St. Xavier's University, Kolkata (SXUK) inaugurated the Father Verstraeten Centre for Public Policy and Governance (VCPPG) in the university campus on September 3, 2025. The centre aims to embody the university's abiding commitment to academic excellence and its engagement with society through research, dialogue and policy intervention.

Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK delivered the inaugural speech in the presence of dignitaries. Shri Moloy Ghatak, Minister-in-Charge of Law and Judicial Department and Department of Labour, Government of West Bengal, Prof. Shiladitya Chakraborty, Department of Political Science, University of Kalyani, Fr. Dr. Xavier Jeyaraj, S.J., Registrar of SXUK and Dr. Ranjeeta Mukherjee, Dean, Xavier Law School (XLS); other faculty members and students of XLS and different departments of the university were present.

Shri Ghatak reflected on the indispensable role of law as the bedrock of justice and the guardian of democratic governance. He expressed confidence that the centre would not only enrich public discourse but also contribute meaningfully to shaping policies that uphold justice, equity, and the common good.

Prof. Shiladitya Chakraborty offered a deeply engaging academic discourse on the theory and practice of governance in India. He skilfully interwove political philosophy with contemporary challenges, urging the Centre to position itself as an arena for critical inquiry and constructive debate.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Animesh Das, Co-ordinator of the centre.

Dr. Priyanka Bhaduri

Assistant Coordinator, VCPPG