Navsari: Philanthropist and Padma Vibhushan awardee Mr A.M. Naik inaugurated a 118-capacity ‘Mukul Boys Hostel’ at the Anil Naik Technical Training Centre in Kharel, near Navsari. A similar capacity ‘Pratiksha Girls Hostel’ was inaugurated in November 2020. Both hostels and the training centre form part of the expansive Maninagar Education Campus which will be a boon for youths from the districts in the region, especially from far-off villages.

The Anil Technical Training Centre, set up by the Naik Charitable Trust, is part of the personal philanthropy of Mr Naik, Chairman, Larsen and Toubro. It is the first institute to introduce the concept of skill training for school drop-outs in south Gujarat. Since inception, over 3600 students, including 1100 girls have graduated from the Centre. The NSDC-accredited centre has a placement rate of over 90%.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Naik said: “High quality skill-training can be a social game changer. It opens doors to opportunity for youths of both genders and is the key to sustainable progress. This Training Centre is performing an excellent function, and will continue to make a difference to the young men and women of the community.”

Mr Naik added that he was always on the lookout for opportunities to identify and encourage young talent. As an example, he said that he had recently spotted a gifted young man – Dipak Rajput, hailing from Navsari District on a popular TV show. Although suffering from dwarfism, Dipak is an accomplished dancer. Impressed with his dance and performance of aerial stunt on the TV show, Mr Naik has decided to publicly recognize his accomplishments through an award of Rs 1 lakh. He said that the country did have hidden talents, and it was the responsibility of all citizens to bring the talent to the fore.