Jamshedpur – In a moving celebration of transformation and purpose, XLRI – Xavier School of Management hosted the Certification Ceremony for the 4th Batch of the Fr. McGrath Skill Development Centre on June 21, 2025 at its Jamshedpur campus.
The event marked the culmination of a 6-month journey undertaken by 35 young men and women from underserved communities, who successfully completed training in Computer Skills and Data Entry (27 students), Garment and Fashion Designing (3 students), and Plumbing & Electrical Wiring (5 students).
The dignitaries present included 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), Fr. Joseph Mathew, S.J., Prof. Sunil Sarangi, and Mr. Harbhajan Singh (Chief Strategy & HR, XLRI Delhi-NCR).
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A Mission Rooted in Legacy
In his welcome address, Fr. Donald D’Silva, S.J., traced the origins of the initiative to the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of XLRI. “We wanted to return to our roots. Fr. McGrath, a beloved professor and missionary, dedicated his life to the labour class. He was revered not just as an educator but as a visionary who changed lives,” he said. The renaming of the centre in his honour is a tribute to his enduring legacy and commitment to social upliftment.
Wisdom with Conviction
In his keynote address, Fr. S. George, S.J., congratulated the students while urging them to view this milestone as a beginning. “Remember, statistics say the poor often stay poor due to a lack of role models and guidance. With the right opportunity, anyone can thrive. This is your moment to dream and drive your own story,” he shared.
A Journey of Hope and Transformation
Fr. Pravin Jose, S.J., outlined the journey that began on January 15, 2025. “These students, many of whom arrived unsure of their future, leave with confidence, new skills and in some cases, job offers—including one at India Post,” he noted.
Fr. Jerry Cutinha, S.J., offered a heartfelt welcome and encouraged the students to apply their learning for the benefit of their communities. Prof. Sunil Sarangi extended gratitude to all stakeholders for their continued support and belief in the initiative.
Mr. Harbhajan Singh, Chief Strategy & HR at XLRI Delhi-NCR, underlined the importance of attitude in success, drawing from his professional experiences. He spoke about practical job opportunities in skilled trades and encouraged students to consider both employment and self-employment paths, especially in India’s growing industrial hubs.
Celebrating Success, Embracing Purpose
The event also featured students sharing their experiences—Bindu Lata Bastaray, Rintu Mahanayak, Papuna Pradhan, Romalin Baliar Singh, Dibani Nayak—with Abraham Nayak delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the batch. The celebration concluded with a cultural program showcasing the students’ talents and skills.
This initiative stands as a testimony to XLRI’s founding vision—transforming lives through education and dignity of labour. By offering opportunities where they’re needed the most, XLRI continues to live its motto: For the Greater Good.
