Xaverians in Action (XIA), the Social Outreach unit of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata in collaboration with XAVECOS, the Economics Society of the University celebrated the Bhasha Diwas (International Mother Language Day) on February 21, 2022 in the University campus. The XIA also organized an event to celebrate the World Day of Social Justice on the same day.

The programme began with one minute of silence to pay respect to the departed soul of late Mr. Sadhan Pandey, Minister of Consumer Affairs, Government of West Bengal.

To commemorate the contribution of the martyrs to save the honour of the mother language in East Pakistan on this fateful day, a cultural programme was organized by XIA. Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Fr. John Felix Raj, S.J. and other dignitaries of the University lit the lamp to begin the programme. Fr. Raj shared his thoughts through an inspiring speech showering the values and sentiments associated with everyone’s mother language. He also put a light on the importance of social justice. He advised the student community to respect and work for maintaining the national integration amid linguistic and cultural diversity.

The cultural programme included group songs and group dance performed by the students. A dance-drama on national unity was performed by the student volunteers of XIA. A debate competition on the Union Budget – 2022 and a quiz competition on current affairs were organised at Fr. Albert Huart Hall, Arrupe Building. A huge number of students along with faculty members were present in the celebration.

Paritosh Majumdar