Loyola Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Bangalore, a part of Loyola Institutions, Mount St Joseph, is a much desired dream of Jesuits. Although, the dream had a humble beginning and it still remains humble in its appearance, by its sheer service of enabling and empowering the poor youth in and around Kalena Agrahara village it has acquired a pride of place in the hearts of people. It is a sheer joy to see the diffident young men and women who enter the portals of this institution return as competent and confident young men and women. Loyola ITI is a Jesuit institution and Jesuit education is always integral. It has something to offer to the head and heart; to hands and feet. Hence, Loyola ITI, although it offers many formal and non-formal courses to make students employable, also provides opportunities to read and reflect, do and design, play and pray, dance and sing, discuss and dialogue. Above all, Loyola ITI is also a place of formation. It transforms our youth into men and women of character. Hence, Loyolites make a difference wherever they go. Last year, Loyola ITI celebrated silver Jubilee of its inception. Over the years, though so many changes have been introduced, something has remained constant in this institution. It is the importance and preference given to the poor and the marginalized youth. Despite all pressures and pulls we have tried to give them the best in terms of facilities and opportunities, teachers and mentors, language and skills so that they become men and women of competence and character; conscience and commitment. Through the Website, as Loyola ITI opens a window to the world outside, I invite the Loyola family – the management and the Principal, the staff and students – to remember its patron, St Ignatius of Loyola and find new pathways towards excellence. St Ignatius, although, short and limping, unlettered and born in a country surrounded by many hills, is a name to be reckoned with in the world today. The name, ‘Loyola’, can be a metaphor, which stands for the realization of a great dream, fulfillment of a determined effort, achievement of a great goal amidst all odds. Ignatius was a relentless seeker of God and this search took him beyond the limits of his time and limitations of his own self. So I wish and pray that Loyola ITI becomes a message and a messenger of a great dream and greater things for God and God’s people, especially the poor.
Rev. Fr. Dionysius Vaz SJ
Provincial, Karnataka Jesuit Province
President, Bangalore Jesuit Education Society