practices driving this industry forward. This practical training prepares them to contribute to a market in which demand for organic and locally grown produce is steadily on the rise, tapping into an increasingly conscious consumer base.

The event concluded with words of gratitude from Mrs. Rasmita Behera, who thanked the attendees for their support and encouraged the trainees to envision a fruitful future. She also extended appreciation to the state operational team for their unwavering support. As the strains of the National Anthem brought the ceremony to a close, a sense of unity and purpose resonated among the participants, symbolizing the shared journey toward empowerment, self-sufficiency, and sustainable livelihoods.