St. Xavier's University Kolkata Alumni Association (SXUKAA) celebrated Philanthropy Day on August 23-24, 2024, marking the 70th birthday of its President, Fr. John Felix Raj, SJ. This annual event was to honor Fr. Felix Raj's dedication to serving humanity.

This year, Fr. Felix Raj shared his special day with the underprivileged children from neighbouring villages. Students of the Centre for Social Outreach Programme (CSOP), under the patronage of the Alumni Association, organised a Blood Donation Camp and Sishu Mela, featuring game stalls, a tattoo corner, magic and puppet shows.

The children from the villages participated in the mela and performed on stage alongside CSOP volunteers. A total of 227 units of blood were collected during the blood donation camp, making it a resounding success.

SXUKAA felicitated Fr. Felix Raj, and the event concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony. In a heartfelt speech, Fr. Felix Raj expressed his joy and sentiments, thanked the SXUKAA, making it a memorable day for the university community.

On August 26, Fr. Felix Raj sponsored a lunch for 130 inmates of the St. Joseph's Old-age home and spent time with the aged people during lunch.

Sweta Banerjee