National convention in Bengaluru brings together industry, CSR partners and Salesians to chart an AI-ready roadmap toward Vision 2031

Marking two decades of youth empowerment through skills training, the Don Bosco Tech Society hosted SkillVention 2026, a two-day national convention held in Bengaluru from February 19–20. The landmark gathering brought together Salesians, industry leaders, CSR partners, policymakers, educators, and alumni to reflect on twenty years of impact and chart a strategic path toward Vision 2031. The gathering created a rare space for dialogue between grassroots practitioners and industry leaders from sectors such as hospitality, aviation, manufacturing, defence, corporate social responsibility, and digital services.

More than an anniversary celebration, SkillVention 2026 emerged as a moment of Salesian renewal—reaffirming the organisation’s skilling mission in the context of rapidly evolving industry expectations, artificial intelligence, and national priorities such as Viksit Bharat 2047. The overarching theme, “AI-Powered Future Skills,” framed discussions on how emerging technologies and digital systems can be integrated into skilling ecosystems while safeguarding human dignity and the holistic development of young people.

In his inaugural address, Fr. Davis Maniparamben underscored that youth empowerment remains a moral responsibility rooted in the Salesian charism. Rev. Fr. George Mathew, Executive Director of Don Bosco Tech Society, echoed this vision while emphasising the importance of strong operational systems and data architecture. 

The first day “Panel of Pioneers,”  brought together leaders who were instrumental in shaping the early vision of Don Bosco Tech. Founding member Rev. Fr. Furtado Adolph reminded participants that while technology and industry demands evolve, the dignity of the young person remains non-negotiable.

The panel featured senior professionals including Ms. Manisha Bhattacharya (Accenture), a long-standing CSR partner,  Mr. P. M. Sriraj, GM Operations at Leela Palace and.Mr. Devi Prasad Mahapatra, former Manager-Communications at DB TEch now at  the International Rice Research Institute and Moderated by Ms. Anita Sharma, one of the organisation’s founding members, the discussion also included representatives from ITC and Schneider Electric, reflecting the depth of industry partnerships built over the past two decades.

The first day also celebrated the organisation’s  journey with the launch of the commemorative Coffee Table book “Grassroots to Global – 20 Years of Skilling with a Heart,” along with a documentary film chronicling Don Bosco Tech’s evolution from modest beginnings to a nationwide network of training centres transforming the lives of marginalised youth.

Cultural performances representing twenty Indian states added colour to the celebration, reflecting the geographic diversity of the mission. The evening concluded with recognition awards honouring outstanding contributions by staff and centres, acknowledging the dedication of teams who have carried the mission forward across the country.

Day two shifted focus to “The Ecosystem & Future of Skilling,” with expert panels exploring policy directions, industry integration, and the evolving role of CSR partnerships in strengthening India’s skilling architecture.

Leaders from NASSCOM, Bosch, and other industry bodies highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and global capability centres in shaping future job markets. Discussions also examined emerging skill demands across sectors such as defence manufacturing, hospitality, aviation, and talent acquisition, emphasising the need for training systems that can respond to rapidly changing labour market dynamics.

CSR leaders from IBM, the Wadhwani Foundation, and the Cognizant Foundation stressed that the future of employability will depend on continuous learning and adaptability. The message was captured in a powerful refrain repeated across sessions:“Learn. Unlearn. Relearn.”

Participants also engaged in critical dialogue on the future of vocational education, examining how Work-Integrated Learning Pathways (WILP) and apprenticeship-based models can strengthen the bridge between training and employment while ensuring long-term career mobility for young people.

A highlight of the convention was the signing of multiple strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading industry and training partners, including NASSCOM and Aerophile Academy, These partnerships aim to expand placement opportunities, strengthen industry-aligned training, and deepen collaboration between skilling institutions and employers.

Running alongside the convention was an Innovation Expo and Job Fair, where training partners, employers, and educational institutions showcased new technologies, career pathways, and placement opportunities. The expo created a dynamic interface between trainees, industry representatives, and skilling practitioners.

As SkillVention 2026 concluded, participants recognised that the strength of Don Bosco Tech lies not only in its scale but in its Salesian heart—a commitment to accompany young people from vulnerable backgrounds toward dignified livelihoods.

Moving toward Vision 2031, the organisation reaffirmed its ambition to train and place one million youth over the next five years, expanding partnerships, strengthening digital systems, and deepening industry engagement.

In doing so, Don Bosco Tech continues to ensure that every skill imparted becomes not merely a pathway to employment, but a foundation for dignity, identity, and hope.