Parasmani, Centre for Research and Social Outreach of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata (SXUK) located at Ratnapally, Santiniketan, Bolpur, was blessed by Fr. Anthony Raj, local parish priest and inaugurated by Fr. Felix Raj, Vice-Chancellor of SXUK on Saturday, July 10th. The Jesuit priests of the University, local Priests, Sisters and some neighbours had joined the inaugural ceremony.

Parasmani, Centre for Research and Social Outreach of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata

Parasmani, owned by the Jesuit Society of Calcutta for many years, has now been handed over to SXUK for its research and social outreach activities. At the inaugural ceremony, Father Felix Raj said, 'The Centre shall, therefore, be upgraded in due course of time, with the latest technological and reference materials so that scholars, particularly from the domain of Social Work, Literature and Management can focus on high-end research that shall ensure the percolation of the research outcomes to the rural populace'.

'It is also envisioned to act as a collaborative link between Viswa Bharati University that was established by the country's first Nobel Laureate, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore and St. Xavier's University', he added. To this effect, Fr. Vice-Chancellor has appointed a Research Committee under the leadership of Dr. Mourlin Fernando, Assistant Professor of Xavier Business School, SXUK.

Parasmani shall also be a Centre of regular formation and training for faculty and students of SXUK. As its first programme at Parasmani, the St. Xavier's University plans to organise a seminar on 'Jesus Christ and Rabindranath Tagore - Their World Views', in the first week of August.

- Mr. Vatsal Chirimar