V. BHARAT

Bharat, a young orphaned lad from Thirvai, a small village near the outskirts of Chennai belongs to a poor Schedule Caste family and he, along with his two brothers, depends on daily wages for their living. His father used to play band for funerals and Vijaya, his mother was an agricultural coolie. Both of them died of some sickness. Rajasekar, his elder brother is studying in college while Venketesh, his younger brother, is pursuing training in welding trade at Don Bosco Institution. He discontinued his studies since the 9th Std. and was going for agricultural works. It was at this juncture of life that he came to know about Don Bosco Technical Institution where he spent two years learning welding and painting during which he also completed SSLC in private.

There were a lot of initial hick-ups that he faced which also instigated him to go back, however, the Motivation Camp conducted by the Don Bosco Anbu Illam helped him to change his mind and motivated him to successfully complete his two years. Theory had always been his drawback but, he excelled in practical. Soon after the training, he joined a company near his village. Owing to his outstanding performance there he got an offer from a bigger company in Bangalore where he is now earning Rs.4000 per month along with meals and accommodation facilities. It is he who is funding the educational expenses of his two brothers and besides that is saving some amount also.

Seeing the prosperous life of Bharat, many of the youngsters from his village have followed his suit in order to eke out a better living. Bharat, being immensely grateful for the training received at Don Bosco, wants to join the association of Don Bosco past pupils and wants to contribute for the welfare of poor youth.