30/11/2025
*Industrial Training Maharsi of Millions of Students*
*Revered Fr. Corlis Gonsalves*
*Born on 30 November 1947*
*Chinchwad and Chakan Tenure 2005 to 2017*
On the occasion of the birthday of the *Respected Fr. Corlis Gonsalves,* while reflecting upon his life and work, our hearts are filled with gratitude and pride. With an unwavering faith in the philosophy of Saint Don Bosco, the work he established was not merely the building of an institution, but a divine mission of shaping the lives of thousands of young people. Every effort of his became a guiding light for the future of society.
*Fr. Corlis Gonsalves is a devoted priest of the Don Bosco Society of the Bombay Diocese.*
All his life he remained dedicated to making poor, neglected and deserving students from every state of India self-reliant. He dedicated his entire life to the belief that education alone is the true instrument of social transformation.
*His role in the establishment of the Don Bosco Private Industrial Training Institute is of historic importance.*
For strengthening the foundation of the institute that began in the year 1999, he worked day and night tirelessly. From the construction of the building to securing official government recognition for industrial training, every step was carried out with his personal responsibility and perseverance.
*Because of his visionary leadership, the institute received international-level support.*
Knorr Bremse, Mercedes Benz, Lorch, Schaeffler, Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics, FIAT, SKF, Tata, Mahindra, Godrej, Bosch, Taj, Hyundai, amdocs, Barclays, Accenture, Sandvik, Vetnet, Kirloskar and many other reputed industrial groups extended generous financial, technical and educational support to the Don Bosco Institute. Through this cooperation, the institution reached not only the state level, but also national and international recognition.
*He established a strong connection between the institute and various skill development schemes of the State and Central Government.*
By affiliating with ITI, Modular Employment Skill, NSDC, BARTI and Indo-German initiatives, he opened wide the doors of employment opportunities for students. He skillfully built a bridge between education and industry.
*The courses initiated for youth stand as testimony to his farsightedness.*
Welder, Fitter, Motor Vehicle Mechanic, Draftsman, Electrician, Automobile, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, CNC and Machinist, BPO, Hospitality, Two Wheeler Mechanic, Tailoring and Fashion Designing, Forklift Operator, Auto Electric and Electronics through these diverse courses, thousands of youth gained practical, industry-oriented skills.
*The ultra-modern training center established at Chakan stands as a golden chapter of his work.*
With the cooperation of Late Respected Mr. Anthony Rasquinha, Managing Director of Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics Private Limited, a grand and modern training center was established at Chakan. Through this, his dream of providing advanced technology to rural students was fulfilled. Today, many youth from the Chakan region are working successfully in India and abroad due to this training.
*In the true sense, Fr. Corlis Gonsalves is a priest of the poor.*
He secured scholarships for the education of children from orphaned families, widowed women and families burdened by illness. Many students educated through these scholarships are today serving society with dignity as doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, teachers and social workers. The transformation of their lives is the true fruit of his selfless service.
*The affection he extended to the hostel students was like that of a loving father.*
During his tenure, a nutritious meal system was introduced. Morning breakfast, afternoon lunch, evening snacks and night dinner were provided in a disciplined manner. Because of this balanced diet, the health of the students improved. Along with their bodies, their minds grew stronger, concentration in studies increased and academic results showed remarkable improvement.
*To integrate students from rural backgrounds into urban culture, he introduced various development activities.*
Excursions, industrial visits, festival celebrations, cultural programs and sports competitions instilled confidence in students. Following the ideals of Saint Don Bosco, he aimed not merely to create skilled workers, but to shape responsible and upright human beings.
*His approach toward the teaching staff was disciplined, compassionate and sensitive.*
He firmly believed in the principle of seventy percent practical and thirty percent theoretical training. He ensured that all ITI instructors wore uniforms so that the institution remained disciplined and dignified. He personally extended help during the personal difficulties of teachers. Therefore, the teaching staff held him in deep affection and reverence.
*In 2017, his guidance in the establishment of the Presh*t Social* Foundation became a significant milestone in my life.
At the first award ceremony of the foundation, the first Industrial Training Maharsi Award was conferred upon none other than the *Respected Fr. Corlis Gonsalves* himself. That moment remains deeply emotional and proud for me.
*In 2011–2012, Fr. William Falcao entrusted me to the guidance of Fr. Corlis Gonsalves.*
By his grace, I received the opportunity to serve in this institution, and even today, by his blessings, I continue in this service. Because of the love, guidance and trust of both these priests, my life has been shaped. I shall remain indebted for these blessings throughout my life.
*If millions of youth today are living successful lives, the invaluable contribution of Fr. Corlis Gonsalves stands behind it.*
The work he established will not remain limited to the past but will continue to guide many future generations.
On this sacred birthday, we all bow at his feet with reverence. May God bless him with good health, long life and unending strength for service. This is our heartfelt prayer.
*Heartfelt Birthday Greetings*
*Respected Fr. Corlis Gonsalves, salutations to your life of service and penance*
*Sachin Madhukar Auchare*
30 November 2025
