Posted : March 15, 2026
St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) hosted the 4th International Conference on “Indian MSMEs @2047: Greening as a Global Strategy” on March 13 and 14, 2026 at the university campus.
Organised by the Fr. Lafont Centre for Excellence in Research and Innovation (LCERI) in blended mode, the conference was supported by the St. Xavier’s University Kolkata Alumni Association. The two-day event served as a platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange on sustainability, innovation and future strategies for strengthening India’s MSME sector in alignment with the nation’s Vision 2047.
The conference received 68 research papers and recorded participation from 100 registered delegates from SXUK and reputed institutions across the country. The inaugural session was graced by Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, SJ, Vice-Chancellor of SXUK.
In his inaugural address, Father Felix Raj highlighted the growing importance of sustainability-driven business models in the MSME ecosystem. The session also witnessed the release of “New Frontiers in Commerce and Management Studies”, published by SXUK, along with the unveiling of the book of abstracts for the conference.
The conference featured plenary sessions by distinguished international speakers including Dr. G. Granata from University Mercatorum of Rome, Italy; Dr. Sagi Mathew from Curtin University, Perth, Australia and Mr. Madhurjya K. Dutta from Mekong Institute, Thailand. Their presentations addressed global business perspectives, sustainability frameworks and policy imperatives for MSME development.
A special panel comprising prominent MSME entrepreneurs—Mr. Rajarshi Nag, Co-founder of Drivers4me; Dr. Arijit Banerjee, popularly known as “The Toilet Man of Bengal”; Dr. Vikash Goel of Omnifin Solutions and Shark Tank fame; and Ms. Megha Sarayan of Modge by Land of Cakes discussed challenges and opportunities in adopting green strategies within the MSME sector.
Across parallel technical tracks, experts and researchers presented papers on topics such as sustainability and MSME competitiveness, circular economy, financing sustainability, resource efficiency, digital innovation, and capacity building.
An additional plenary session took place in the second day, featuring Dr. Shabbir H. Gheewala from King Mongkut's University of Technology, Bangkok; Dr. Zainura Zainon Noor from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and Dr. Subhasis Ray from XLRI, Jamshedpur, who shared global insights on sustainability and life-cycle assessment.
A special training session on ‘Efficacy of Research Publication’ was conducted by Dr. Amitava Sarkar, Former Director of IISWBM and MAKAUT School of Management, offering valuable guidance to young researchers.
The event concluded with a valedictory session addressed by Fr. Dr. Xavier Jeyaraj, SJ, Registrar of SXUK and Prof Soma Sur presented the conference summary, followed by distribution of certificates and Best Paper Awards. Dr. Monalika Dey delivered the final vote of thanks.
Dr. Soma Sur
Hony. Director, LCERI
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Posted : January 24, 2026
St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) hosted the second edition of its national-level startup and business hackathon “XavSpark 2.0” on March 19, 2026 at the university campus.
Organized by the Institutional Innovation Council (IIC) in collaboration with the Centre for Incubation, Consultancy & Entrepreneurship (CICE) of SXUK, the event brought together students, young innovators, and startup enthusiasts from premier institutes like IIT–BHU, IIM Bodh Gaya, SCMHRD, Jadavpur University, VIT-AP, Amity University, and SRMIST, etc.
The hackathon aimed to provide an incubatory platform for budding entrepreneurs to pitch disruptive ideas and develop feasible, market-ready business solutions.
Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, SJ, Vice-Chancellor of SXUK delivered the inaugural address, urging students to think boldly and convert their ideas into ventures with real-world impact. Dignitaries and jury members were felicitated for their contributions to the programme.
The jury panel for the final round comprised Dr. Arijit Bhattacharya, serial entrepreneur and angel investor; Dr. Deboshi De, CEO of Smart Management Consultancy; and Dr. Gautam Dutta from SXUK.
Alongside the main hackathon, the event featured multiple competitive activities, designed to assess communication clarity, coding aptitude, and strategic acumen of participants respectively.
In the Business Hackathon, Oillovators from the Institute of Engineering & Management, Kolkata secured the first prize (₹40,000). Team Podhey from SXUK was declared first runner-up (₹30,000), while NeuroDrive from FORE School of Management, New Delhi took the second runner-up position.
In Pitch it Plain, Shri Shikshayatan College claimed the top spot, followed by the Institute of Business Management, Jadavpur University, and SXUK.
In Boardroom Blitz, SXUK won the first prize, Sister Nivedita University bagged the first runner-up position, and SXUK secured the second runner-up spot.
In the Clean Code Relay, UEM (Team 4) won the first prize, Heritage Academy took the first runner-up position, and UEM (Team 5) emerged as second runner-up.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Monalika Dey.
Prof. Soma Sur
President, IIC & Hony. Director, LCERI
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Posted : January 24, 2026
SXUK hosts seminar on environmental awareness
Father Lafont Centre for Excellence in Research and Innovation of the St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata organised a one-day seminar on climate change on January 22, 2026 at the university campus. The theme of the seminar was “Is the Future Safe for Us? – A Look into the Impact of Climate Change”.
The aim of the seminar was to generate awareness on climate change, its far-reaching impacts, and the need for sustainable and adaptive strategies. 230 students of SXUK attended the seminar.
A lecture on “Climate Change: Its Impact on our Planet” was delivered by Rev. Dr. Pedro Walpole, S.J., Director of Research, The Institute of Environmental Science for Social Change, Philippines. Dr. Jayanta Basu, an environment journalist and consultant delivered a lecture on “Sustainable actions that can help mitigate climate change: Case Studies of India” in the second session.
A panel discussion on “Climate Risk: Impact and Adaptation Strategies in Business” took place at the post-lunch session. The panellists included Mr. Jayanta Karmakar, Head EHS & Sustainability, Tata Hitachi Construction Machinery Company Pvt. Ltd.; Dr. Utpal Goswami, Manager (RE), DVC; Dr. Tirthankar Nag, Professor, IMI Kolkata; and Mr. Debraj Sinha Roy, CHRO, MotoVolt Mobility Pvt. Ltd.
The seminar sensitized participants to the pressing issue of climate change and encouraged critical thinking on mitigation and adaptation strategies across environmental, social, and business domains.
Dr. Soma Sur
Hony. Director, LCERI
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Posted : December 20, 2025
Father Lafont Centre for Excellence in Research and Innovation (LCERI) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) in collaboration with India Japan Laboratory of Keio University, Japan organised the second batch of the certificate course on Disaster Risk Reduction Management in online mode from November 22, 2025 to December 22, 2025.
It was a two-credit course comprised of thirty hours. 29 participants joined the course. The course covered key topics related to disaster, risks, hazards and complex global landscape, etc.
The course aimed at creating awareness and enhancing disaster preparedness for field workers of disaster management and others.
Participants were given access to e-learning modules covering disaster types, mitigation strategies, and response plans, video lectures and case studies on disaster management, reference documents, guidelines, and assessment tools for risk reduction.
The course included periodic quizzes, case study analyses, and a final assessment to evaluate understanding of DRRM concepts by the participants.
Dr. Soma Sur
Hony. Director, LCERI
Posted : December 10, 2025
SXUK conducts MDP for bank employees
Centre for Incubation, Consultancy & Entrepreneurship (CICE) in collaboration with Fr. Lafont Centre for Excellence in Research and Innovation (LCERI) and St. Xavier’s University Kolkata Alumni Association (SXUKAA) conducted a four-day Management Development Programme (MDP) from December 5 to 9, 2025 at the university campus.
The programme was designed to upskill the Internal Operations Staff of SBI Life Insurance Co. Ltd. to enhance customer experience through improved internal efficiency, communication, and service delivery.
The participants were the internal operations staff of SBI Life Insurance Co. Ltd. The programme focused on equipping the participants with practical tools and strategies in operations management, leadership, and customer-centric service. Faculty members from SXUK and senior officials from SBI Life Insurance Co. Ltd. were the resource persons.
Participants found the sessions highly insightful.
Dr. Monalika Dey
Posted : November 19, 2025
SXUK organises startup event
St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata organised a one-day startup event titled “Startup Premier League” on November 8, 2025 at the university campus.
It was organized by the Institutional Innovation Council (IIC) in collaboration with the Centre for Incubation, Consultancy & Entrepreneurship (CICE) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata, in association with Techaarohan Bharat Foundation (Startup Ki Pathshala).
The event aimed to provide a dynamic platform for students and aspiring entrepreneurs to explore innovative ideas, strengthen their entrepreneurial mindset, and foster collaboration across institutions. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from various educational institutions from New Town and Salt Lake, including SXUK.
Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK, delivered the inaugural address on the significance of entrepreneurship and innovation in nation-building. Dr. Debasish Ghosh, Head, Technology Business Development & Incubation, Indian Statistical Institute, was the keynote speaker. He focussed on fostering a startup ecosystem and supporting early-stage innovators.
Dr. Arnab Basu, Co-Founder & CEO, Yancha Positive Parenting LLP, discussed the importance of mentorship and perseverance in entrepreneurship and provided an overview of the programme. The Discovery Round Pitching Sessions allowed participating teams to present their startup ideas before a panel of successful entrepreneurs. The jury provided constructive feedback on market feasibility, innovation, and business model scalability.
The event concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Prabhat Das of Techaarohan Bharat Foundation (Startup Ki Pathshala), who highlighted the upcoming phases aimed at nurturing innovative ideas and transforming them into viable ventures.
Prof. Soma Sur
President, IIC & Hony. Director, LCERI
Posted : November 1, 2025
Father Felix Raj delivers lecture on Mother Teresa
Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) delivered an inspiring extension lecture on “Mother Teresa: Instrument for Peace” on October 31, 2025 at the university campus.
The programme was organised by Father Lafont Centre for Excellence in Research and Innovation (LCERI) and the Mother Teresa Chair for Peace of SXUK. All faculty members and officers of SXUK along with dignitaries attended the lecture.
In his lecture, Father Felix Raj highlighted the life and mission of Mother Teresa as a beacon of peace, compassion, and humanity, emphasising her contributions to social harmony and service to the marginalized sections of the society. He also shared his interactions with Mother.
The lecture was followed by an interactive session, where the audience shared their insights and reflections on the theme. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof Gautam Dutta, Chair-Professor, Mother Teresa Chair for Peace, SXUK.
Dr. Soma Sur
Hony. Director, LCERI
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Posted : August 5, 2025
CICE hosts MDP for SBI staff members
Centre for Incubation, Consultancy & Entrepreneurship (CICE) of the St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) in collaboration with the Fr. Lafont Centre for Excellence in Research and Innovation (LCERI) and St. Xavier’s University Kolkata Alumni Association organised a 3-day Management Development Programme (MDP) from August 3-5, 2025 at the university campus.
The programme was designed to upskill the Internal Operations Staff of SBI Life Insurance Co. Ltd. with the objective of enhancing customer experience through improved internal efficiency, communication, and service delivery. Staff members from SBI Life Insurance Co. Ltd. attended the programme.
The MDP focused on equipping the participants with practical tools and strategies in operations management, leadership, and customer-centric service. Faculty members from St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata, and senior officials from SBI Life Insurance Co. Ltd. served as resource persons.
The sessions encouraged reflection on operational practices and fostered innovation aimed at improving customer satisfaction and loyalty. The programme was jointly directed by Dr. Monalika Dey, Professor-in-Charge, CICE and Dr. Soma Sur, Hony. Director, LCERI. Participants found all sessions highly insightful.
Dr. Monalika Dey
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Posted : July 29, 2025
LCERI hosts 6th Doctoral Colloquium
Father Lafont Centre for Excellence in Research and Innovation (LCERI) of the St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised the sixth Doctoral Colloquium on July 28 and 29, 2025 at the university campus.
A total of 39 doctoral scholars of SXUK from various disciplines presented their research papers, highlighting the progress of their ongoing research work.
External experts namely Dr. Saumya Chakrabarti, Professor of Economics and Head, Economics and Politics, Visva-Bharati; Dr. Anirban Mazumder, Professor, West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences; Dr. Subhajit Sen Gupta, Associate Professor, University of Burdwan; Dr. Bidita Bhattacharya, Associate Professor, Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry - COE, Kolkata; Dr. Debjyoti Chanda, Professor, Department of Mass Communication and Videography, Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata; Dr. Asok Kumar Sarkar, Professor, Department of Social Work, Visva Bharati; Dr. Sumati Ray, former Professor, IISWBM; and Dr. Ananda Mohan Pal, former Professor, Department of Business Management, University of Calcutta graced the different sessions.
The discipline-specific sessions encouraged in-depth discussions and provided constructive feedback from the expert panel, significantly contributing to the academic growth of the scholars.
Dr. Soma Sur
Hony. Director, LCERI
Posted : July 26, 2025
LCERI organises national conference
Father Lafont Centre for Excellence in Research and Innovation (LCERI) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) in association with Indian Accounting Association, Kolkata Branch (AOP) organised a one-day national conference on July 26, 2025 at the university campus.
The theme was “Emerging Issues in Accounting, Finance and Management.” The conference received wide support from the St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata Alumni Association.
This conference aimed to provide an interdisciplinary platform for academicians, researchers, industry professionals, and students to deliberate on the recent developments, challenges, and innovative solutions in the fields of accounting, finance, and management.
Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK delivered the welcome address. Dr. Soma Sur, Professor, Xavier Business School & Hony. Director, LCERI and Dr. Ashish Kumar Sana, Professor, Department of Commerce, University of Calcutta and Secretary, IAA, Kolkata Branch (AOP) addressed the audience on the theme.
Dr. Girdhar Soral, former President, IAA and former Professor, Department of Accounting and Business Statistics at Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Rajasthan was the Chief Guest.
Dr. Ananda Mohan Pal, former President, IAA Kolkata Branch (AOP), and former Professor in the Department of Business Management, University of Calcutta; Prof. Satyajit Dhar, Chairman, IAA Kolkata Branch (AOP) and CA Sanjit Sen, former AVP Tata Capital and Partner Upgrade were the esteemed speakers in the plenary session. Dr. Mahasewata Bhattacharyya, Treasurer, IAA Kolkata Branch, delivered the vote of thanks.
More than hundred participants had registered for the conference and about eighty papers were presented in the nine tracks on different topics related to the theme. Each of them received certificates of presentation.
The valedictory session was chaired by CA Sunil Kumar Gandhi, former Professor, University of Kalyani; Dr. (CA) Sanjib Kumar Basu, Dean (Commerce), St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Kolkata; Prof. Ashish Kumar Sana, Secretary, IAA Kolkata Branch (AOP) and Prof. Soma Sur, Convener, LCERI. Prof. Amalendu Bhunia, former Vice-Chancellor, University of Kalyani delivered the valedictory address.
Prof. Soma Sur
Hony. Director, LCERI
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Posted : March 23, 2025
LCERI hosts international conference
Father Lafont Centre for Excellence in Research and Innovation (LCERI) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) in collaboration with the St. Xavier’s University Kolkata Alumni Association (SXUKAA) organised a two-day international conference on sustainable development on March 21 and 22, 2025 at the university campus.
The theme of the conference was “Sustainable Development: Creating a Unified Foundation with Research and Practice.” The conference aimed to foster discussions on sustainable development by bringing together academicians, researchers, and professionals.
Students, scholars, faculty members from SXUK and other national and international institutions participated and presented research papers in this conference. Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK delivered the inaugural address amid the presence of dignitaries.
The distinguished speakers included Prof. Rajib Shaw, Keio University, Japan and UN Science Technology Advisory Group (STAG); Prof. Sutapa Pati, Academic Dean, School of Sustainability, XIM Bhubaneswar; Prof. Siddhartha Mitra, Department of Economics, Jadavpur University; Prof. Sekh Md. Altafur Rahaman, Associate Dean, School of Global Studies, Thammasat University, Thailand; Prof. Sagi Mathew, School of Management & Marketing, Faculty of Business and Law, Curtin Business School, Curtin University, Australia; Prof. Sadhan Kumar Ghosh, Director General, Sustainable Development and Circular Economy Research Centre, ISWMAW.
The conference was structured into multiple plenary and technical sessions, with four different themes, economic, environment, social and interdisciplinary. More than 50 research papers were selected for presentation in the conference.
All the sessions facilitated engaging discussions, allowing scholars and industry professionals to exchange their ideas and research findings. The tracks were chaired by senior renowned academicians from across the country.
A special training session on “Efficacy of Publishing in Social Science Research” was conducted by Prof. Kanika Chatterjee, Department of Commerce, University of Calcutta, aiming to equip young researchers with the necessary skills for impactful academic publishing.
The event concluded with a valedictory session, presided over by Father Felix Raj, S.J., who summarized key takeaways and acknowledged the contributions of participants. Certificates were distributed to the researchers on the final day. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Monalika Dey.
Dr. Soma Sur
Honorary Director, LCERI
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Posted : January 7, 2025
Inauguration of the Online Certificate Course on Disaster Risk Reduction Management
An inauguration program for the Online Certificate Course on Disaster Risk Reduction Management was organized by the Fr. Lafont Centre for Excellence in Research and Innovation of the University, in collaboration with the India Japan Lab, Keio University, Japan. During the programme, a book titled “Fear of Lightning, Safety, and Disaster Risk Reduction” (An Awareness Initiative in Bengali) was also released. The program took place on January 6, 2025, at 11:00 am in the Board Room of Loyola Tirtha on the University campus.
Participants and Resource persons of the course Disaster Risk Reduction Management.
An inauguration programme for the two credit online Certificate Course on Disaster Risk Reduction Management was organized by the Fr. Lafont Centre for Excellence in Research and Innovation of the University, in collaboration with the India Japan Lab, Keio University, Japan on Monday, January 6, 2025 in presence of Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor and Dr. Rajib Shaw, Professor, Graduate School of Media and Governance, and Director, India Japan Lab, Keio University, Japan, the chief guest of the university.
The programme commenced with a warm welcome extended to the guests and participants by Dr. Soma Sur, the Honorary Director of LCERI. The inaugural address was delivered by the Honorable Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J. followed by the book release titled “Fear of Lightning, Safety, and Disaster Risk Reduction” (An Awareness Initiative in Bengali). In his inaugural address, Fr. Vice Chancellor informed about the naming of the university's research center after Jesuit Father Eugine Lafont, a renowned scientist, honoring his 1867 disaster prediction, saving many lives. He stressed the importance of modern disaster management awareness to reduce risks. Dr. Rajib Shaw in his lecture, provided an insightful overview of disaster risk reduction. He covered key topics, including basic terminologies and fundamental concepts, an understanding of the global risk landscape, and the essentials of risk reduction.
Thirty-seven participants including govt. officials, students, scholars, and social workers have registered for this course.
The session concluded with an interactive discussion, where participants shared their real-life experiences in disaster management and articulated their expectations from the online course.
Dr. Soma Sur
Hony. Director, LCERI
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Posted : September 14, 2024
Workshop on “Research Techniques using SPSS”
Fr. Lafont Centre for Excellence in Research and Innovation (LCERI) organised a two-day workshop on “Research Techniques using SPSS” on 7th and 14th September 2024 at the University’s Computer Lab (Room No. 102). Dr. Saugat Ghosh, Assistant Professor at Xavier Business School, served as the resource person for the workshop.
Research Scholars and Faculty Members of SXUK attended the sessions. The workshop introduced the fundamentals of statistical techniques for analysing collected data from various sources using ‘SPSS 24.0’. The workshop significantly benefited the participants by equipping them with practical experience in using the software.
Dr. Soma Sur
Hony. Director, LCERI
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Posted : July 13, 2024
Dr. Soma Sur
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Posted : July 10, 2024
Father Lafont Centre for Excellence in Research and Innovation (LCERI) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised the fifth Doctoral Colloquium on June 26 and 27, 2024 at the university campus.
This two-day event provided a platform for research scholars of SXUK to present the progress of their research work across various discipline-specific sessions.
A total of thirty-nine (39) Ph.D. scholars of SXUK from various disciplines presented their research papers, showcasing the progress and findings of their ongoing work. The discipline-specific sessions facilitated in-depth discussions and constructive feedback from the expert panel, contributing significantly to the academic development of the scholars.
The colloquium began with a welcome address delivered by Dr. Soma Sur, Hony. Director and Ph.D. Programme Coordinator. Dr. Anupam Mitra, Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Commerce and Management addressed the gathering with an introductory briefing and highlighted the importance of participating in colloquiums for academic growth and knowledge sharing.
The discipline specific sessions were chaired by distinguished panel of external experts named Dr. Ananda Mohan Pal, Professor, University of Calcutta; Dr. Arup Kumar Baksi, Professor, Department of Business Administration, Aliah University; Dr. Manik Chakraborty, Former Professor and Head, Department of Law, The University of Burdwan; Dr. Asok Kumar Sarkar, Professor, Department of Social Work, Visva Bharati; Dr. Nilanjana Bagchi, Associate Professor & Head, Department of Psychology, Bethune College; Dr. Rajesh Das, Associate Professor, The University of Burdwan; Dr. Sourav Banerjee, Associate Professor, Mahitosh Nandy Mahavidyalaya and Dr. Subrata Mukherjee, Associate Professor, Institute of Development Studies, Kolkata.
The colloquium fostered a collaborative environment where ideas and insights could be exchanged, enhancing the overall quality of research within the academic community.
Dr. Soma Sur
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Posted : February 24, 2024
LCERI organises FDP
Father Lafont Centre for Excellence in Research and Innovation (LCERI) of St, Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) conducted a two-day Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on February 23-24, 2024 in the university campus.
The topic of the FDP was ‘Advanced Trends in Research Techniques: Series-II on Structured Equation Modelling- Mediation and Moderation’. The FDP was open to faculty members and Ph.D. scholars of SXUK.
The resource persons for the workshop were Dr. Soma Sur, Professor, Xavier Business School, SXUK, Dr. Asim Mitra, Assistant Professor, North Bengal St. Xavier’s College and Dr. Banhi Guha, Assistant Professor, Xavier Business School, SXUK.
The FDP was conducted to deliver conceptual knowledge and hands on experience of the advanced software used for SEM analysis. Participants also learned about Structural Equation Modelling, which is a multivariate statistical technique, used to analyse structural relationships. Participants found the FDP highly enriching.
Dr. Soma Sur
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Posted : September 22, 2023
LCERI organises Faculty Development Programme
In its continuous practice of upgrading the research skills of faculty members, Fr. Lafont Centre for Excellence in Research and Innovation (LCERI) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) conducted a two-day Faculty Development Programme on September 22 and 23, 2023 at the university campus.
The topic was ‘Advanced Trends in Research Techniques-Series-I: Qualitative Analysis using NVivo’. Dr. Arup Kumar Baksi, Professor, Aliah University was the resource person. He discussed various techniques of qualitative research and mixed methods. Participants learnt how to use NVivo and Orange software, which are now in demand in different subjects of social sciences for statistical analysis.
Research scholars pursuing their doctoral studies in SXUK also attended the programme.
Dr. Soma Sur
Posted : March 11, 2023
Prof. Felix Wilfred lectures on social exclusion at SXUK
St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised an extension lecture on ‘Principles and ways to overcome social exclusion in Asia’ on March 11, 2023 at the university campus. The speaker was Prof. Father Felix Wilfred, an eminent academician and theologian from Chennai.
Formerly associated with the University of Madras as the Chairperson of the School of Philosophy and Religious Thought, Prof. Wilfred is the Founder-Director of Asian Culture for Cross-Cultural Studies (ACCS), Chennai.
Father John Felix Raj, S.J, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of SXUK felicitated Father Wilfred on behalf of the Lafont Centre of Excellence in Research and Innovation (LCERI), the research wing of SXUK. In his welcome address, Father Raj reminisced his memories of student life at Vidyajoti College of Theology, New Delhi where he had first met Father Wilfred.
While referring to the practices of social exclusion across the world, Prof. Wilfred narrated his experience of visiting cities in Asia where he witnessed the culture of ‘ghettoization’ that isolates one from others. He said, “Social exclusion is a multi-layered phenomenon. It happens through social, political, cultural and economic aspects”.
He referred to untouchability as the most widely practised process that indulges in social exclusion. “This is a social evil which has been in practice since the mediaeval period throughout the world”, he added.
Referring to Nelson Mandela’s movement to rise against apartheid in South Africa, Father Wilfred said that depriving one from getting opportunity is a perpetrated attack on one’s self-respect and dignity. He said that more equity is needed than seeking equality in society to overcome exclusion. He mentioned Mahatma Gandhi who once said, “Natural resources are for the use of entire human family”.
Father Wilfred strongly criticised the present education system that ingrains the concept of competition among children. He said that it results into rat-race that empowers one student to disparage others and brings disaster to their future. He also added that parents are equally responsible for this as they pamper their children to practise social exclusion in this way. Citing the inequality in getting opportunity to pursue higher education, he said, “It still remains locked in the coterie of rich and powerful class of society”, he added.
In his concluding words, Prof. Wilfred recognised Father Raj’s ‘monumental’ and ‘significant’ contributions to the development of higher education in the state. Besides praising SXUK’s efforts to make holistic development through inclusive education policies, he urged all stakeholders of the University to come forward and join this noble mission to make a better tomorrow.
All faculty members, staff and postgraduate students of the university attended the programme.
Somak Sen
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Posted : February 17, 2023
LCERI conducts workshop on advanced research techniques
In a bid to keep the research scholars updated on recent developments, Fr. Lafont Centre for Excellence in Research and Innovation (LCERI) conducted a two-day workshop cum training session on February 17 and 18, 2023.
The topic was ‘Advanced Research Techniques: Structured Equation Modelling (SEM).’ The workshop was for the enrolled Ph.D. scholars and faculty members of SXUK. The resource person was Dr. Gautam Bandyopadhyay, an eminent Professor, NIT, Durgapur.
Scholars were introduced to the fundamentals of statistical techniques in this workshop. They were taught to measure and analyse relationship between observed and latent variables. All the participants found the workshop highly enriching.
Dr. Soma Sur
Father Lafont Centre for Excellence in Research and Innovation (LCERI) is named in fond remembrance of Father Eugene Lafont (1837-1908), a Jesuit priest from Belgium who worked in India for many years. Fr. Lafont occupies a unique place in the history of modern science in India. He had a passion for scientific research, and he took every measure to instil the same in the minds of his students at St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, ever since he joined the college in December 1865. He was the co-founder of the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science which was established in 1876, the first of its kind in India. He is acknowledged with the honour of teaching Jagadis Chandra Bose, regarded as the first scientist in modern India. Father Lafont is rightly considered as one of the architects of modern Indian science.
To honour Fr. Lafont’s legacy, St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata has envisioned a centre for excellence in research and innovation in the campus with a view to promote a culture of scientific research and to render its service to the humanity at large.
In continuation with the tradition of Jesuits’ commitment to research, the Father Lafont Centre for Excellence in Research and Innovation (LCERI) envisions to initiate and sustain an Inter-Disciplinary culture of Research programmes at St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata and endeavours to promote research and intellectual dialogue with social concerns for development of the marginalized and vulnerable of the society in India.
Dr. Soma Sur
Professor, Professor, Xavier Business School
Honorary Director
Father Lafont Centre for Excellence in Research and Innovation (LCERI)
St. Xavier's University, Kolkata
Action Area IIIB, New Town, Kolkata – 700160, India
Tel.: 033 6624 9875
Email: lceri@sxuk.edu.in
St. Xavier's University, Kolkata 30 Mother Teresa Sarani (Park street),
