Xaverians in Action (XIA), the social outreach wing of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) conducted its first two-day leadership camp for its students at Parasmani, Centre for Research & Social Outreach at Santiniketan on March 26 and 27, 2022. The theme of the camp was ‘Leaders for Social Change’.

The camp began in a blended mode with an inaugural address by Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J. He advised students on how to be better persons, explore and see the better version of themselves and ultimately contribute towards social development.

The first session was presided over by Sister Lucy Besra, a lawyer who inspired the participants to focus on the optimism and strengths that the Almighty has bestowed upon us rather than dwelling on the darkness and limitations of life.

The second session was taken up by Dr.Sujit Kumar Paul, Professor of Rural Development and Management at Visva-Bharati. He delivered a lecture on Tagore’s philosophy on rural reconstruction.

Twenty eight (28) XIA volunteers from various departments of the University joined this camp. The participants visited the Elmhirst Institute of Community Services, an NGO which carries out various social work activities to improve the plight of the abandoned women and children and the local community. They also visited SonajhuriHaat, a famous shopping place for visitors to experience the rural life and culture of West Bengal with tribal dances and folk songs.

Rev. Dr.Mourlin Fernando, S.J., Professor at Xavier’s Business School conducted a session on leadership training and emotional intelligence on the last day. Paritosh Majumdar, the Social Work Programme Coordinator shared the vision of the University to support and empower the neighbourhood village community which the University has already adopted.