Ladies Only! Sani Tech Course Exclusively for Ladies Launched at St Aloysius ITI
Mangaluru: St Aloysius Industrial Training Institute (SAITI)-Mangaluru, a unit of St Aloysius Institutions run by the Jesuit Priests ( Society of Jesus Congregation) having a legacy of hundred and thirty-one years of service, was established in 1981. SAITI is an institution with a distinctive academic profile, blending itself in commitment to rural ethos and modern spirit is preparing the rural youth for the modern challenges of today. It’s a giant step towards empowering rural youth by training them with job oriented trades. In Conformity with the regulation of the Directorate General of Employment and training (D.G.E.T) under the ministry of labour, St Aloysius ITI is training the students in the technical field ever since it started in 1981, is now permanently affiliated to NCVT new Delhi, Govt.of India with grant aid.
St Aloysius I.T.I. is rendering quality training to its students and makes them self-reliant in various fields at par with industrial requirements. Training is given in 9 different trades of one year or two years duration. After the successful completion of training in the relevant trade, the trainee is eligible for appearing the All India Trade Test (AITT) conducted by NCVT and is awarded the National Trade Certificate (NTC) from the Government of India. This Certificate is valid and Gives preference in getting service during the placement in the National and International Companies. In addition to these, since the last two years, SAITI has launched two Skill Development Centres, partnering with two renowned companies, namely Hyundai Company; and Arvind Motors-Mangaluru- and the third Skill Development Centre was launched recently in association with Jaquar Group (a multi-diversified bathroom solutions brand). Apart from these companies, SAITI has also received help from well-wishers in Britain and Germany.
These days Being a Girl/Lady/woman means standing up for themselves and fighting for their rights of me and those around them; That even though people may judge them, they are able to love themselves and I know that they are powerful and strong; Means accepting themselves and all their flaws; Means that that can be powerful and kind at the same time; Means they don’t have to define themselves; Means that they have an entire world full of sisters; Means they are never alone: and Being a Woman/Lady these fetch them lots of benefits too-from discounts to reserved seats in the bus or first preference in the queue (ladies first) or special ladies nights at lounges with free shots or cocktails and much more. And for that matter, SAITI wanted to do something extra special for being Ladies, by introducing Sani Tech Course exclusively for the Ladies. Looks like a Christmas (Belated) and a New Year gift to the lady students who have joined this institution. Happy New Year, prospective Lady Plumbers?
The launching ceremony of this introductory “Sani Tech Course” began with invoking God’s blessings through a prayer song by Wilson- Junior training Officer at SAITI, followed by a scintillating classical welcome dance performed by Kavya and Seemal-students of SAITI Sewing Technology. The welcome address was delivered by Sakunthala -a student of SAITI Sewing Technology, followed by a brief introductory on Plumbing profession delivered by a couple of students. The Launching ceremony of the “Course” was inaugurated by lighting of the lamp by the Chief Guest, Dr F Joseph Stanley-General Secretary of Skills For Progress (SKIP), along with other dignitaries on the dais namely- Fr Leo D’souza Sj- Former Rector of St Aloysius Institutions/Former director of SAITI; Fr Eric Mathias Sj-Director-SAITI; Vincent Mendonca- Principal, SAITI; Laxmikanth- Area Manager, Jaquar & Co Pvt Ltd; and Romius D’Souza- Jaquar Training Program In-Charge.
Addressing the gathering Dr Joseph Stanley said, ” Skills for Progress (SKIP) is an all India Association of Private Technical/Vocational Training Institutions, established in the year 1969 under the Non- Profit sector with the objectives of enhancing the quality of vocational and technical trainings in the country for institutes that are offering training for employment and self employment for the socio-economic and the marginalized community. To reach out to many of the far-flung areas SKIP operational strategy has been in setting up of 8 regional councils that cover 32 States with a total of 200 Regular Members and 20 Associate Members from all over India. SKIP initiates and fosters alliances with large National level Institutions for collaborations and co-operation. Every year over 25,000 young men and women, more than half of them from rural areas, are trained in about 50 skills in the member institutions. About 40 percent of them are women trained in appropriate technologies and income generating activities.”
Dr Stanley further said, “I am overwhelmed to be associated with SAITI for a long time, and also happy that this course is exclusively started for the ladies. I am happy to note that SAITI is one among the best ITI institutions in the nation, and you, students should be proud and grateful to your institution. Today’s first ladies batch of this Sani Tech Course are the lucky ones because they will be the first bevy of ladies to emerge out as professional plumbers, and go out in the world with the best money making profession. Do you know that in England, a doctor and a plumber are paid equally? So ladies, don’t be shy that you are into a plumbing career, it is not a dirty job-plumbers are very much wanted these days. If there is no water or problem with your tap, the first person to be called is a plumber. So congratulations to the First batch, and may you be the best plumbers that this institution gave to the community, nation and world”.
Fr Leo D’souza Sj also speaking said, “In Germany, plumbers are given the best hospitality when they go to their clients homes-and there will be a couple of chilled beers ready for them in the refrigerator, once they finish their job. There is nothing to be ashamed of a plumbing job. Many think plumbing is a dirty toilet job- no it’s not, in fact, a bathroom with all the plumbing facilities in it is one of the cleanest places in the house. In Western countries, plumbers earn a lot just like the doctors & engineers. I am happy that SAITI has introduced this course for the ladies because they too are capable of doing men’s jobs- and they too have the dignity, talents and strength like men. I am very much confident these ladies will do better in this Sani Teach Course and will make a better living out of this profession. My compliments to Fr Eric Mathias Sj and his bevy of staff for their initiative in introducing this project”.
Also speaking to the audience Fr Eric Mathias Sj said, “I think this project is a dream come true for Fr Leo D’Souza Sj, who always wanted to start something special exclusively for the ladies, and I am sure that this course will go a long way in benefitting the students to become professional plumbers and earn big bucks and make a good living. Since most of our students come from villages, we wanted to help them out with suitable course/profession for their better future. Plumbing job is not a dirty job, it is a very dignified job. I am sure the first batch of these ladies students will do good, and exit out of this institution as professional plumbers, and serve the world. My sincere words of appreciation go to all my staff/colleagues for making this project happen. Together we wanted to make a difference, and YES, we did!”
A few students were presented with certificates for their achievements in the Tata Motors/SKIP joint venture “Learn and Earn Programme”- the names of the students were read by Alwyn Menezes- Tata Motors Training Programme In-Charge. The crew of SKIP namely Hemalatha S (Godrej Beautician Master Trainer); Sumathi-Accountant-Finance Dept; Sharmili- Asst Accountant-Finance Dept; and Renuka I – Project Assistant who had graced the occasion were presented with mementoes. The vote of thanks was proposed by Raghu- a student of Plumbing Tech, and the entire programme was professionally compered by Robin Vas- Junior Training Officer at SAITI.
I end this report with a plumber joke because a little humour goes a long way when a plumber is having a rough day- “A plumber was called to a doctor’s house to do a job. The task was not as big as expected, just some general maintenance and was completed in an hour. After the job was completed the plumber made out a bill for Rs 1500 and handed it over to the doctor. “Rupees one thousand five hundred” the doctor exclaimed, “Why I am a doctor and don’t make that much.” The plumber looked at the doctor and retorted, “I know. I didn’t make that much when I was a doctor either.”
While concluding, “What’s the difference between a doctor and a plumber? A doctor washes his hands after he has gone to the toilet, but a plumber washes his hands before.”