Click on the picture to zoom

St. Xaviers University: the dream that counts

Read online

St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) hosted a two-day international conference on the theme of ‘Integrating Ignatian Pedagogy into Research and Practice’on December 11 & 12, 2021 at the University campus. This conference is a testimony to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the cannonball moment of St. Ignatius. As the Jesuit community across the world celebrates the Ignatian year between May 2021 – July 2022, this conference is an endeavour of SXUK to unite scholarson Ignatian philosophy. Academicians from SXUK and across the world presented their valuable research works on different sub themes in the conference. The Welcome Address was delivered by Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, SJ. The inaugural address was presented by Rev. Fr. Jerome Stanislaus D’ Souza, S.J., President, Jesuit Conference of South Asia.

At the onset, Rev. Fr. Felix Raj extended a very warm welcome to Rev. Fr. Stany D’Souza and others presented.“As little drops of water make a mighty ocean, our little moments of life make our life big and worth living,”he uttered.He also mentioned that humility and meekness are hallmarks of leadership which the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius teach us.In his inaugural address, Rev. Fr. Stany D’Souza complimented SXUK for organizing the conference on the Ignatian theme.He also expressed hopes for the University to rekindle the pious fire of St. Ignatius in each Xaverian so that we may relive the mission and vision which Ignatian philosophy brought in this world.

Two different panel discussions were held entitled ‘Challenges in Higher Education and Jesuit Response’ and 'Ignatian Spirituality for Life and Leadership’ respectively. On the second day, the inaugural address was delivered by Rev Fr. Jeyaraj Veluswamy. He specially mentionedthat ‘personal and social transformation are at the heart of Ignatian leadership paradigm’. During the valedictory session, Rev. Fr. Felix Raj stated that the vision, mission, and motto of SXUK are based on the Ignatian charism and principles. This has helped to create a learning environment where these values can be realised, appreciated and imbibed, he further added. The Vote of Thanks was offered by Fr. Dr. Mourlin, S.J.

Rev. Fr. Dr. Mourlin S.J. and Dr. Ipsita C. Patranabis

The Xaverians In Action (XIA), theSocial Outreach wing of the St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) celebrated the Children's Day on November 15, 2021 in the university premises. A group of thirty (30) children along with their parents from the neighbouring villages participated in this event. This was the first physical event organised for the children from the local villages during the pandemic period.

SXUK has been supporting the children of neighbouring villages in every possible way e.g., academic, social, economical etc. During the pandemic period, the student volunteers of the XIA conducted online classes for these children.

This celebration was rewarding and satisfying for both the invited children and their parents and equally to the students of the University, who were directly involved in the proceedings. The student volunteers visited the local villagesnamely Kathalberia, Kulberia, Dharmatala-Panchuria and distributed the gift-hampers to four hundred (400) children who were not physically present in the campus on that day.

Reported by Paritosh Majumdar
Social Work Programme Coordinator

Growth and economic development of any country, lie in the entrepreneurial ability of its citizens. A huge proportion of the students of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata are from Business families and with strong business acumen and mindset, and many of them are potential entrepreneurs. In this backdrop, Centre for Incubation, Consultancy & Entrepreneurship (CICE) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata has conducted an orientation programme on Business Planning: ‘Seed-Biz’. The Inaugural eConference of SEED-BIZ was followed by submission of business plans by budding entrepreneurs, evaluation by esteemed Jury Panel from Industry & Academia, felicitation of the highest ranked plans and individual Expert session for each business plan group to make plans more robust to implement in near future.

The Felicitation programme started with kind blessings and welcome address by Rev. Fr. Dr. J. Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor, St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata.

Father VC mentioned that how an entrepreneur multiplies, and a manager keeps adding. ‘Entrepreneurship’ with high emerging power in the world works as a locomotive for the economic development of a country. In India, entrepreneurs have come a long way in breaking the financial and social barriers. MSMEs have been the backbone of Indian economy and is one of the most crucial segments that let the economy grow by leaps and bounds. The pandemic outbreak and the consequent stoppage of economic activities have made great impact on MSMEs having access to limited financial resources, limited borrowing capacity due to the disproportionate presence in economic sectors affected by social distancing measures and transport disruptions. Various types of SMEs such as village handicraft makers (weaving, embroidery etc.), potteries, dying, small machine shops, food processing, pharmaceuticals restaurants, knitting, small dairy process etc. are becoming increasingly important to economic development in India.

Father VC has mentioned how ‘SEED-BIZ’ emphasized on importance of strong business planning, robust revenue model, uniqueness of business ideas, and strategies behind successful business. 22 Business plans were submitted by 53 students in groups from various courses of the University and these students have shown great interests towards various sectors with major focus on Food & Beverages, Biotechnology, Tour & Travel, Data & Security, Information Technology, Boutique, Fashion, Health & Wellness, Beauty, Education & Training and Gaming Console. Father VC has congratulated all the students who participated to ‘SEED-BIZ’.

‘SEED-BIZ’ worked towards empowering budding entrepreneurs to be catalysts of change, importance of strategy, opportunities, industry leaders connect, and majorly, how to improve the business plans to implement in near future. The orientation programme Seed-Biz has identified the potential budding entrepreneurs from St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata and their focus business categories. Father VC has mentioned that such programmes will always inspire students to think of entrepreneurship and explore possibilities.

Members of esteemed Jury Panel Mr. Atanu Ghosh, Dr. Gautam Dutta, Dr. Sanjib Kumar Basu, Mr. Sumit Ray praised students of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata for sincerity, enthusiastic approach towards diverse sectors, with innovative ideas, capturing real potential in their plan, without having any practical experience. They mentioned connection between economic environment and entrepreneurial mindset. The 7 essentials for Business planning are simple plan, market focus, over estimation of cost, support team, continuous assessment of plan, understanding the commitment behind establishing the business. Now, in India, financial support, technical support, human resource support - all three important contributors to successful entrepreneurship are available.

Pro. Ashis Mitra, Registrar, St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata has announced the name of the ‘SEED-BIZ’ Rank holders.

The Felicitation programme ended with interaction with Winners, and post that Vote of Thanks by Ms Bidisha Roy, Executive Director- CICE, St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata.

Individual Expert session for each business plan group were arranged through breakout rooms to make plans more robust to implement in near future.

Dignitaries present during the Felicitation programme were:
• Rev. Fr. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J. Vice-Chancellor, St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata

• Pro. Ashis Mitra, Registrar, St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata

• Mr. Atanu Ghosh, Managing Partner- BlueBeaks Solutions LLP; Founder & CEO- Salt n Soap, Visiting Faculty- XLRI, IIM Calcutta, IIM Udaipur

• Dr. Gautam Dutta, Professor, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), Kolkata

• Dr. Sanjib Kumar Basu, Associate Professor and Dean, Postgraduate and Research Department of Commerce, St Xavier’s College, Kolkata

• Mr. Sumit Ray, COO, Allindia Technologies Ltd.

• Ms Bidisha Roy, Executive Director, Centre for Incubation, Consultancy & Entrepreneurship (CICE), St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata

Ms. Bidisha Roy
Executive Director, CICE, St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata

St Xavier's University, New Town, kolkata has decided to introduce courses in statistics and computer science from 2022 based on feedback from those working in industry, academics, parents and students.

The courses with specialisation in data analytics would be introduced at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

The university sought feedback over a month and a half starting from mid-July from the parents of current and former students as well, over digital platforms.

Vice-chancellor Father Felix Raj said the respondents gave their opinion on four areas: relevant to industry requirements; in demand with the students of the city and state; innovative with regard to curriculum design and pedagogy and relevant to current educational trends.

After analysing the data, the university has decided to start a faculty of science with courses in statistics and computer science, he said.

The university will also start a UG and PG course of philosophy as planned earlier, Fr. Vice- Chancellor said.

So far the university ran courses in commerce, management, law, mass communication and humanities.

The course that was high on demand among the respondents was statistics...," he said.

"Courses such as sociology, BEd, Comparative Religion and foreign languages were also suggested," added Vice/ Chancellor. "Among the respondents 60 per cent were students, 13 per cent were industry professionals. The respondents included 16 per cent academicians and 10 per cent parents," said an official official.

The university was inaugurated in 2017 and within four years, it had 3,300 students on its rolls.

India today has listed SXUK as one of the emerging universities in India with potential for high ranking.

Subhankar Chowdhury
Courtesy: The Telegraph Read online

TWO-DAY VIRTUAL WORKSHOP ON
'Framing a Dissertation Topic : Methodology & Techniques'
Date : 23rd of July and 24th of July, 2021
Department of Commerce (Morning Section)

A two-day virtual workshop was organised by the Department of Commerce (Morning Section) via Google Meet for the M.Com 2nd year students on 23rd and 24th of July 2021. The webinar began with a Welcome Address by Rev. Dr. Soosai Nayagam, S.J., Associate Dean of the Faculty of Commerce and Management (Morning Section). This was followed by a formal introduction of the speaker, Prof. Tanupa Chakraborty, Department of Commerce, The University of Calcutta, by Prof. Sovik Mukherjee, Academic Coordinator of the Department of Commerce (Morning Section).

Reported by Arajita Saha, Student of Semester III MCOM (Morning Section)

WEBINAR ON Do's and Don'ts During the Pandemic : Students' Perspective
Date : 19th of July, 2021
Department of Commerce (Morning Section)

A webinar on the "Do's and Don'ts During the Pandemic: Students' Perspective" was organized by the Department of Commerce (Morning Section) on 19th of July 2021 from 11 am onwards. The Conveners of the webinar were Profs. Sneha Singh and Sovik Mukherjee of the Faculty of Commerce and Management. The Resource Persons were Shri Ashish Kumar Panda, Central Secretariat Service Officer, Government of India; Dr. Rajlaxmi Srivastava, Associate Professor under Faculty of Management at SRM University; and Shri Niraj Agarwal, National Level Faculty of Art of Living and State Coordinator for Maharashtra. The webinar was attended by around 200 participants - postgraduate and undergraduate Commerce students and the faculty members from the Department of Commerce (Morning Section). Students from other departments also joined and participated.

St. Xavier's University inaugurates Centre for Research and Social Outreach

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

Vaccination Drive for Xaverians

A COVID Vaccination Drive was organized at St. Xavier's University, Kolkata on 3rd July, 2021 for the benefit of the students and alumni of the University. The initiative was taken by St. Xavier's University Kolkata and St. Xavier's University Kolkata Alumni Association in collaboration with the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal. Shri Rajesh Chirimar, Member, Board of Administrators, Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation was the Chief Guest on the occasion.

Rev. Fr. John Felix Raj, SJ, Vice-Chancellor, St. Xavier's University, Kolkata expressed his gratitude to the District Administration of North 24 Parganas for their support in the endeavor. He said that the University has been pro-actively responding to the COVID-19 outbreak and has taken several initiatives including setting up of a Safe-Home. Mr. Rajesh Chirimar assured his full support to St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, particularly for the efforts that the University is taking to reach out to the rural areas.

More than 200 beneficiaries including students, alumni, their family members and construction workers of the University were vaccinated in the drive. The event was organized with the active support of St. Xavier's University Kolkata Alumni Association (SXUKAA).

- Mr. Vatsal Chirimar

View Gallery

COVID Vaccination Drive at SXUK

St. Xavier's University, Kolkata (SXUK) and St. Xavier's University Kolkata Alumni Association (SXUKAA) organised a COVID-19 Vaccination Drive in collaboration with the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal on Wednesday, 23rd June, 2021 at the University's campus. The camp was supported by the District Administration of North 24 Parganas, and Shri Sumit Gupta, IAS, Hon'ble District Magistrate, North 24 Parganas graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Rev. Fr. John Felix Raj, SJ, Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor, St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, expressed his gratitude to the District Administration, and all those who were involved in making the event a success, for their support. He said that the University not only realises its responsibility towards its staff and students but also the neighbourhood. Shri Sumit Gupta, IAS, praised the efforts of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata during the COVID pandemic and assured his full support to all its activities.

It is noteworthy to mention that during the last 15 months, St. Xavier's University, Kolkata has taken several steps to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, like distributing relief materials in the neighbourhood and starting a 40-bed Safe Home in the Campus.

Almost 200 beneficiaries, including Jesuit Fathers, university staff, security personnel and construction workers received their jabs in the drive. Father Vice-Chancellor also announced that more such drives will be conducted in the future. The initiative received the active support of the Alumni Association. View Gallery

- Mr. Vatsal Chirimar

View Gallery

The Telegraph, Kolkata, 15 Jun 2021

The Telegraph, Kolkata Dated: 16 June 2021 View Weblink View PDF

A COVID-19 Vaccination Camp was jointly organised by the Siddhartha Shankar Ray Foundation and Nandlal Chrimar Memorial Trust on June 3, 2021 at Bidhannagar Community Hall.

State Minister Shri Sujit Bose, Fr. Felix Raj, Vice-Chancellor of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, Sr. Shirley Sebastian of QMS, Shri Rajesh Chirimar, Local Municipal Councilor and Secretary of SSRF and Mr. Vatsal Chirimar, Secretary of St. Xavier's University Alumni Association (SXUKAA) jointly blessed and inaugurated the camp.

Around 850 vaccine doses were administered in one day.

Webinar by XIA to spread awareness on various Social Issues through Art and Creativity

The students of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata assembled virtually for a webinar hosted by the Xaverians in Action (XIA) on the 8th of May 2021, aiming to spread awareness on various Social Issues through Art and Creativity.

Various social issues like Child Abuse, Domestic Violence on Women, Women's Empowerment, Rights of the Aged and Disabled, LGBT Community, Tribals/Dalits, Prostitutes, Global Warming and Environmental, Migrant Labour Crisis and the Farm Laws in India were discussed.

Honourable Vice-Chancellor, Dr. John Felix Raj, SJ graced the event and delivered a message to the student community. He shared interesting anecdotes about the contributions made by the students of St. Xavier's College (Autonomous), Kolkata as they participated actively in the College-to-Village and Village-to-College, a flagship project that gave birth to St. Xavier's College (Raghabpur Campus) which caters to 1200+ village youth of South 24 Parganas. He also emphasised upon the need for all Xaverians to be sensitive towards social issues and exhibit solidarity towards the marginal, poor and needy.

Dr. Chetan, Dean of Arts and Social Studies, delivered an impactful speech on Art and Social Issues.

XIA Committee members used this opportunity to spread awareness on the outreach activities undertaken by the University especially the University-to-Village and Village-to-University (UVVU) Programme which was started by Honourable Father Vice-Chancellor.

- Mr. Paritosh Majumdar,
Social Work Programme Coordinator

Xaverians in Action (XIA) conducted a webinar on 'Covid-19: Battling the second wave and understanding the vaccine drive' on 6th May 2021. Its aim was to spread awareness as well as to clarify Covid-19 related doubts of the attendees. Dr. Rahul Jain (Consultant Physician and Diabetologist from Belle Vue Clinic) was the Key Speaker of the Webinar.

Dr. Jain, in his Keynote Address, stated the importance of wearing a mask and staying indoors at all costs. He also demonstrated the correct method of wearing an N-95 mask. Subsequently, Dr. Jain responded to queries some of which were vaccine-related. Questions like would Covishield or Covaxin be a better option; how the healthcare industry or government plan on rolling out vaccines during this shortage period; side effects of vaccines and several others were answered. Kindness to one another during this challenging time was a key message to everyone by Dr. Jain.

To conclude the Webinar, an online Quiz on Covid-19 was conducted to make it more interactive and engaging, with over 100 students competing against each other. The enlightening discussion ended with a vote of thanks from the whole XIA Committee.

- Mr. Paritosh Majumdar,
Social Work Programme Coordinator

Safe Home at Chetana being blessed by Bishop Salvatore Lobo

St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, an abode of learning, forming men and women for others, could not be averse to the sudden trajectory demand of beds for individuals suffering from COVID-19 in the government and private hospitals. Fr. John Felix Raj, Vice-Chancellor took a clarion call with a team of committed faculty and officers to extend a part of the Arrupe Building (library block) to be converted into a Safe Home for accommodating corona patients in and around the university.

The Safe Home has provisions for 40 beds backed by a team of doctors, nurses and paramedical staff and a special provision for individuals in need of oxygen. The Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, HIDCO and District Administration of North 24 Parganas have kindly consented to partner with us in this noble endeavour undertaken by an academic institution.

Admissions of COVID-19 patients are monitored by a galaxy of medical specialists of Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute in collaboration with the team at St. Xavier's University, Kolkata.

In response to the West Bengal CM's request, The Catholic Diocese of Asansol in co-operation with St Xavier's University has started three isolation units for Covid-19 patients in Burdwan and Asansol. "The Chetana Ashram in Burdwan has 30 beds in seven rooms," said Vice-Chancellor Father Felix Raj. In Asansol, St Joseph's School has for 60 beds in eight classrooms and Loreto School has 50 beds for women patients The Vice-Chancellor Fr. Felix Raj said, "Each one of us has a responsibility to contribute in our own humble way to alleviate the sufferings of humanity. It is time now to heal the world".

mariomartinlouis@yahoo.co.in
Nodal Officer
SXUK

The Society of Jesus is observing the 500th anniversary of St. Ignatius' "Canonball Moment" and the Ignatian Year from May 20, 2021 to July 30, 2022. The Inaugural Programme was held on May, 20, 2021, Thursday, at 11:00 a.m. to 12:00p.m. on virtual platform (ZOOM) at SXUK.

At the onset of the programme, a short video on "the Life of St. Ignatius Loyola" was screened. The short film provided insights on the transforming experience of personal conversation of the Founder. Honourable Vice-Chancellor of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, Rev. Fr. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J. inspired the audience with his motivational speech. He explained the role and the mission of Jesuits and that one of the main objectives of Jesuits is to serve the poor and the marginalised people. He also mentioned the four universal apostolic preferences of Jesuits, namely

1. Showing the way of God
2. Preferential option for the Poor
3. Service of faith and Promotion of Justice
4. Caring for our common home

Fr. George Ponodadath, S.J., delivered the inaugural address on 'Milestones of the Higher Education History of the society of Jesus'. Through his speech he conveyed the most informative history of the Society of Jesus. He also described the Journey of St. Ignatius of Loyola, from a soldier to a priest to help the poor souls spiritually. He elaborated in his speech the main objectives of the expansion of Jesuit Educational Institutions throughout the world to serve almost three million students for the purpose for helping the poor, aged and marginalized.

He also expressed his concern on how people would be ready to face the new normal situation after the pandemic. Also how educational institutions would be instrumental in developing a healthy student community in this fragmented digital world. He further elaborated on how to manage the new normal situation by being service-centered, focusing on students and not on syllabus, and to remain committed to help people.

The programme was followed by a vibrant Question-Answer session. A plethora of programmes that would be organized by the University throughout the Ignatian year was delineated.

The Programme ended with a Vote of Thanks by Fr. Mourlin K. the convener of the Organising Committee.

Prof. Krishna Roy

90 Beds at 3 Facilities in Burdwan and Asansol Read more

St Xavier's University to start isolation-cum pre-hospitalisation centre for Covid patients Read more

130th Birthday Celebrations of Dr. B R Ambedkar
Department of Commerce (Morning Section)

ARGUMENTATIVE XAVERIANS CELEBRATING DR. B R AMBEDKAR

Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence ...
Life should be great rather than long ...

Dr. B R Ambedkar was one of the Architects of the Constitution of India. He fought to eradicate the social evils like untouchability and for the rights of the Dalits and other socially backward classes throughout his life. To honor his life and contributions to the Indian Democracy, the Department of Commerce (Morning Section) organized a debate on the occasion of the 130th Birthday Celebrations of Dr. B R Ambedkar on 13th and 14th of April, 2021.

Interested students were invited to debate through online mode in a competitive set up on their views. The topic for the first session which was held on 13th of April, 2021 was "Reservation in the times of Pandemic". It was oxford style debate wherein the students were evaluated by the Faculty members of the department.

Four teams participated and two qualified for the final debate on the 14th of April, 2021. The topic for the final round of the debate was - Reservations in the time of Pandemic : Perspectives from the Indian Democracy.

All the faculty members participated in the evaluation and deliberations with the teams. Since it was a competition, one emerged as a winner while the efforts of both the teams was appreciated and well received. The Team of Anish Shaw and Uzair Anwar from Semester IV of B.COM (Morning) was declared the winner.

Conveners : Prof. Sneha Singh and Prof. Sovik Mukherjee
Reported By : Prof. Sneha Singh.

This year, all Jesuits and their co-workers across the world will celebrate the Ignatian Year on May 20, 2021: the 500th anniversary of Ignatius' "cannonball" moment. This can be a time for reflection and renewal, an opportunity to think about our calling and to focus our desires in order to become part of the movement to discern a better future, accompany young people in building a hope-filled future for our communities and our planet. Celebrations will conclude on the Feast Day of St. Ignatius, July 31, 2022.

This Ignatian Year presents an opportunity for all Jesuits and their coSfeHomestress the core mission of our higher educational institutions to form men and women for and with others. Let's invite our students to think not only about the profession they are preparing for, but the way that profession can be a vehicle for making the world a more just and humane place.

Let us use this year to help them move from their preoccupation with what they will do with their lives to why and how they might live for some larger purpose. How will their talents and the opportunities they are receiving in a Jesuit institution meet the needs of a world that is calling out for healing and reconciliation?.

The Department of Commerce (Morning Section) of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata in collaboration with the National Institute of Disaster Management, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India organized a National Webinar, titled "Pandemic and Life Beyond It", on 12th of March 2021 from 11 am to 2 pm. It witnessed massive participation and the total number of attendees were 375.

The Inaugural Address was delivered by Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor of the University, Rev. Fr. (Dr.) John Felix Raj, S.J., and the Context Setting Address by Dr. Anil Kumar Gupta, Head of Department, ECDRM, National Institute of Disaster Management, Ministry of Home Affairs. The technical session comprised four well-synchronized talks by the Webinar Initiator, Shri Ashish Panda and the Webinar Convenor, Prof. Sovik Mukherjee.

In the first talk Shri Ashish Panda of NIDM elucidated the current position of the country through a statistical analysis of the Pandemic and its aftermath with a snapshot view of the trends observed in the number of reported cases. The second talk was on "Community Medicine" by Dr. Ashish Mittal (CEO, OHS Management Consultancy Service) and the third was on "Pandemic and Mental Well-being" by Prof. Girish Mishra (O.P. Jindal University, Raigarh).

The technical session was very engaging, and the details highlighted by the esteemed speakers were very precise and informative in nature. It ended with focus upon the mental health and well-being of individuals. Dr. Avadhesh Sharma, the last speaker for the day (Invertis University, Bareilly), engaged the participants in light meditation to make each one present in the webinar aware of their surroundings and their own selves, to lead one another towards better self-introspection while accepting the changes and the challenges the pandemic would leave behind with us.

Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Soosai Nayagam, S.J., Associate Dean, Faculty of Commerce and Management (Morning), St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, delivered the Valedictory Address.

Reported by Prof. Sneha Singh.

A webinar on the topic "Relevance of Gender Diversity in Business" was organized by the Department of Commerce (Morning Section) on the 5th of March 2021 from 11 am onwards. The Resource Person for the one hour long webinar was Ms. Nita Karmakar. Ms. Nita Karmakar is an Independent Director at TSLPL and Former CII Regional Director (Eastern & North East Region). She is also a Governing Board Member of the JIS University Kolkata.

The webinar was conducted by the Department looking forward to International Women's Day and for broadening the perspective of students with regards to the concept of Gender Diversity. The Session was attended by 370 participants, being postgraduate and undergraduate students of Commerce and the Faculty members from the Department of Commerce (Morning Section).

Ms. Nita Karmakar, the resource person shared her first-hand experience and the nuances of the corporate structure. Appointment of Women directors since the introduction of the provision in The Companies Act 2013 has constantly been discussed and deliberated upon by all the concerned stakeholders across sectors. It was a stimulating and enriching experience with the active participation of the faculty members and the students alike through poll questions posed by the Resource Person on the interesting aspects of appointment of women and independent directors and balance of genders in Board rooms.

Reported by Prof. Sneha Singh.

Highlights of the Event:

A webinar on Post Pandemic effect on Capital Market & Economy was conducted by the Faculty of Commerce & Management, St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, in collaboration with BSE Institute Ltd, on 05/03/2021, 11 AM onwards.

The Speaker, Mr. Rakesh Nair shared some interesting insights about markets and their future, mainly in India, given the Pandemic.

Students' Speak

We look forward to more such Webinars which will enhance our knowledge and give us a chance to understand the practicalities of our economy and help us relate our theoretical knowledge with the real world. - Vasudha Shah, B.Com - 2, Sem - 4, Roll. No. - 0071

The webinar was driven by our honorable speaker, Mr. Rakesh Nair describing and explaining the details and theories behind the market movements and the potential market structures. A Q&A session was organized where students of St. Xavier's University posted their queries regarding different aspects of stock market such as derivative market, Fibonacci retracement level indicator, under and overvaluation, etc. Each and every query was answered separately and in detail. The webinar was interactive which was beneficial for all the attendees to understand the concepts and get their queries addressed.

- Suparni Haldar, BMS Marketing, Sem 6, Roll No. 114

The conclusion derived from the session was that the growth of the economy both in terms of GDP and the capital market was delayed and not halted altogether because of the pandemic. The companies held up their money and delayed their investment plans in the beginning of the pandemic which led to recession in the economy and a crash in the market. Now as the world is beginning to adapt to Covid and the new normal as we call it, with the vaccination drives coming up, companies and investors are expected to redeploy their strategies which will surely lead the economy to the path of recovery.

Number of Students Attended - B.Com (Day) - 195, BMS - 138 [Sem - IV & VI]

The 2nd.Convocation of the University was held on February 6, 2021 at the Rajarhat Campus in blended mode adhering to the COVID-19 protocols promulgated by the competent authority.
Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, Hon'ble Governor of West Bengal presided over the function. Mrs. Sanghamitra Bandopadhyay, Director, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata kindly consented to be the Guest of Honour and delivered the Convocation Address. A total of 451 students were awarded their degrees.
A ceremonial procession comprising of degree recipients, faculty members and celebrated dignitaries was hosted as this day is the most special day in the academic journey of the leaders of tomorrow.
Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, SJ, Hon'ble Vice Chancellor of the University presented a report on the University and administered the Convocation Oath. Keeping in view the COVID-19 yardsticks, only the first ten rank holders from each stream were invited to be physically present. Only 77 students were present in the campus to receive their rank certificates as well as degree certificates. The first, second and the third rank holders from each faculty received gold, silver and bronze medals respectively from the Hon'ble Governor of West Bengal.
Mrs.Sanghamitra Bandopadhyay, Director, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata called up the students' community to face the challenges of life with confidence and courage. She being the first lady Director of the premier institute Kolkata reiterated that everything can be achieved through hard, dedication and will to succeed.
Rev.Dr.John Felix Raj, Hon'ble Vice Chancellor said, " In this temple of knowledge, we aim to form men and women, who will be global agents of Vasudhaiva Kutambukum- the world is one family."
A large number of students participated in the programme through You Tube and Facebook Live. Those who could not attend the programme physically were asked to collect their degrees and certificates from the University in a staggered manner.
The faculty members complimented the students for their brilliant performance and urged them to be a light for other in building a just and vibrant society.
The programme culminated with a cultural programme performed by students.
Prepared by: Dr. Manali Bhattacharya and Mario Martin Louis.

A special session was organised by the Department of Commerce (Morning Section) via Zoom platform for students of the Department of Commerce (Morning Section) on the 11th of February 2021. The speaker for the event was CA Mr. Arijit Chakraborty, Institute of Internal Auditors, India - Kolkata Chapter and Panel Member of ICAI. The Webinar commenced with a welcome address by Rev. Fr. Dr. Soosai Nayagam S.J., Associate Dean of the Department of Commerce (Morning Section). To begin with, a brief discussion took place on - what is a budget?, its importance and relevance for an economy. The concepts of budget were explained in relation with the income statement of a company for better understanding of the commerce students. The 'V' shaped recovery of India post COVID-19 was also talked about before a detailed analysis of Budget 2021-22.
Moving on, what does Budget 2021-22 actually mean for the students, farmers, migrants health workers and corporates was explained in details by our guest speaker. How the budget would strengthen the start-up ecosystem and entrepreneurial culture in the country caught the attention of the students. Towards the end of the session, amendments in Budget 2021-22 in comparison to 2020-21 was discussed.

The emcee for the event was Prof. Sovik Mukherjee, Academic Coordinator of the Department of Commerce ((Morning Section)). The session concluded with an informative Q&A session followed by a vote of thanks by Prof. Sovik Mukherjee.

Reported by Sovik Mukherjee
 

Ridhi Bahety, BA Economics won 4 medals in the State-Level Skating Championship organized by Roller Skating Association of West Bengal (RSAWB). The event was held at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) from 11th to 14th February, 2021. She had participated in the ABOVE 17 - Senior Women's Category. The Events in which she received medals are:

1. 10,000 M (Road Elimination): Gold
2. 10,000 M (Rink Elimination): Silver
3. 500 M (Road 1 Lap): Silver
4. 100 M (Road): Bronze

She has qualified for the Roller-Skating Federation of India Nationals to be held in Chandigarh and will represent West Bengal..

World Day of Social Justice on Saturday, 20th February 2021

St. Xavier's University, Kolkata in association with World Vision India, Kolkata celebrated World Day of Social Justice on Saturday, 20th February 2021 in the University premises. The event was jointly organized by Xavier Business School (XBS) and Xaverians in Action (XIA) for undertaking extension/outreach activities.
The event witnessed the presence of the Hon'ble Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Sebasti L. Raj, SJ; Registrar, Prof. Ashis Mitra; the deans of all the Faculties and Schools of the University, Miss Mercy Jishing - an esteemed person from World Vision India and the Guest Speaker, Dr. Purnendu Roy, Chairman and Managing Director of Genesis Hospital.
The main objective of the event was to understand the social injustice in the healthcare sector, pre-and-post COVID 19 which was highlighted by Dr. Roy in his session.
The event was organised in a blended mode. 500 students participated in the event.
- Mr. Paritosh Majumdar, Social Work Programme Coordinator.

SXUK and Poland join hands to promote Entrepreneurship

Centre for Incubation, Entrepreneurship and Consultancy (CICE) of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata conducted an eConference: 'Looking Beyond Borders' - Exploring Opportunities for Entrepreneurs to do Business with Poland' on 19th February 2021.

The Welcome Address was delivered by Fr. Dr. J. Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor, St. Xavier's University, Kolkata. He highlighted many possibilities and avenues to start with and explore beyond borders and boundaries. He shared about his visit to Poland and the great interest of Polish people about India and its affairs.

He said, "Xaverians of Kolkata have a very strong Alumni association, and there are many in Poland. They have a European chapter of the alumni, many of whom are leaders in industry or academia. They are showing the way to our present students to explore possibilities to exercise their entrepreneurial abilities."

Chief Guest, H.E. Prof. Adam Burakowski, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to India delivered the Keynote Address. He said that India, due to its economic and demographic potential, has become very important for Polish Economic policy. Poland is happy to enhance its economic cooperation by increasing exports and encouraging investors from India to make Poland as a business destination
Guest of Honour Mr. J J Singh, President, Indo-Polish Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IPCCI), Warsaw, talked about the scopes of entrepreneurial initiatives between Indian and Poland.
Special Guest, Mr. Witold Banka, Ambassador of the Silesian Voivodeship and President, World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) touched upon the immense opportunities for business in Silesia region.
Special Guest, Ms Aleksandra Monsiol-Szatkowska, Director, Department of Economy and International Cooperation, Marshal Office of the Silesian Voivodeship, Silesia, shared her insights about the possibilities of entrepreneurs at the Silesia region, and highlighted the major factors like strategic location, economy, key industries and more.

Mr. Joydeep Roy, Chief Consular Officer, Honorary Consulate of Poland in Kolkata, concluded the insightful webinar with his comments.

Dr. Manodip Ray Chaudhuri, Dean, Xavier Business School, St. Xavier's University, Kolkata spoke about Educational Strategic alliance. He emphasized on structured student exchange programmes, and collaboration in research and publication areas.

Ms Bidisha Roy, Executive Director, CICE, St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, conducted the concluded the discussion and delivered the vote of thanks. She highlighted the inherent flexibility of entrepreneurs, and zeal to explore new markets. She mentioned the need for focus on entrepreneurship at the building block level at Universities and academic institutions.

Execdirector.cice@sxuk.edu.in

- Bidisha Roy

SXUK Academic Block Mittal

St. Xavier's University, Kolkata has started the Centre for Incubation, Consultancy and Entrepreneurship (CICE) from Jan 2021, to promote Incubation, Consultancy, Entrepreneurship and Management Development Programme (MDP) with innovation and research through industry-academia partnership.

CICE aims to provide students and alumni of the University a unique, exceptional, and application-oriented education that will be a transforming experience intellectually, culturally, socially and personally, with the mandatory view on values, to produce holistic development of persons; excel in all areas of teaching-learning, research, outreach and consultancy, where innovative ideas and solutions can flourish; offer subjects for competence building, and to motivate/animate a work force imbued with human values; promote academic exchange and academia-industry interfacing, making use of the latest technology; contribute to the well-being of the nation without counting the cost, in the spirit of NIHIL ULTRA (Nothing Beyond), the motto of St. Xavier's.

Incubation & Entrepreneurship
The CICE will function with the aim to bring about innovative solutions towards Social and Business challenges, to develop expertise, knowledge and thought leadership for promoting and supporting entrepreneurship development, to provide support to existing companies through collaborative research and development, solution design and strategy formulation. This will convert Innovative ideas into successful ventures, with strong focus on relevant Investment/Funding options.
It shall aim to answer queries related to market needs with tested solutions, launch planning and strategy, optimize combination of marketing channels to tap new target customers, acquire new markets, establish strong revenue models, and plan the steps to achieve milestones. Also, it shall probe whether the entrepreneur is solving a big social challenge through his or her entrepreneurship goal.

The Centre shall initially cater to the present students and alumni of the University who display with high potential for entrepreneurship and incubate the ideas of existing mid-sized entrepreneurs looking for scale up or innovative approach to existing operations, from various parts of the country based on defined selection criteria. The centre will work closely with Academia and Industry experts, big corporate houses, other incubation centres, trade associations and more. The centre will encourage student-orientation towards entrepreneurship as a career option through seminars, workshops and trainings to budding entrepreneurs

Consultancy, MDP and eMDP:
CICE will strongly focus on consultancy projects from corporate houses and other organizations and emphasise on projects that have high applicability. Faculty members with expertise in various domains shall play key roles in driving such projects, with the aim to generate social benefits. CICE shall take up the projects judging the merit, profile of the principal investigator, patent possibilities, location of the project, how the project can serve social needs of that area, relevance of the problem addressed through the project, background of objectives, practical utility including socio-economic implications of the results and the scope for further research.

CICE will strongly promote MDP and eMDP, both classical need based and generated through post-COVID market demand, both short and long duration. MDPs in the domain of Business Analytics, Digital Marketing, Data Science, Machine Learning and more will strongly cater to the post-COVID market needs and contribute towards strategic enrichment.

- Bidisha Roy

Vice-chancellor Father Felix Raj at the second convocation ceremony of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata. Image Source: Ankit Datta

Academic and infrastructure expansion are high-priority areas along with alumni participation

On the occasion of the second convocation of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, vice-chancellor Fr. Felix Raj spoke to ABP Education and shared his vision for the institution which he, along with Jesuit brothers and a strong alumni network, founded in July 2017. A Jesuit of the Calcutta Province of the Society of Jesus, Felix Raj was earlier the vice-principal, principal and rector of St. Xavier's College, Kolkata. A teacher of economics, he is also the director of The Goethals Indian Library and Research Society and a member of the West Bengal State Education Commission.

Read full article online

Building Unicorns during COVID-19

A special session on startups was organised by the Department of Commerce (Morning Section) via the Zoom platform for students of the Morning Section on the 3rd of February 2021 from 2 PM i 3 PM. The speaker for the event was Mr. Ravi Ranjan, Entrepreneurship Evangelist and Startup Expert, founder of "Velocity1".
The Webinar started with a welcome address by Rev. Fr. Dr. Soosai Nayagam, Associate Dean of the Department of Commerce (Morning Section). To begin with, a brief discussion took place on entrepreneurship, venture capital, angel investments and how venture capitalists help in the formation of startups. The process of funding which is the key aspect for a startup and its sources were explained in detail, particularly the idea of building unicorns during the pandemic.
In this context, the relevance and challenges that the market possess, especially with the new budget 2021-2022 in place, was understandably explained by our guest Mr. Ravi Ranjan. Moving on, how startups influence in the development of an economy from a global perspective was highlighted. In this context, how the Startup Genome and Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) lend a helping hand to startups caught the attention of the students.
The emcee for the event was Prof. Sovik Mukherjee, Academic Coordinator of the Department of Commerce (Morning Section). Towards the end of the session, Mr. Ranjan shared many success stories in the Indian context as case studies to help the students understand the concept of startups using cases of OYO, Wow Momo, Phool.Co to motivate the students to become young entrepreneurs in the coming days. The session concluded with an informative Q&A session.

Celebration of 72nd Republic Day'

St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, celebrated 72nd Republic Day of India at the University campus. Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Dr. Felix Raj, SJ hoisted the national flag. This was accompanied by the singing of the National Anthem. The Faculty Members, Officers, Support Staff and Students attended the programme which was followed by refreshment.. ..

An Online student Webinar on the "Relevance of Netaji's Teachings in Contemporary and Young India" was organised by the Morning Section of the Faculty of Commerce and Management via the Google Meet platform on 23.01.2021 at 4 P.M. as a part of Netaji's 125th Birth Anniversary celebrations.
The guest speaker, Dr. Karmakar (Professor of Jadavpur University, Kolkata) delivered the talk emphasising that Bose had profound faith in what the youth can do to build a better world. According to Dr. Karmakar, Netaji believed that enthusiasm, sacrifice and courage - are the special attributes of youth. During Netaji's student years in Calcutta, he had clearly displayed his inborn qualities of leadership and charisma, and the ability to make personal sacrifices for the good of the larger community. Dr. Karmakar highlighted that Netaji was a child of the Indian Renaissance and was inspired by the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda, which he practised throughout his life. His ideas of freedom and social justice were not borrowed from the west, but were drawn from the rich traditions and culture of India as pointed out by the speaker.
Summing up, Dr. Karmakar highlighted that the role of the youth thus has to be built on two pillars - a vision for a better world and character and promotion of integrity in public life.
The emcee for the event was Prof. Sovik Mukherjee, Academic Coordinator of the Morning Section under the Faculty of Commerce and Management. The session concluded with the students expressing their views on how the relevance of Netaji's teachings is crucial not only for the "youth" of our nation but also in redefining "women empowerment".
Reported by Sovik Mukherjee . ..
 

Xavier Law School of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata is pleased to announce the successful accomplishment of a National Webinar 'Consumer Protection Act, 2019: The Synergy of Consumers and Business' on January 15, 2021 in collaboration with INDIAN INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (IIPA), New Delhi (IIPA), Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India. The objective of this programme was to sensitize students on the trends of Consumerism in the light of the recent developments in consumer protection laws in India.
Dr. Sapna Chadah, Assistant Professor, Centre for Consumer Studies (CCS), IIPA and Dr. Suresh Mishra, Chair-Professor (Consumer Affairs) & Coordinator, CCS, IIPA were the eminent speakers from IIPA. Prof. Mishra deliberated on Central Consumer Protection Authority-Roles and Responsibilities and Dr. Chadah presented on Consumer Protection Act, 2019 - A Game Changer. Dr. Monodip Ray Chaudhuri, Dean, Xavier Business School, who was also part of the panel, addressed the participants on the topic Consumer Choice: An Anchor for Business Enhancement. The speakers enlightened the audience with their insightful speeches.
The program witnessed a participation of an enthusiastic response from 593 participants in total, comprising of students, faculty members, and professionals from various academic institutions and business houses across several states in the country. On behalf of Xavier Law School, the Webinar was convened by Dr. Pratyusha Das, Assistant Professor of Law, and Dr. Sapna Chadha, coordinated the program on behalf of IIPA...

The IQAC of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata organized an online discussion on the life and philosophy of Swami Vivekananda on January 12, 2021 (Tuesday) as a part of the celebration of the National Youth Day, the birthday of the wandering monk.
The key note speaker was the hon'ble Vice-Chancellor of the university, Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J. During his speech, Father Vice-Chancellor depicted the life history of Swami Vivekananda, his teachings aimed at the youth, promotion of human values and especially his visit to Chicago. Father also discussed about Swamiji's visit to Ramanathapuram and the other places of Tamil Nadu. Father also focused on the similarities of Jesuit education and disciplines with that of Ramakrishna Mission.
Father recalled the significance of the decade of 1860-70s when a series of great personalities like Acharya J C Bose, Brahmabandhav Upadhyayay, Rabindranath Tagore, M K Gandhi, Swami Vivekananda and others were born in this country and dedicated their entire lives for the upliftment of human civilization through their valuable contributions i.e. science, arts, literature, religious movements, expression of secular thoughts and vice versa.
"Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached", while commemorating the famous scripture of Swamiji, Father reminded that enough opportunities are left there for Indians to grow as nearly 65% population of India belongs to the youth section. If this positive power can be utilized after productive issues with proper guidance and training, India will be the super power in near future, he opined. As a harbinger of new and innovative thoughts, Swamiji was always an aspirant of new India filled with a rejuvenated youth power, which also Father mentioned for several times in his lecture and appealed to everyone to follow Swami Vivekananda's ideologies in order to establish a better tomorrow.
The programme was attended by all faculty Members of the university. They also interacted with Father after he had completed his lecture. The vote of thanks was delivered by Registrar, Prof Ashis Mitra...

St. Xavier's University Kolkata Alumni Association (SXUKAA) hosted the Province Level Meeting of all the Alumni Associations under the Calcutta Jesuit Province on Saturday, 9th January, 2021 at St. Xavier's University, Kolkata. The meeting was chaired by the Province Coordinator of Alumni (PCA) Rev. Fr. John Felix Raj, SJ.

The meeting was attended by the Presidents, Secretaries and representatives of the various Alumni Associations - St. Xavier's University Kolkata Alumni Association, the Alumni Associations of St. Xavier's College, Kolkata, St. Lawrence High School, Kolkata, St. Xavier's Collegiate School, Kolkata, St. Xavier's School, Durgapur and St. Xavier's College, Burdwan.

Rev. Fr. John Felix Raj, SJ, the Province Coordinator of Alumni and Vice-Chancellor of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, called upon the various Alumni Associations to take up the "Universal Apolistic Preferences" and respond to them. The various Alumni Associations also presented their reports on the activities undertaken by them and deliberated on the way forward..

Xaverians in Action (XIA), the social wing of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, organised a Blanket Donation Campaign' in collaboration with the St. Xavier's University, Kolkata Alumni Association (SXUKAA) and SNEGAM, an NGO, who sponsored the event, on 21st December, 2020, on the occasion of Christmas for the construction workers of the University and the residents of the neighbourhood villages namely, Kathalberia, Kulberia, Ghashkhali, Holdepota and Beonta. Some of these villages have also been adopted by the University as part of its outreach activities.

The University's current infrastructure is the result of the untiring and dedicated efforts of the construction workers and some of the support staff who have been silently contributing towards establishing and maintaining the magnificent campus since its inception. A total of 150 blankets were given away by our Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Dr. J. Felix Raj, SJ, who addressed the gathering with a Christmas message of sharing and caring and thanked every worker for their immense contribution. The event was attended by other dignitaries such as Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Dr. Sebasti L. Raj, SJ; Registrar, Prof. Ashis Mitra, Deans of of the different Faculties/Schools, teachers and non-teaching staff members.

After the event, a group of Student Volunteers reached St. Francis Academy in Kathalberia Village, where blankets were handed out to another 400 villagers. All the COVID-19 prevention protocols were strictly followed by the participants.

Thus, St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, could bring smiles on the faces of the workers and villagers, in this season of love and hope, through their modest efforts.

A BOOK FOR ALL: A book of 75 "inspirational and insightful stories" by Father Felix Raj (in picture, left), the vice-chancellor of St Xavier's University, was released on Thursday. "The stories are fictional and also based on facts. They are about different aspects of life, multi-religious with a spiritual and moral message to readers�. The book can be used for lectures, classes, seminars and also sermons by priests," Father Felix Raj said. The book, Waves - Story Bank, has been published by St Xavier's University Kolkata Alumni Association. Suranjan Das, the vice-chancellor of Jadavpur University, has penned the foreword "What is striking about Father Felix Raj is his ability to strike a balance between administrative and social responsibilities and academic interests.

Surely his collection of stories will enable us to gain new strength in confronting the current challenges plaguing the human society," Das wrote. On Thursday, the book was formally launched by Dhrubojyoti Chattopadhyay (in picture, right), the vice-chancellor of Sister Nivedita University, at St Xavier's University during the Feast of St Francis Xavier. The book will be available at stores and at the university office from Monday. Over the years, Father Felix Raj has authored and co-authored nine books. Picture by Bishwarup Dutta Read article online

The Library Department of St. Xavier's University Kolkata organised a Webinar on 19th November, 2020 entitled "Academic Libraries and Sustainability : A Global Perspective : Challenges in New Normal."
Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, Vice-Chancellor showered his blessings on the speakers and participants. He rightly remarked "Just as face is the index of mind, library is the index of an academic institution." He urged the librarians to adhere to the new normal situation and face the challenges effectively and efficiently.
Rev. Dr. Soosai Nayagam in his inaugural address enlightened the important role played by the libraries in this COVID-19 new normal time.
Dr. Gadhvi mentioned in her deliberation that librarian in modern times must work 24 x7 like personnel of other service sectors viz.- Aviation, Banking etc. to meet the variegated demand of our readers. She also shared some safety measures in vogue in various academic institution.
Dr. Biswas emphasized on the easy availability of open access to readers intending to pursue research activities. He also gave classic examples of green libraries in the county as well as abroad. Being active member of various library associations in the country, he was confident that the readers would see the light in the tunnel.
A large section of librarians associated with various schools, colleges and universities took active part in this unique endeavour.
The programme was moderated by Mario Martin Louis, Placement & Training Officer. The Library team played an important role in organising this webinar. It was appreciated by one and all.
Reported by: Mr. Tarun Biswas, Librarian

On 26th November, 2020, the XAVIER LEGAL AID SOCIETY (XLAS) organised a webinar on "Transformative Constitutionalism: Issues and Challenges" on the occasion of Constitution Day, to commemorate the 71st anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of India.
Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Dr. J. Felix Raj, S.J. inaugurated the session with his words of wisdom. This was followed by the administering of pledge on the Preamble of the Indian Constitution by Prof. Ashis Mitra, Registrar. The webinar was graced by Dr. Uday Shankar, Associate Professor, Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur and Dr. Manwendra Kumar Tiwari, Associate Professor of Law, Dharmashatra National Law University, Jabalpur, who addressed the participants with their engaging deliberations on transformative constitutionalism in India as a tool in interpreting various provisions of the Constitution in general and socio-economic rights in particular. The session was moderated by Dr. Animesh Das, Assistant Professor of Law, Xavier Law School. The event came to an end by concluding remarks from Dr. Debasis Poddar, Dean, Xavier Law School and vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Ranjeeta Mukherjee, Convenor, Xavier Legal Aid Society.
- Dr. Ranjeeta Mukherjee

Faculty Members: The Sparks of Jesuit Charism
St. Xavier's University, Kolkata organised a Faculty Orientation Programme for the newly recruited teaching staff of the University on 27th November 2020. The programme "Faculty Members: The Sparks of Jesuit Charism" was coordinated by Frs. Dr. Mourlin K, SJ and Dr. A. Arockiasamy SJ. The programme was inaugurated by the honourable Vice- Chancellor with his keynote address to set the tone for the orientation.
The whole day was packed with the input sessions on various Jesuit themes - "Jesuit history" given by Fr. Dr. Soosai Nayagam SJ, Dean, followed by the "Jesuit Spirituality" by Fr. Dr. Sebasti. L. Raj SJ, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, followed by "Jesuit Education" by Fr. Dr. A. Arockiasamy SJ and finally the "Practical aspects of these input sessions and their implications in our university" by Fr. Dr. Mourlin K, SJ with the group discussions.
The seminar came to an end at 05 .00 pm with the photograph session along with the honourable Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar.

The event Sishu Sangmiloni - Virtual Children's Day Celebration has been formulated and executed by the Social Responsibility Wing (Xavier Social Responsibility) of Xavier Business School on 22nd November, 2020 under the guidance of Fr. Dr. Mourlin K. S.J. The objective of this event was to have an interactive session with the underprivileged and disadvantaged children from various NGO's by way of songs, dances, recitations and other cultural performances towards spreading a spirit of love, care and compassion among budding young minds at the different NGOs.
The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Manodip Ray Chaudhuri, Dean - XBS, followed by an inaugural speech by our Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor Rev. Fr. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J. Father showered the gathering with inducing words thereby creating an ambience of mutuality, compassion, enticement and inducement among all the children participating in the program.
It was remarkably pleasurable and exhilarating to witness little souls performs in front of everybody through the online platform. It was a quite an immensely big day for XBS to hold hands with all the little children for a cause, so poignant and affecting for the social community at large.
- Dr. Manodip Ray Chaudhuri

The Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, hosted an online panel discussion on the Impact of National Educational Policy, 2020 on November 20, 2020 at 3.30pm. Respected Father Vice-Chancellor Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S. J. inaugurated the event with his eloquent, persuasive and vivid ideas on the New Education Policy and the changes necessary in the education system in Higher Education Institutions.
The panellists were Professor Dr. Suranjan Das, Vice-Chancellor of Jadavpur University, Kolkata, Professor Dr. Basab Chaudhuri, Vice-Chancellor of West Bengal State University, Kolkata and Dr. Achyut Chetan, Associate Professor of English, St. Xavier's University, Kolkata.
The panellists focussed on diverse issues pertaining to the New Education Policy viz. the new pattern of higher education, the exit points within an under graduate degree program, relation of employment with the new educational pattern, the multi-disciplinary approach of higher education, the extent and degree of financial and academic autonomy of HEIs in India, the reality behind internationalization of India's higher education system, the matter on vocationalisation of education, and so on and so forth.
The entire conversation was moderated by Dr. Manodip Ray Chaudhuri, Dean - Xavier Business School, St. Xavier's University, Kollkata. The vote of thanks was delivered expressively by Respected Registrar of St. Xavier's University, Professor Ashish Mitra. The discussion ended with an unanimous and undisputed thrust on knowing how to change and how to think for fostering a vibrant, vivacious, evocative and meaningful higher education system in India.
Reported by Dr. Manodip Ray Chaudhuri

The SXUK Family undertook a mask distribution initiative on 13th November, 2020 to spread awareness about the precautionary measures to be observed in view of the Corona situation.

The students, staff and teachers participated enthusiastically and distributed masks to 1000 people. The event was inaugurated by Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor, Fr. John Felix Raj, SJ, by distributing masks among the construction workers in the University campus. Thereafter, the organisers distributed masks to people, including Police personnel at the Biswa-Bangla Gate at New Town and among the inhabitants of the neighbouring Kathalberia village.

View Gallery

The Meghalaya cabinet on November 4 approved the St Xavier's University Bill, Shillong 2020.
The draft bill was brought by the education department and the same was approved by the cabinet.
The bill was introduced in the autumn session of the State Assembly on November 5 and will be cleared in this session.
Speaking to media persons, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said, "St Xavier's universities are the most successful universities in the country. The Calcutta Jesuits have established St. Xavier's University, Kolkata at New Town in Kolkata in 2017. It is run very successfully."
When asked about the concerns of allowing another private university to enter state, especially when Meghalaya did not have a good experience with CMJ University and other private universities, Tynsong said the proposal to set up the St Xavier's University in the state had gone to the regulatory board under the Meghalaya Private Universities (Regulation of Establishment and Maintenance of Standards) Act, 2012 and the board has strongly recommended for the University.
The St. Xavier's University Meghalaya will be run by the Jesuits of Kohima Region working in the North East. Before submitting the Letter of intent to the Government, a team of Jesuits visited other Jesuit universities in the country. This is the third Jesuit University in the country after XUB Orissa and SXUK West Bengal.
The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Sangma, son of P. A. Sangma, former Speaker of the Lok Sabha and Chief Minister of Meghalaya, has been a great inspiration behind the venture. In one of his letters, he wrote to Father Felix Raj, "It is wonderful to hear the positive response from the Jesuits on the proposal and idea of setting up a university in Meghalaya� It is great to know about Jesuit relation with my father. He had immense respect for the Jesuits, and I share the same respect and feeling which, he had. I am sure this relation will continue�"
The Meghalaya government has set up a regulatory board under the Meghalaya Private Universities (Regulation of Establishment and Maintenance of Standards) Act, 2012.
The regulatory board will ensure that private universities maintain the standards of infrastructure, teaching, research, examination and extension of services, fee structure, and safeguard the interest of the state.
The board will ensure that the student community gets quality education and avoid commercialization of higher education.
Tynsong said the proposal to set up the St. Xavier's university had gone to the regulatory board and the board had granted its recommendation.
With the setting up of the St Xavier's University, Shillong is set to compete with Assam and Nagaland that have the Assam Don Bosco University and St. Joseph's University respectively.
The North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) is the only central university in Meghalaya that students look up to but no other private universities that have mushroomed in the state.
Courtesy: www.felixrajsj.com

View Poster and Order details

No matter whether we are writing a biography or a novel, delivering a lecture or preaching a sermon, our lives revolve around the stories we have heard, read and narrated. Stories are moods; they are powerful vehicles; they matter. When you tell a story you spark a connection. That is how our ancestors have passed on their priceless heritage from generation to generation.

From the days of simple pictures inscribed on cave walls to today's multimillion dollar movie blockbusters, our drive for telling stories has been encoded in our DNA. We connect quite powerfully through stories. Our lives are filled with stories that we all are part of. We, as human beings, irresistibly and instantly connect with one another through the magical power of stories.

We are drawn to stories, because they are the index of our mind. They are universal in meaning and purpose. They help us to share our varied emotions - joys and sorrows that design the bouquet of life. They each come with a message and influence our thought processes and decisions. They make us human and teach us wisdom. They shape our perspectives. Everyone is a story and every story belongs to someone. Stories take us on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. As Justine Musk says, "Whoever shares the greatest stories rules the world."

Have you ever stood or sat on a sea shore? If you have, you will certainly understand what I intend to share with you through the pages of this book. If you haven't, then read this book, it will take you to the shore to watch the mighty ocean and its army of waves embrace the land incessantly.

Waves are caused by the winds blowing on the surface of the ocean or even lakes. This happens all the time. The wind has no effect on a perfectly calm sea. But, as it begins to slide over the surface of the water, it causes eddies. Small ripples are formed and they find their way to the shore and then break on the shore.

Waves, tall and short, keep on marching like an army of stories towards the shore. As the waves embrace the shore, the sea incessantly kisses the land. Caught in the tight intoxicating embrace of the waves, the sands of the shore submissively erode and drift away with the waves.

Every story that I have compiled in this book is a wave from the sea of my heart to embrace every reader so that they are touched and transformed. You may use them in lectures, in sermons, articles and even for recollections and retreats.

There is a pre-publication offer. Order your copies now. vcoffice@sxuk.edu.in  or sxukaa@sxuk.edu.in  - Call 9674187772 or 66249812 | View Poster and Order details
Felix Raj.

A one-day national level webinar on 'NAAC Assessment and Accreditation Process: The Know How', was conducted by the St. Xavier's University, Kolkata on October 17, 2020 from 3 p.m. onwards. The online academic discourse witnessed a huge response as more than 200 participants registered and attended in Google Meet from across various Universities and colleges of the country. Facebook and YouTube also had over 250 views for the event.
The invited speakers were renowned NAAC advisers namely Prof Amiya Kumar Rath, Prof B. S. Ponmudiraj, Dr. Neelesh Pandey and Dr. Ruchi Tripathy. The webinar was inaugurated by a welcome address by our Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, Rev Fr. Dr. J Felix Raj. A pioneer of modern thinking and application of the same in the teaching learning process, Fr Felix Raj greeted all the invited experts and the audience.
Prof Amiya Kumar Rath, emphasized on the requirement of a stimulating academic environment and quality research publication as a main constituent of NAAC Procedure. Prof. Rath further suggested that every faculty should consult with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) available in the NAAC website while filling up the data. Dr. Ruchi Tripathy discussed meticulously about the Data Validation and Verification (DVV) process. Dr. Neelesh Pandey discussed Student Satisfaction Survey (SSS) as one of the Key factors to judge the performance of the Institution.
On behalf of the NAAC experts, Prof B. S. Ponmudiraj addressed the queries with relevant facts and figures. This session was highly interactive as various pertinent question related to NAAC process was raised by various eminent educationist present as the audience
The webinar concluded with a vote of thanks by Registrar of the University, Prof Ashish Mitra. He congratulated the speakers and the IQAC organising team members for the successful and effective organisation of the webinar.
The event can be viewed in the YouTube, in the following link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoapiKv9I0c
- Dr. Tanushree Biswas, Coordinator, IQAC.

On October, 10, 2020, Xavier Law School organised a webinar on Mental Health in collaboration with IQAC. It was an online event the platform being Google Meet. It was also streamed live in Facebook and YouTube. The webinar was open to all and around 2400 people were in attendance. The honourable Vice Chancellor of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, Rev. Fr. Dr. John Felix Raj, along the respected Registrar of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, Prof. Ashis Mitra were on hand to open the event with their valuable words. The event witnessed the extraordinary lectures from the Mental health experts, Dr. Priyanka Sharma Khanduja, Psychologist who emphasised on 'Anxiety and depression among the students in this pandemic situation' and Dr. Sanjay Garg, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist emphasised on 'Student mental health: An important element of student success'. The event came to an end with the vote of thanks by Dr. Debasis Poddar, Dean of Xavier Law School.
- Prof. Krishna Roy

St. Xavier's University, Kolkata organised a two day Doctoral Colloquium on 3rd and 4th October 2020. The University is offering Ph.D. Programmes in disciplines of Commerce, English, Mass Communication, Economics and Management.
Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Honourable Vice-Chancellor, delivered the inaugural address and highlighted the need to undertake research journey with Xaverian ethos.
Dr. Niraj Kumar, Programme Director of the Doctoral Colloquium, stressed upon the need for researchers to focus on s-curve and H-index.
Dr. R S Shukla, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Govt. of India and Dr. Anju Seth, Director, Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, delivered the keynote addresses during the inaugural session.
Dr. Lynn Martin, Professor, Anglia Ruskin University, UK and Dr. Soumyen Sikdar, Professor, Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, addressed the Ph.D. Scholars from India and abroad during the Valedictory Session.
The Doctoral Colloquium was designed to provide a supportive and constructive platform to the Ph.D. Scholars of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata and the Ph.D. Scholars of other Institutions of repute in India and abroad. More than 50 Ph.D. Scholars presented papers in the Colloquium and interacted with peer knowledge communities across sectors and disciplines under the mentorship of Faculty and Technical Chair. The Doctoral Colloquium was conducted on Microsoft Team virtual platform.
The Inaugural and Valedictory Sessions were Live streamed on Facebook and YouTube.
Dr. Niraj Kumar
Coordinator, Ph.D. Programme

Foundation Course on Religious Studies for Global Citizenship. View Details...

Xavier Law School organised an online induction programme for the new undergraduate batches (B.A.-LL.B and B.Com.-LL.B) on 18th September, 2020. It was broadcast live on Facebook and YouTube for the students and their parents. The programme started with a prayer song. Hon'ble Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Dr. Sebasti L. Raj delivered the welcome address to the new students of XLS. After the heartfelt welcome address, Dr. Nidhitha Sreekumar (Assistant Professor) enlightened the audience with a passage from the holy Bible.

Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj delivered an inspiring address to the students, informing them about the Jesuit philosophy and the tradition. He welcomed the students who now have the privilege to be called "Xaverians" and explained how being a part of the age-old tradition entails inculcation of certain disciplines.

Prof. Ashis Mitra, Registrar, explained the various rules and regulations related to attendance, examinations etc. The programme ended with the vote of thanks delivered by the Dean of Xavier Law School, Dr. Debasis Poddar. Prof. Bidisha Kantha was the MC of the programme.
- Prof. Bidisha Kantha

St. Xavier's University organised an induction programme to welcome the new under graduate batches for the academic year 2020-2021 on 15th September, 2020. In the present pandemic situation, the programme was attended by a limited audience and conducted keeping in mind measures for social distancing. It was broadcast live on Facebook and YouTube for the students and their parents and was recorded on the virtual platforms.

The programme began with a prayer video, followed by the welcome address delivered by the Hon'ble Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Sebasti L. Raj and a reading from the Holy Bible. The Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Dr. John Felix Raj welcomed the new students to the Xaverian family and spoke about the values of Jesuit education. The students were further informed about the rules and regulations of the university by the respected registrar, Prof. Ashis Mitra and the programme ended with the vote of thanks delivered by the Dean of Commerce and Management, Dr. Somak Maitra. Prof. Medha Bhadra Chowdhury was the MC of the programme.
- Prof. Medha Bhadra Chowdhury

An online Faculty orientation programme for the Foundation Course on Inter-religious Studies (IRS) was organised by St. Xavier's University, Kolkata via Google Meet platform on 12th of September 2020. The academic objective of having this orientation was to gain deeper and wider knowledge of the enduring wisdom for human well-being hidden in the world of religions. As faculty members take up this course on Inter-religious studies, it would motivate them to facilitate students to appreciate the goodness embedded in the beliefs of all people within their distinct religious heritage and that they are inter-connected in a culture of harmony. Dr. John Romus delivered the introductory lecture on IRS. Prof. Sovik Mukherjee was the Master of Ceremony of the programme.
- Prof. Sovik Mukherjee

St. Xavier's University, Kolkata organised an online induction programme for new batch of PG Courses on 10th September, 2020. The programme commenced by invoking God's blessings with a prayerful video song. Rev. Dr. Sebasti L Raj, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, graciously delivered the welcome address. Dr. Manali Bhattacharya, HOD of Mass Communication department, enlightened the audience with a reading from the Holy Bible. Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, our Honourable Vice-Chancellor delivered the inaugural address and Registrar, Prof Asish Mitra addressed the new batch of PG students with the rules and regulations of the University. The programme ended with the Vote of Thanks by Rev. Dr. Soosai Nayagam, Dean of Arts & Social Studies.
- Prof Sayani Saha

Swami Agnivesh, who was hospitalized due to liver cirrhosis at the Institute of Liver and Billary Sciences (ILBS) in Delhi and suffered multiple organ failure, passed away on Friday evening. Fr. Vice-Chancellor had spoken to him on Tuesday after he was admitted to the hospital.
The 80-year old former professor of St. Xavier's College (1963 -69) and a friend of St. Xavier's University. Kolkata was an advocate for dialogue between religions. He was involved in various areas of social activism including campaigns against female feticide and the emancipation of women.
Swamiji delivered the keynote address on the 15th August 2018 at SXUK to a rapt audience comprising faculty members, staff and students. His speech was both inspirational and compassionate underlining the need to serve the underprivileged section of our community, particularly the children from poverty stricken homes and of course not to forget the bonded labourers. In fact Swami Agnivesh had undertaken THIS to be his mission. He worked incessantly in trying to make a difference to the marginalised sections of our society.
Swami Agnivesh was truly "a man for others"... A sanyasi in the Arya Samaj Order, he stood tall, both on the national and international stage, as an educationist, a philanthropist, a philosopher, a spiritualist, most of all as a humanist. The sublime words of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuit Order applies to him perfectly... "He was contemplative in action, finding God in all things". And also important to me, Swamiji and I were close associates and friends.
Vepa Syam Rao was born into a Brahmin upper caste Telegu family. He completed his Masters from Calcutta University and taught at St Xavier's College, Kolkata from 1963 to 1969. At 24 young Rao was inquisitive and curious to know the inner workings of the Belgian Jesuits. One day he sneaked into the Jesuit residence known as cloister and peeped in. The austerity and simplicity of the Jesuit living quarters astounded him ....Only a table, two chairs, a bed and a wooden almirah.
It was unbelievable... 'The Jesuits lived a life of high thinking and simple living,' this made a deep impact on him. While coming out of the Jesuit cloister Rao met a senior Belgian Jesuit in the corridor. He asked the priest as to what had motivated him to come to the distant shores of India leaving behind his home and the comforts he had had there.
The Jesuit answered him ... 'I am here like my fellow Jesuit Fathers. Our mission is to serve the people of India, particularly of Bengal, mainly to impart quality education to Indian students; this is the humble contribution we hope to make.'
Swamiji was deeply impressed and he has often reiterated that this response by the Jesuit priest had an influence his future life and missionary zeal. He said, 'it made me ponder. What is MY mission for India?
Swamiji has always stressed his strong faith in spirituality. He insisted that spirituality ought to be social spirituality. This spirituality should not be an individualistic or escapist type. He insisted that it should be one that would keep the interest of the society intact; which would depend on the respect for individual interest. These are inextricably linked. They are complimentary...religion must be a thrust for social awakening and revolution. Swamji has written a number of books on this subject to promote and share his views and ideas.
Swami Agnivesh was indeed a man among men....A prophet for all seasons on the side of truth and justice with a deep seated spiritual perspective. A true inspiration. A Karma Yogi, Champion of the socially challenged ..... A true Arya Samaji. May his soul rest in peace.

View details

St. Xavier's University Kolkata Alumni Association (SXUKAA) has been officially started from this year 2020. The first batch of 135 PG students who passed out in 2019 are the founding members of the association.
This year around 472 students will pass out and become members of the alumni association. As per the by-laws, the Vice-Chancellor is the ex-officio president of the association. Eesha Goenka was the interim secretary and after its registration, Vatsal Chirimal has taken over as the honorary secretary of the association. The association had its first AGM on August 22, 2020 on a virtual mode.
SXUKAA celebrated the birthday of its President Rev. Fr. John Felix Raj, SJ on Wednesday, 26th August, 2020. The day was observed as "Philanthropy Day". The president blessed and inaugurated the new office of the association located in the ground floor of the Arrupe building in the campus.
Father also launched the website of the association. Rev. Fr. Dominic Savio, SJ, Principal of St. Xavier's College, Rev. Fr. Sebasti L Raj, SJ, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University, other Fathers and Sisters, Faculty, Staff Members and Alumni/ae of St. Xavier's College and St. Xavier's University were present for the function.
The Philanthropy Day celebration was organized in the Auditorium. A video show of the philanthropic activities undertaken by St. Xavier's University under the leadership of Rev. Fr. John Felix Raj, SJ was shown. Members of SXCCAA and SXUKAA felicitated Father and prayed for his wellbeing. Rev. Fr. President gave a very personal and emotional speech. He thanked everyone, particularly, the Alumni members of the College for their cooperation and Xaverian spirit. He also shared his thoughts about the journey of the establishment and growth of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata.
- Vatsal Chirimar

Xavier Business School, St. Xavier's University, Kolkata organized a virtual Inaugural Programme for the 3rd Batch of MBA Students on 24th August, 2020. The Program was held in the university premises with limited members. The event was Live streaming on the University's official YouTube Channel and Facebook Page for the students and others. Mr. Gautam Chatterjee, MD and CEO of Exide Industries Limited, was the Chief Guest of the programme.

Mr. Gautam Chatterjee in his speech elaborated the importance of staying calm during this pandemic and improving the skill set in order to be successful in the corporate world. He mentioned how things were different back in 1970-80s and how things have evolved in the current decade.
- Priyonkur Bose, Admission Officer.

Xinephile, the Film Society of St. Xavier's University, organized a webinar on the 18th of July, 2020, on Microsoft Teams. The topic of discussion was "Indian Film Industry: Challenges and Opportunities Post CoVID-19".. The panel of speakers consisted of five esteemed people from the film industry like Director Rahul Rawail, Producer Amit Khanna, Film critic and screen writer Saibal Chatterjee, Producer and Director Arindam Sil, President of Film Federation of India Firdausul Hasan. The speakers shared their opinions, experiences and observations about the various possibilities as to where the largest film industry of the world is headed once the fog of this crisis has cleared.

The matters addressed through the course of the discussion were about OTT platforms, that cinema and the new technology share a confrontational relationship; the regional cinema and how they contribute to the overall scenario; and that cinema is not just a darkened auditorium to watch films, but is an experience in itself. One cannot do away with theatres, because they are essential to the film viewing experience in general, but with the coming of new technologies, the content may change according to the mediums in which the respective content is set of release. The experience can keep changing but the art of storytelling will remain the same.

Cinema is an art form, it is the art of storytelling which will prevail and find new ways to create and deliver. Cinema talks about life, and life is ever changing. Therefore, just as life evolves, so will cinema.
- Dr. Reshmi Naskar, Assistant Professor of Mass Communication.

The Department of Mass Communication, St. Xavier's University, Kolkata organized an Online Photography Competition in the month of June - July, 2020 to kindle the creativity of the students amidst the gloomy pandemic.
The theme of the Online Photography Competition was 'Unlock: A New Hope'. The theme was decided keeping in mind the current situation thereby instilling hope for a better tomorrow. As after every monsoon comes autumn, similarly, each Xaverian believes that the situation will become better tomorrow and normalcy will prevail.
The online photography competition witnessed large number of entries. The judges were impressed seeing the photographs and how the competition helped the young minds to think critically by putting their ideas together through lenses.
Sayani Chakraborty of Visva-Bharati University secured the First Position, Rishikesh Chowdhury of JIS University secured the Second Position and Sohom Nandi of Amity University, Kolkata secured the Third Position. All the winners will receive E-certificate from the University.
Overall, the online photography competition has been a huge success. Thanks to all our participants for clicking wonderful pictures.

An online NAAC awareness program was conducted by IQAC, St. Xavier's University on July 3, 2020 to make the faculty and staff members aware of the new NAAC guidelines and to sensitize them about their role in NAAC accreditation and quality enhancement program of the University. The program began with the introductory speech of our Vice-chancellor, Rev. Fr. Dr. J. Felix Raj, S.J. The program was organised in two sessions, faculty members were attained the first session and the staff members participated the second session. Both the sessions started with the valuable words of our Registrar, Prof. Ashis Mitra, followed by the speech of Dr. Tanushree Biswas, Coordinator of IQAC. Different academic and non-academic areas related to NAAC were explained by other members of IQAC team. There was interactive Q&A and online feedback session at the end of each half. The feedback received from the participants was very encouraging. Prof. Krishna Roy, Member, IQAC.

COVID-19 Pandemic has significantly interrupted the higher education sector, which is a primary determinant of a country's economic future. Under these unprecedented circumstances, the major objective of the University is to ensure the health, safety and security of the students, faculty and staff members, and also to continue to provide education with a professional approach.
The Executive Council of the University has clearly suggested a method of evaluation of the Final Semester students of both UG and PG, in accordance with the guidelines provided by UGC. In this connection, the University has prepared an interactive audio-visual digital platform to conduct examinations through final semester dissertation presentations and viva-voce, interview for Guided Studies, interviews for Research Projects and Term Papers, practical examinations all of which can be conducted remotely.
These examinations have been underway since 11th June, 2020, in a structured schedule for every subject and will be completed by 26th June, 2020. The university is observing all the rules and regulations related to these examinations to ensure their sanctity and quality.
Along with Internal Examiners, the External Examiners are also present for the examinations either physically or remotely to ensure the impartial evaluation of students. Using this method the university is conducting examinations in thirty number of papers by dividing the students into several groups. Every day, the university conducts examinations in halves and in 6 to 8 parallel sessions.
The attendance of the students is almost hundred percent even for students from foreign countries. All the stakeholders of the process, i.e., students, internal and external examiners, and technical staff members are satisfied with the outcome. This experimental implementation may lay down a new horizon for prospective future evaluation processes in real time mode using network and internet.
.

St. Xavier's University, Kolkata has drawn up a comprehensive plan and guidelines for faculty and students to return to campus as per the UGC guidelines. It has decided to commence the first year UG and PG programmes from September 2.
In the new session, "both for freshers and the intermediate semester students, each class will be divided into two batches of 25 to 30 students who will attend classes on alternate days. Students will be taught online on the days they are away from campus. Thus, no syllabus will be missed," said Fr. Felix Raj, Vice-Chancellor of the University.
He added that only one student will be allowed to sit in one bench. In the first semester, the university is planning to hold 25- - 30 per cent of its teaching-learning online.
For new session, the university will start accepting online applications immediately after the +2 results, sometime early August. "We have the responsibility of addressing the issue of anxiety and uncertainty among students and their parents. Thus, we plan to hold the terminal semester examinations in June, intermediate semester examinations in August and resume classes as early as possible, "Father Raj said.
"End-semester students don't need to return to the university. Adhering to the UGC recommendations, their remaining examinations will be conducted online and the final results will be announced on July 10.
The University will conduct admission tests for all PG courses and two UG courses including Law. The admission test for Law, XLAT will be held on July 26, Sunday. The admission tests will be conducted for one subject at a time.
"The protection of our students, staff and faculty is particularly important for us. The SXUK is taking all precautions and necessary measures to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19," Fr. Raj added.

Courtesy: Somdatta Basu, the Times of India: Read Online

New Town, Rajarhat: St. Xavier's University, Kolkata reached out to the neighborhood villages where University students go for social outreach programmes. Jesuit Fathers with some university officers and student volunteers distributed food items - rice, dal, potatoes, and soybeans - to poor families in four phases - on April 19, 20, 22 and 26 reaching out to 750 families in total.
SXUK will continue the work in the days to come as and when required in these villages. The distribution work was organised at St. Francis Academy, Kathalberia village, adhering to COVID protocol guidelines issued by the Government.
Earlier, St. Xavier's University, Kolkata joined hands with Snegam Social Welfare and Resource Society, an NGO and reached out to the people in need during these tiring times of Pandemic. The outreach distribution work of essential commodities started on March 28 and is being carried out till date.
On an average, 50 people were given relief materials enough for three days for a family in Thakurpukur and Haridevpur covering Wards 143 and 144. The beneficiaries include rickshaw pullers and daily wage-earners.
Upon receiving an SOS from Sundarbans through Genesis hospital, Kolkata, Snegam and SXUK responded immediately and sent Rice, Dal, Potatoes and Salt for 300 families of tiger victim-widows in and around Amlamethi village in Sundarbans. SXUK has extended its support to construction workers and migrant labourers through NKDA, at Rajarhat.
The Vice-Chancellor is constantly in touch with the faculty, staff and students of the university with instructions and advisories. Students of Xaverians in Action (XIA) association of the University have also announced an online campaign for donation to express their solidarity to the neighbourhood people.  

View Gallery

On the occasion of International Women's Day, St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, organized a panel discussion on "Re-evaluating Girl Power: Representation in Media and Popular Culture", at the Arrupe Building Auditorium. The event was hosted by the Women and Gender Development Cell and was graced by eminent personalities from the academia and industry. The panel consisted of Mr. Shaheb Chattopadhyay, a renowned Bengali actor and Rabindra sangeet singer, Ms. Sudeshna Roy, ace Bengali film director and actor, Dr. Niladri Chatterjee, Head of English Department, Kalyani University, Dr. Debnita Chakravarti, Professor of English, Shri Shikshayatan College and Ms. Usha Menon Bose, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, Ruia Group of Industries. The Honorable Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Dr. John Felix Raj, officially inaugurated the Women and Gender Development Cell and delivered the welcome address. He shared his views on the issue of gender equality and the changing role of women in society. Fr. Vice-Chancellor unveiled the logo of the Women and Gender Development Cell and felicitated the guests.

The programme initiated a churning of thought and prompted the audience to raise pertinent questions. The interaction was fruitful since it enabled the students to express their opinions and engage with individual speakers. The programme ended with a vote of thanks and refreshments. - Prof. Medha Bhadra Chowdhury, Convenor of the Programme

View Gallery

Hon'ble Justice Subhro Kamal Mukherjee, Former Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court, inaugurated the Moot Court Hall of Xavier Law School, St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, christened as Fr. AELRED GOMES MOOT COURT HALL, on 7th March 2020. Set up with the purpose of infusing legal education with a quotient of professional readiness, the Moot Court shall be dedicated to train the students with practical skills, enabling them to cope with the craftsmanship and mannerisms in practice within the courtroom and grooming the next-generation lawyers worthy of the Bar and Bench alike. All the students and faculty members of Xavier Law School attended the inauguration programme.

Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor Rev. Fr. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J. felicitated Hon'ble Justice Mukherjee, and started the day's proceedings with his Welcome Address, invoking the memory of Fr. Aelred Gomes, who was one of the Jesuit Provincials of Calcutta Jesuit Province.

Hon'ble Justice Mukherjee addressed the gathering with his wise insight into the world of litigation and the importance of mooting as an activity for budding lawyers. Hon'ble Justice Mukherjee shared his valuable experiences in the bar and bench with the students. The programme was concluded with the vote of thanks by Dr. Debasis Poddar, Dean, Xavier Law School.  

- Prof. Ratul Das,
Assistant Professor, Xavier Law School

Utpal Chatterjee, Former Sheriff of Calcutta
ROTARY VOCATIONAL AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE are among the most prestigious awards and, in honouring individuals beyond superlatives, you feel honored. The District Governor, Rtn. Ajay Agarwal did the honours by handing away the awards on Saturday March 7, 2020 at the Conclave, Kolkata.

The trio of recipients comprised educationist, Rev. Fr. Dr. John Felix Raj S J, Mr. Gautam De of the Indian Foreign Service and Professor Dr. Dhrubojyoti Chattopadhyay, VC of Sister Nivedita University.
The brief speeches by the recipients were touching. The Reverend Father is the Vice Chancellor of the St. Xavier's University, Kolkata that was set up with so much assistance from both the Alumni in India and abroad. He was recognized for his contribution to higher Education to Bengal and India.

In his acceptance speech, Father Raj highlighted the generous contribution of the alumni in the SXUK project and the Xaverianness he has discovered in many Xaverians around the world. This Vocational Awards ceremony was indeed one of a kind.

A Staff Reporter
Kolkata, March 7, 2020: A lecture program to commemorate a 20th century Belgian Jesuit who worked in Kolkata explored the selfhood and identity in Islamic thought.

The fourth Victor Courtois Memorial Lecture was held at St. Xavier's University, Kolkata on March 7. Islamologist Father Victor Courtois, who died in Kolkata in 1960 aged 53, is considered an apostle of Christian-Muslim dialogue in Kolkata.

The lecture entitled 'Who am I ? An Exploration of Selfhood and Identity in Islamic Thought' was presented by Yusuf Jha, a researcher in Islamic Theology at the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom by a video link.

In his welcome address, University Vice-Chancellor Jesuit Father Felix Raj highlighted the importance of interreligious understanding and the need for bringing people together in the present context of divisiveness and interreligious tensions. He said, 'St. Xavier's University, Kolkata is committed to promote interreligious understanding and appreciation of all religions through its curriculum and teaching-learning methods.'
Jesuit Father Victor Edwin, the secretary of New Delhi-based Islamic Studies Association, said Father Courtois fostered relationships between Christians and Muslims in and around Kolkata

According to Father Edwin, polemics and debates marked the history of Christian-Muslim relations in the past. Father Courtois ushered an era of relationship and respect in such an era. The Belgian missionary taught that Christians and Muslims are brethren since God is the Father of all humans.

Father Courtois encouraged that Christians and Muslims to not shy away in giving witness to one-another's faith, for in giving witness to one another's faith that they recognize the heavenly Father in one another.
In his video lecture, Yusuf Jha noted that the West often questions 'Who am I?' in a dualistic pattern. Such patterns are premised on ultimate questions of existence, being split into two distinct substances: mind and matter. This thinking, Jha explained, has its roots in the 17th century, where people such as Descartes and Galileo, left God and the human mind intact as immaterial entities, but then conceived of the rest of the cosmos as mere matter in motion.

By 19th century, even this dualism waned, as minds (and the soul) themselves came to be understood as aspects of the material machine, until today when our consciousness is explained as an epiphenomenon (mental by-product).

Even though this mechanistic model is further challenged by today's science which has shifted the foundation to Quantum Physics and disputes the 'observer' and 'observed' pattern of alienation and estrangement, this still has not affected mainstream discourse which is still dominated by the mechanistic model.

In contrast to this approach, the approach of most world religions in their spirituality, and especially Sufi spirituality that is solidly founded on the Holy Qur'an and the Traditions of the Prophet Muhammad presents a holistic approach.

The fundamental call of Islam is to affirm the oneness of God and worship the one God. Yusuf affirmed that the call to surrender to one God is a call to see the One even though we observe the 'many' in the phenomenal level and to worship the One by mirroring the One in creation. The speaker affirmed that God is the foundation of this oneness and diversity.

God is the hidden treasure, noted the speaker. This hidden treasure, wanted to be known in a spirit of love. In order to be known, God, out of love, brings about creation. Thus God creates and nurtures in a constant means of disclosure, said the speaker. Drawing on the teachings of the Qur'an, Yusuf explained that God is known to creation through God's beautiful names, which are attributes of God. The attributes are imprinted in the soul of every human person.

Therefore, the ultimate goal of every human person is to experience this Oneness of love with God, wherein the egoistic sense of the separate seeker is annihilated (fana) and he remains through God (baqa) witnessing this Oneness. Drawing from the Sufi traditions, Yusuf noted that every seeker under guidance of his/her sheikh walks the Sufi path moving from one Station (maqamat) to the next consistently going through different 'states' (hal) patiently waiting for the movement of God's grace. 

View Gallery

Xavier's Commerce and Management Society (XCMS) conducted its second edition of XavUltra Talks on 6 March 2020. The endeavor is the 'terminus a quo' of a legacy' choose to inspire' which comprised of a panel of four experts in their respective fields who motivated around 400 attendees (including B.Com and BMS students) through their inciting journey. The basic concept of XavUltra Talks is to bring great minds in combination, acknowledging ideas from a different discipline and presenting them in the form of powerful talks where their 'journey is worth sharing'.
The theme for the session was 'Educate. Endure. Empower' that highlights the mode of women empowerment and celebrate the womanhood in the sense of freedom and accomplishment. The speakers of panel discussion were
Mr. Numazar D Mehta, Owner at Selvel One;
Mrs. Prochy Mehta, Director at One Ad Display;
Mrs. Richa Agarwal, CEO of Emami Art House; and
Mr. Jawhar Sircar, Chairman and Board of Governors, Centre for Studies in Social Sciences, Kolkata;

Mr. Mario Martin Louis moderated the session.

Mr. Jawahar Sircar shared his views on how with changing time, technology has brought in change in perception and served the purpose.
Mrs. Richa Agarwal mentioned about how her mother has been her inspiration throughout pertaining to freedom of choice and starting with her own business.
Mrs. Prochy Mehta shared her experiences oversea and how she tackled different uncertainties in the life.
Mr. Numazar D Mehta added on gender-defining roles and how important it is to understand the true meaning of the same.
After the discussion, the house was open for the question/ answer session wherein topics such as 'social conditioning', 'views on the role of technology and communication' etc. were discussed. The students showed keen interest and seemed motivated towards the end of the session. The Vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Sayani Saha, Professor In-charge of XCMS.

Report by Ms. Mahima Agarwal, BCOM Sem-IV.

St. Xavier's University, Kolkata Student Board organised a Health Check-Up programme in collaboration with Apollo Gleneagles Hospital, Kolkata on February 22, 2020 as part of XAVRANG, 2020 celebration.
Eminent physicians from Apollo Gleneagles Hospital graced the occasion and shared good health mantras with students, faculty and staff members of the university.
Dr. Debraj Jash, MD, DM (Pulmonology) gave a deliberation on the ill effects of smoking and the importance of hand washing to prevent various diseases.
The programme comprised of BMI, BP Check, Sugar test, ECG including consultation by leading physicians. The students thronged in large numbers and resolved to organise such events in future.

View Gallery

On the occasion of International Mother Language Day, the torch was lit up at St. Xavier's University, Kolkata on February 19, 2020. Fr. Felix Raj, Vice-Chancellor received the Torch that was flagged off at Dhaka University, Bangladesh and travelled to Darjeeling - Burdwan - Raghavpur (South 24 Parganas) before it was brought to Kolkata.
The concept of SANYOG is to promote each and every native mother language all across the globe. The aim of this event is to rejuvenate Mother Language's glory and to spread it among all; upholding everyone's rich cultural heritage.
The purpose was to bring people together and to build a bond beyond borders. "Though politics divides us, mother language unites us. We pay our deep respect and tribute to our mother language today," said Fr. Felix Raj in his address.
The dignitaries were felicitated by SANYOG 2020 team and a cultural programme was organised by the students of SXUK.

View Gallery

St. Xavier's University, Kolkata celebrated its 4th Foundation Day on Saturday, February 8, 2020. The Hon'ble Governor of West Bengal, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar was the Chief-Guest and the First Lady, Smt. Sudesh Dhankhar had accompanied him.
The Governor congratulated the students for being part of the Xaverian family. He said, "You are all fortunate to study at St. Xavier's University while I did not have this opportunity. Make the best use of your study here and become good leaders of India with Xaverian values."
Dr. Purnendu Roy, MD and Chairman of Genesis Hospital delivered the Foundation Day lecture on "Physical and Mental Health of Students to shoulder responsibility as leaders". His talk mesmerized the audience who cheered him with repeated applauses.
Earlier, Fr. Felix Raj, Vice-Chancellor, in his welcome address, expressed his gratitude to all visionaries and builders of the University for their tireless and consistent efforts. He announced that M.Com classes would be held in the morning from July 2020 for the benefit of students who can pursue their professional courses or seek placements in companies.
The annual magazine of the University, Xaverianum 2019, was released by the Governor and other dignitaries.

View Gallery

Award winners in different categories on the Foundation Day

The department of Social Work was organized a Shishu Mela from 10.00 am to 4.30 pm on January 26, 2020. Around 400 children from five villages attended the mela. The interaction between university students and the village children are found to be mutually beneficial and enriching.

Kathelberia is a village, 4.7 km from the SXUK campus. The University students, under the banner of Xaverians in Action, have adopted the village Government primary School. The school has around 210 students.

View Gallery

St. Xavier's University, Kolkata added to its budding history as the Sports Society (XUSS) organized the Annual Sports Day on January 25, 2020. The Chief Guest was Ms. J. Mercy, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Bidhannagar. Our faculty members, staff and students enthusiastically participated in all events.

View Gallery

The 9th Jesuit Alumni National Congress organised by the Jesuit Alumni Association of India (JAAI) will be held at St. Joseph's College, Trichy, Tamil Nadu - January 17 - 19, 2020 on the theme: Networking for a Harmonious World. Jesuit Alumni/ae from all over India will be attending the Congress. Around 35 delegates from Calcutta Province will participate in the Congress.

The Congress will kick off with a grand inauguration on 17th evening at 5.30 pm. Fr. Felix Raj will address the congress on January 18 at 10.15 on Jesuit Education and Networking. Read full lecture

Jesuit Fr. Felix Raj, SJ, Vice-Chancellor of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata was honoured with Xavier Ratna Award by the Xavier Institute of Engineering, Mumbai on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at its 11th Convocation for his distinguished contribution to higher education and making higher education affordable to the rural poor. Fr. Raj was the Chief-Guest for the Convocation and delivered the Convocation Address.

Fr. John Rose, SJ, the Director of the Institute gave away the award on behalf of the institute and the Jesuit Province of Mumbai.

180 students graduated this year from the Jesuit institute. Fr. Felix Raj advised the graduating students to live up to the values of a Xavierite carrying with them the Ignatian spirit of majis wherever they go.
He warned the students that 'Life out in the world is not cozy like your class rooms. Whether you go seeking jobs or climb the ladder of higher studies, be bold and face it all with courage and determination.'

'Think global and act local. Let your thoughts be positive and big and your actions real and concrete. Success will come after you if you vibrate positivity in all you do', he added.

As this Xavier institute is proud of you and has formed you as men and women for others, you also must be proud of your alma mater and come back to express your belongingness and loyalty, whenever possible' he said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mumbai, Veeresh Prabhu, Dr. Frank Trocki former Chancellor of Montana State University, Northern, USA and Dr. Y.D. Venkatesh, Principal of the College attended the Convocation ceremony.

Xavier Ratna is presented to illustrious Jesuit alumni by the Jesuits of Mumbai in Maharashtra. Earlier recipients of Xavier Ratna include: Former CM and Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee President Ashok Chavan, Chairman of Godrej Group, Adi Godrej, Non-Executive Chairman of HDFC, Deepak Parekh and Legendary Cricketer, Sunil Gavaskar. View Gallery

A dream has finally come true for the students and staff members of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata when the University Gym was inaugurated on 6th January, 2020. The blessing ceremony was done by Rev. Fr. Arul Raj, SJ in presence of Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor Fr. Felix Raj, Officers, Teachers and Staff members of the SXUK. The Gym is one of the most awaited facilities on campus. It houses amenities like smith machine, Cable cross over, calf machine, T bar, Hack squat, Wrist curl and many more.

For registration and all other details, please contact with Mr. Atabuddin Molla, Trainer of Gymnasium

View Gallery

The alumni association of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata namely "St. Xavier's University Kolkata Alumni Association (SXUKAA)" has now been officially registered with the Registrar of Societies.
SXUKAA has also become a member of the Federation of Jesuit Alumni Association of India (FOJAAI) and as such also of World Union of Jesuit Alumni (WUJA).  View SXUKAA page

Father Felix Raj, Vice-Chancellor of St Xavier's University, was inducted into the Management Accounting Hall of Fame by the Institute of Certified Management Accountants (ICMA) for his contribution and lifetime achievement in the field of education and management. Brendon O Connell, ICMA s global president, and Chris D Souza, chief operating officer of the organisation, presented him the award at a conference on Frontiers In Accounting held on the New Town campus of St Xavier's University, Kolkata on Monday December 16.   Read Article

St. Xavier's University, Kolkata celebrated the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, the patron of the university. The Fathers, Sisters, students, faculty members and staff members participated in the Holy Eucharistic Celebration at the chapel to seek blessings of their patron, who during his short yet inspiring tenure on earth touched the lives of many men and women.

St. Francis Xavier came to India in the year 1542 to spread the Word of God and worked tirelessly for almost 10 years. This decade is earmarked as the Xaverian decade. In spite of hailing from a well to do family, he devoted his life for the service of mankind. During his teaching career at the then elite college in Paris as professor of philosophy. The words of St. Ignatius of Loyola - "What does it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and yet loses his soul" transformed his quest for worldly ambitions.

Our Vice-Chancellor, Fr. Felix Raj, SJ led the congregation in prayer and reiterated that we should make all efforts to imbibe the qualities of St. Francis Xavier. A cultural programme was organised by the Xavierian Family on the occasion.

View Gallery

On 26th November 2019, Xavier Law School organised an event in celebration of the 70th Anniversary of Constitution Day, between 1600 and 1700 hrs, at the Aruppe Building Auditorium. Honourable Vice-Chancellor Rev. Fr. Dr. J. Felix Raj, S.J., delivered the inaugural speech, while Honourable Registrar Prof. Ashis Mitra administered to all gathered a pledge on the Preamble to the Constitution of India.
The event was graced by Prof. Mahesh Menon and Prof. Agnidipto Tarafder, members of the faculty at The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata, who shared their erudite insights on the persistent impact this day continues to have on the life of the nation and its democracy.

View Gallery

The Students and Faculty members from the Department of Social Work, Rani Channamma University, Karnataka visited St Xavier's University, Kolkata on 23.11.2019 as a part of their educational exposure to the state of West Bengal. They interacted with the Faculty members and students of the Department of Social Work, St Xavier's University, Kolkata.

Fr. Vice Chancellor, Dr. John Felix Raj, SJ welcomed them to the University. Fr. Dr. Soosai Nayagam, Dean of Faculty of Arts and Social Studies, inaugurated the interactive session.

Two Universities from two different parts of the country came together, shared common concerns and decided to work together for the growth and development of the Social Work profession and the Universities they belonged to.

St. Xavier's University, Kolkata has launched Ph.D. programme in Commerce, English and Mass Communication for academic session 2019-20 as a step towards scaling up the maturity model in Research dimension.
The University organized an Inaugural Programme for Ph.D. Scholars on 18th November, 2019 at University Auditorium.
Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor in his welcome address, invited the Research Scholars to start their Research journey with a clear focus and passion for the same. In his address he also dwelt upon the necessity of developing a Xavier ethos for the Research Scholars and live up to the expectation of the global brand. Fr. Vice Chancellor also had a special session with the Research Scholars on Research Motivation.
Prof. Dr. Suranjan Das, Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor, Jadavpur University, the Chief Guest of the programme gave the Key note address to the Research Scholars. Prof. Das emphasized upon the need to look at the dimensions of Research niche areas, explore the importance of walking out of the comfort zone and working on Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Research areas in an effort building the research objectives out of the need and issues arising around the users and diversified stakeholders.
Prof. Dr. Niraj Kumar, Ph.D. Coordinator and Convener Board of Research, St. Xavier's University, Kolkata delivered the vote of thanks. Prof. Kumar informed about the establishment of Centre for Excellence in Research and Innovation at St. Xavier's University, Kolkata with the objective to work as Research Enterprise in collaboration with Knowledge Community worldwide.

View Gallery

The Sports Society of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata organized 'XAVRUN' 2019, the first of its kind. Fr. Vice-Chancellor flagged off the Marathon at 5.30 am on November 3. Around 500 people (from age 7 to 62) participated in the Xaverian Run. Thanks to the Sports Officer of SXUK and team for the successful organisation of the event.

Principal Fr. KV Mathew felicited by Fr. Sebasti L. Raj, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of SXUK 135 students of Plus Two level commerce of the two schools, namely, Don Bosco Liluah and Don Bosco Bandel visited the campus accompanied by the Principal of Don Bosco Liluah, Fr. Kv. Mathew and Mr. Harshit Chokhani, Secretary of Don Bosco Schools Alumni; and also four teachers. An interactive session was organised with Dr. Amitava Roy on Emerging Areas of Commerce. Career Opportunities in Commerce were also discussed.

View Gallery

Gesture that inspired Merkel's 'diamond'
authored by J Felix Raj, Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata Read full article published in the newspaper "The Telegraph" on October 21, 2019

Xavier Business School (XBS) organized its first ever B-School fest XAVIESTA 2019 on 27th and 28th September 2019 at St. Xavier's University campus.

The fest was inaugurated by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor Father Dr. Sebasti L. Raj in the presence of the Chief Guest Shri Debasish Sen, Honorable Additional Chief Secretary, IT and E Department, HIDCO, Government of West Bengal. Shri Debasish Sen in his message for the budding young managers that urged them to be more responsible towards the environment and be able corporate citizens.

A list of ten B-schools namely Indian Institute of Social Welfare Business & Management, Kolkata, International Management Institute, Kolkata, Globsyn Business School, Eastern Institute of Integrated Learning in Management, Kolkata, Army Institute of Management, IIT-Dhanbad, XISS-Ranchi, MDI- Murshidabad, KIIT School of Management and Xavier Business School participated in various events of Business, Cultural and Sports.

XAVIESTA 2019 concluded with great success. The closing ceremony witnessed the presence of dignitaries from the university followed by a cake cutting ceremony.

View Gallery

On the auspicious occasion of the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, St. Xavier's University celebrated the Teacher's Day on 5th September, 2019. A lively programme was organized which saw active participation from students as well as Teaching and Non-teaching staff members of the University.

Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj gave the opening speech. The celebrations proceeded in the presence of Rev. Dr. Sebasti L. Raj (Pro-Vice Chancellor), Prof. Ashis Mitra (Registrar), Deans and all Teaching and Non-Teaching staff members.

Students shared their experiences of their time at the university and their time with the faculty. This was followed by a cultural programme organized by the cultural society (XUCAS). The cultural programme witnessed students from all departments coming together to put up wonderful performances in the form of song and dance. This was followed by performances by the Teaching and Non-Teaching staff of the University.

Father Albert Huart Memorial Football Tournament
In memory of Father Albert Huart, a Football Tournament was organized by the Sports Society of the University (XUSS) between the Teaching and the Non-Teaching staff members where the Non-Teaching staff members became the champion and Prof. Tutun Mukherjee was awarded the Player of the Tournament.

The students showed commendable organisational skills to make their programmes a success.

View Gallery

St. Xavier's University, Kolkata organised its first Blood Donation Camp on 26th of August 2019. It was organised in the memory of St. Teresa of Calcutta on her 109th birth anniversary. Mother Teresa was a humanitarian known for her acts of charity towards the marginalised sections of the society.

The camp was organised by the Department of Social Work and Xaverians in Action (XIA) in collaboration with the Association of Voluntary Blood Donors, West Bengal. The students were very enthusiastic to celebrate the day with lots of joy as it was also the birthday of our Honourable Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, SJ.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by the Honourable Vice-Chancellor along with other dignitaries of the University. Father also delivered an inspiring speech on the importance of blood donation and long standing and firm resolution towards the cause by Xaverians.

There were three blood banks which participated in the Camp, namely R.G. Kar Hospital, National Blood Bank and Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital. The event ended on a happy note as the Department of Social Work and XIA announced a total of 348 donors.

There was also a seminar on Life Saving Skills conducted by Vivo Health Care Institute on the steps taken to perform CPR and precautionary measures to undertake in case of choking as the volunteers of the Blood Donation Camp were called up on stage for a live demonstration. The Seminar was attended by more than 250 students of the University.

Due to the enthusiastic response of our students, our VC announced to host the Blood Donation Camp as an annual event on the 26th August every year.

View Gallery

The spirit of Independence and the celebration of freedom were vibrantly evident at St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, where the entire Xavier's family - faculty, staff, officers and students - participated with enthusiasm and pride. It was a full-house in spite of the inclement weather

View Gallery

A Faculty Orientation Programme was organised by St. Xavier's University, Kolkata on 24th August, 2019. The 36 newly appointed faculty members attended the FOP. Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor conducted the Orientation. Three participants shared their experiences at St. Xavier's University. Based on these ground reality sharing, Father engaged the participants into group discussions on strengths of the University and Opprtunities & Challenges to grow.Prof. Ashis Mitra made some important remarks about the standard of academic work expected from the faculty members in terms of Lesson Plan, Punctuality, Leave Rules, Mentor Programme, Progress Report, Classroom Management and Accountability. The Orientation programme gave an opportunity for interaction with the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar. The participants expressed a sense of satisfaction.

The law is supreme and even above the king, India's first Lokpal, Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose, told law students of Xavier Law School at St. Xavier's University, Kolkata on Saturday. In the Vedas and the Upanishads, law is treated as the "king of kings", he said.

View Gallery

XavUltra Talks, another contrivance of Xavier Commerce and Management Society was an initiative led by the Working Committee of the same, based on the theme 'Nothing Beyond'. The endeavour was the Italic of the legacy 'choose to inspire' which comprised a panel of four experts in their respective fields who, through their exciting journey, motivated around 400 attendees present in the arena.

The basic concept of XavUltra Talks is the congratulation of great minds, acknowledging ideas from different discipline and presenting them in the form of powerful talks where their 'journey is worth sharing'.

Renowned Kolkata-based designer Agnimitra Paul quotes her journey to be "My Journey; Making it Fashionable".
Read More

Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor and writer warned that jobs were scarce and degrees were abundant and if this mismatch continued many qualified graduates would end up jobless.

Tharoor was delivering the convocation address at St. Xavier's University, Kolkata on Saturday, July 27. "I am sure this won't be a problem for the graduates I am addressing today at St Xavier's University. But you must be aware of the broader national picture," Tharoor said. Read More

View Gallery

The new office bearers of the Xaverians in Action Cell had a day's orientation on Saturday, May 17. Our Vice-Chancellor inaugurated the programme with a call to commitment. "Mere aspiration to progress or success in life is not enough; Aspiration should be based on values that transform us and our fellow human beings," he said.

The resource persons were Prof. Cheryl Francis of St. Xavier's College and Mr. Paritosh Majumdar, our Social Work coordinator. They enriched the students with their input sessions based on their wide and rich.

View Gallery

Former national security advisor and ex-governor of Bengal M K Narayanan said he was happy as he could use the prefix prof before his name because he is joining St. Xavier's University. "Now, I am Prof Narayanan and all the credit goes to Father J Felix Raj, VC of St Xavier's University," said the ex-IPS officer
Read more
Courtesy: The Times of India,May 07, 2019, Kolkata

Teachers, students, Jesuit priests and support staff of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata organised a candle-light prayer service on April 30 evening to pray for the victims of the Easter Sunday blasts in Sri Lanka.
They gathered on the campus in front of the Statue of St. Joseph and prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and for the speedy recovery of the wounded.
"Every beginning has an end and every end has a new beginning. Those who have died have entered into eternal life. May their souls rest in peace," Said Fr. Vice-Chancellor, Father Felix Raj, SJ who led the service.
Over 300 people were killed and hundreds wounded in several bomb blasts that rocked Churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday.
Courtesy :The Telegraph, Kolkata - The Metro

Kolkata: After former Vice-President Hamid Ansari, former Bengal Governor M. K. Narayanan is set to join St. Xavier's University as a visiting professor.
Narayanan, who was also the third National Security Advisor of India, is an alumnus of Loyola College, Chennai. The 85-year-old will start lectures on the New Town campus from the new academic session starting from July 2019. In a letter to Fr. Vice-Chancellor, Narayanan said, "It will be an honour to be associated with St. Xavier's University specially having as its Vice-Chancellor a distinguished personality like yourself."

Narayanan, who lives in Chennai now, will visit the university on May 6 to discuss details of his role. Narayanan is the second in the list of luminaries to be on the faculty of SXUK as visiting professor.

The University is planning to approach others, like economist Kaushik Basu, industrialist and alumnus L. N. Mittal and former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan, to join the University as guest faculty.
"The idea behind inviting eminent leaders is to broaden the knowledge base of the students, as well as the faculty members," Fr. Raj said.

Courtesy: The Times of India, April 26, 2019, Kolkata

Xavier's University Economics Society (XUES) was inaugurated on 11th April, 2019. Rev. Fr. Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-chancellor, Prof. Ashis Mitra, Registrar, Rev. Dr. Soosai Nayagam, S.J., Dean of Arts and Social Studies, Rev. Fr. Arul Raj, Finance Officer, Dr. Ranjanendra Narayan Nag, visiting faculty of the University, Prof. Sayantan Bandhu Majumdar, Head of Department of Economics and other faculty members graced the occasion. Read more

The Executive Committee members of Xaverians in Action (XIA) of the department of Social Service are seen with Fr. Vice-Chancellor and Mr. Paritosh Majumdar, the Programme Co-ordinator. XIA has begun a project called University to Village and Village to University (UVVU). View The committee members

Mr. Mohammad Hamid Ansari, former Vice-President of India has accepted the invitation of Father Felix Raj, Vice-Chancellor of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata to join SXUK as a visiting professor. In a letter to Father Raj, Ansari (82) wrote, "I deem this a great honour and will be happy to accept it".

Details of his visits to the university and themes of his lectures will be worked out later. Ansari, an alumnus of the St. Xavier's College who studied at the College from 1952 to 55, was honoured with the Global Xaverian Award by the St. Xavier's College Alumni Association in November 2018 in New Delhi.

The former Vice-President has accepted our invitation to join the St. Xavier's University as visiting faculty. This is an honour to all of us at the university". Fr. Felix Raj, the Vice-Chancellor told the media.

The idea behind inviting eminent leaders like Ansari as visiting faculty is to "broaden our students' knowledge and vision," Fr. Raj said.

Ansari is a specialist in his field, a scholar and an academician. He has great experiences to share with our students. His experience as Vice-President, Ambassador and an Indian Foreign service officer will enrich our students and throw challenges in their life. That is very important for students who are pursuing management and post-graduate courses," Fr. Felix Raj said.

The university is planning to invite more eminent persons as visiting professors.

Usha Uthup, the legendary singer, was at St. Xavier's University, Kolkata (SXUK) on the occasion of Xavrang'19, the Students' Fest.

She enthralled the student audience with her melodious songs.

Even Gods could not resist, the heavens opened and heavy showers stopped the performances on the 5th and 6th.

The Local Train, the Indian Rock Band, will perform again on April 16 evening.

St. Xavier's University students continue their committed service to the neighbourhood children. Every weekend (Saturdays and Sundays) a group of enthusiastic students from the University visit the local villages - Kathalberia and Kulberia, under Beonta Panchayat of Bhangar II Block (South 24 Parganas District) and teach the young children of various governments run primary schools, to impart quality education to them. Another group of our students have been carrying out a noble drive by running Spoken English Classes at the University Campus for the older students especially those who attend secondary schools/colleges. These students generally come from Dharmatala-Panchuria Village.Both these activities are being fully managed by the students themselves and the overall impact appears to be highly positive, a fruitful experience for both university students as well as village children. It has brought a new ray of hope among the village people, school teachers and leaders. - Paritosh Majumdar

St. Xavier's University, Kolkata celebrated its third Foundation Day on February 8, 2019. Hon'ble Governor of West Bengal, Shri Keshari Nath Tripathi was the Chief Guest and Prof. Parth Pratim Chakrabarti, Director of IIT Karagpur, the Guest of Honour.

The Central Library Building named after Fr. Pedro Arrupe, a former General of the Jesuit Order, was inaugurated by the Governor. The Arrupe Building houses the spacious central lending library and a reading room. It will have law and Management libraries respectively. A state of the art studio for the Mass Communication department is set up in the first and second floors of the building.

"St Xavier's institutions belong to a global education network. Jesuit education is known all over the world for its excellence and the high quality they have maintained," Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi, the chief guest, said. "St Xavier's University in its second year has 1,100 students on its roll. This is a fast growth. I applaud the Jesuit Fathers for their wholehearted work."

St Xavier's University will start a law school and a morning section for B Com from the 2019 academic session, vice-chancellor Father Felix Raj announced on the Foundation Day.
"We are ready to open our new law school from the current academic session. Our commerce students had requested us to start a morning section," he said. "We are prepared to start the new section, too, from this session."

The Xavier Law School will offer five-year integrated BA LLB (honours) and BCom LLB (honours) courses. The school will need the clearance of the Bar Council of India that regulates law education in the country.

The morning section in commerce (from 7am to 12.00) will have two classes. Classes in the day section continue from 10am to 4pm. The morning section at the university aims to help students who want to devote the latter part of the day to their family businesses and courses like CA and CS, he said.

Father Felix Raj said the university had started its academic activities less than 20 months ago. But the institution was "fast progressing" in "true Xaverian spirit", Nihil Ultra (nothing beyond), he said.
"We began an MBA course last year. It is growing steadily. The summer internship has been very successful at the business school. I am confident the university will continue to grow in true Xaverian spirit."

Prof. Partha Pratim Chakrabarti, director, IIT Kharagpur and a illustrious Xaverian, delivered the foundation day lecture on Science and Technology in Higher Education Today.
Governor presented the awards to meritorious students at the end of the function.

View Gallery

Twelve students from the Jesuit Fordham University, Bronx, New York visited St. Xavier's University, Kolkata on January 7 and interacted with the Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor.

A Christmas Get-together was organized by the SXC Alumni Association on December 21st evening. The Ho'ble Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, along with some of her Ministers, the Mayor of Kolkata and Commissioner of Police, graced the occasion.

The Chief Minister paid a visit to the crib at the College quadrangle and spent some time with the Fathers prior to the programme at the auditorium.

The programme began with a welcome address by Fr. Dominic Savio, Principal of SXC. Fr. Felix Raj, VC of SXUK delivered a Christmas message with a brief report of the educational service rendered by the Jesuit Fathers in West Bengal.

The Chief Minister spoke in appreciation of the Jesuit work at SXC and the SXUK. She welcomed St Xavier's University's decision to introduce law course from July 2019 and asked the University to consider starting a College in Alipurduar.

The Chief Minister felicitated Emeritus Bishop Linus Gomes (98), the oldest Bishop in India who stays at SXC.

View Gallery

St. Xavier's University organized a camp under the aegis of "Xaverians in Action" at the campus from December 17 to 22. 160 neighborhood children attended the camp mentored by 150 University student volunteers. Visits of the University students to villages have conscientized them and made them understand the rural realities.

The camp concluded on 22nd with a Christmas celebration. Fr. Felix Raj delivered the Christmas message with a note of appreciation to our students for their efforts to bring joy to our neighborhood children. Singer, Ms Swastika Mukherjee brought joy to all by her carols and songs. A Christmas cake was cut by the Vice-Chancellor and other dignitaries and shared by all.

Village Children were given a hamper bag with gifts they went home with broad smiles on their faces. A high tea was organized for faculty and staff. Thanks for Paritosh Majumdar, GP Gupta, Manali Bhattacharya, Medha Bhadra Chowdhury and student volunteers for their efficient organization of the programme.

View Gallery

A talk and an Interactive session on "Indo-Korean bilateral relationship: Prospects ahead", was held in Xavier Business School, St. Xavier's University, Kolkata on Monday, 10th December, 2018. It was an evening packed with students of XBS, faculty members and Deans.

The Guests of Honor were Mr. Yoo Chang Ho, presently the Minister Counselor for Political Affairs, Korean Embassy to India, New Delhi and Mr. Rajive Kaul, Chairman of the Nicco Engineering Services Limited (NESL) and Promoter - Director of Nicco Parks & Resorts Limited. He is also the Honorary Consul of The Republic of Korea, Kolkata. The session provided glimpses of the bilateral relationship since ages and what India and Korea can do by joining hands together in the economic, cultural and academic fields.

View Gallery

A faculty Development Programme (FDP) was organized by the Xavier Busiess School, Kolkata in collaboration with ICSSR (ERC) from 26th November to 6th December on 'Data Analytics'.

The purpose of the programme was to understand the methodologies and enhance the researching skills of the participants. Experts from academics and industry, including ISI Kolkata, IIFT Kolkata, NIT Durgapur, IMT Ghaziabad, SPSS South East Asia, ICSSR and St. Xavier's University were pooled in as resource persons. A total of forty faculty and research scholars with varied academic background from different parts of India participated in the programme. The Programme was fruitful and enriching. Thanks to prof. Soma Sur and the faculty of XBS for their efficient coordination.

View Gallery

X-Inovaè, 2018 is St. Xavier's University's first ever fest under the banner of Xavier's Commerce and Management Society. A range of events was organised to test the business management skills of the participants. We had a spectacular two day buzz of enthusiastic participants on the 14th and 15th of November, 2018. It was filled with ideas, innovation, creativity, fun and enthusiasm contributed by the best minds from all across the city.

The first day began with an overwhelming response from various colleges and B-School participants pouring in to be enthralled by the events in store for them. Events like Genesis (B-Plan), Market Mayhem, Workforce Mobility, Newsworthy, etc were conducted. The second day witnessed many other events and seminars.

A special entrepreneurial session was conducted as well in which the owner of Century Ply, Mr. Sanjay Agrawal and the director of Emami Group, Mr. Aditya Agarwal were the guest speakers. The overall winner of the fest was St. Xavier's University and the runners-up was Goenka College. The fest was a huge success and a great learning experience for not only the members of XCMS but also for every student of St. Xavier's University.

View Gallery

A 5-days Residential Camp was organized by the Xaverians in Action for Change (XAC) for 33 enthusiastic students of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata during this Puja Vacation. The campers from various undergraduate courses stayed at the University Campus from 26th to 30th October 2018. They visited 4 nearby villages namely Dharmatala - Pachuria, Kulberia and Kathalberia to empower more than 150 village kids by imparting quality education.

The camp was inaugurated by the Registrar, Prof. Ashis Mitra on 26th October and the campers organised a March to the villages to spread awareness about the importance of quality education and how the university students could contribute to empower them through Education. The young students carried out home visits to assess the needs of the villages and their kids. The kids from the above-mentioned villages showed immense interests as they were taught English, Math, Drawing, Art & Crafts, and Dance by the Xaverians. The whole exercise brought a new ray of hope for the village students and the villagers that they can transform their lives through quality education.

A history was created during this camp as the University opened its gates for the village youth whereby 30 youth from these local villages came to the University Campus for Spoken-English Classes. The village youth felt that this rare opportunity will change their lives as they would be confident and more competent to secure jobs when they complete their education.

The campers were instrumental in fulfilling our Vice Chancellor, Rev. Dr. J. Felix Raj's dream to adopt local villages and empower them via imparting 'Quality Education'. During the concluding ceremony on 30.10.2018, the campers openly shared their enriching experiences and learning which they acquired during the camp. They shared that this experience helped them transform their own lives and took a pledge to help others. The energetic campers were so inspired that they took a pledge to continue this noble journey of teaching the village kids once the University reopens after the Puja Vacation. They have made an action plan for a year.

Thanks to Mr. Paritosh Majumdar and his team of teachers and students for organizing the camp. The Xaverian Action for Change will continue to empower the village students for their bright future.  

A group of 5 undergraduate students along with the Social Work Programme coordinator of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata attended a 4-day "Leadership and Personality Development Programme" at Matigara in North Bengal between 20-23 September 2018. This programme was organized for the students of Jesuit Institutions from West Bengal and Sikkim by the Jesuit College Principals Association. The objective was to inculcate leadership qualities for overall personality and holistic development of students. The participating institutes included St. Xavier's University (Kolkata), St. Xavier's College; Kolkata, St. Xavier's College, Rajganj (North Bengal), St. Xavier's College, Burdwan, St. Joseph's College; Darjeeling and Loyola College, Namchi.

A list of notable resource persons included Miss Trishala Gurung, a college student from Darjeeling and a mountaineer who had conquered the summit of Everest, in May 2016. There were interactive sessions conducted on various social issues such as human trafficking and plight of plantation workers in the hills of North Bengal. The students learnt about 'Jesuit Charism' and the roles played by St. Ignatius of Loyola and St. Francis Xavier - the two founding members of Jesuit Society.

The participants were also taken for an exposure visit to "Jesu Ashram" a home for the destitute. The programme was designed to have interactive games, individual and group presentations, personal sharing and fun activities. The students showed immense enthusiasm and pledged to undertake many such activities in their own institutions when return.

St. Xavier's University, Kolkata in collaboration with EMMRC, St. Xavier's College, is introducing MOOC as initiated by MHRD. It is an indigenous platform of learning through technology enabled education modules. The platform is abbreviated as SWAYAM (Study Web of Active Learning by Young and Aspiring Minds).

E-content is developed as per the undergraduate syllabus framework by expert faculty members. The ICT platform enables students' easy access to high quality video lectures, reading resources, open dialogue in discussion forums, evaluation modules and regular assessments. Courses introduced can be Credit or Non-Credit bearing under semester system.
St. Xavier's University shall start with three different MOOC courses, the details are as follows:

• Four Credit Course: E-Commerce - Technologies & Management Principles under the expertise of Prof. Tuhin Utsab Paul, Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce and Management.
• Two Credit Course: Statistical Methods For Managers under the guidance of Prof. Sovik Mukherjee, Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce and Management.
• Two Credit Course: Goods and Services Tax Simplified under the guidance of Prof. Tanmayananda Chattaraj, Assistant Professor in Finance and Accounting, Department of Commerce and Management. 

The Department of Social Work, St Xavier's University, Kolkata had invited the internationally acclaimed dancer and social initiator, Alokananda Roy for an interactive session with the Post Graduate students of the Departments of Social Work, Mass Communication and English. Ma'am Roy shared her experience of working with the inmates of the correctional homes.

Students and Faculty members listened to her in rapt attention as she spoke about her childhood and school days and her passion for dancing and music. She narrated how from being a stranger to the inmates of the correctional homes, she is now their beloved mother, grandmother and their confidant. She also spoke about how she helped the inmates to transform their lives through music and dance. All watched a documentary on her work with the inmates of correctional homes.

Roy also enlightened the participants on several issues and concerns of the inmates of correctional homes. She urged the students to develop a non-judgemental attitude towards those who get into conflict with law. She emphasised the rehabilitation strategies that need to be adopted for mainstreaming the inmates of correctional homes and in this context insisted for advocacy with different stakeholders like West Bengal State Commission for Protection of Child Rights and Corporate Social Responsibilities etc.

The session proved inspiring with valuable insights into a section of society that is often looked down upon.

The Department of Mass Communication organized a Photography Exhibition on 6th September 2018. The exhibition was arranged by the post-graduate students. Dignitaries including our Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Dr. J. Felix Raj, Registrar. Prof. Ashis Mitra, Dean of Arts and Social Studies, Rev. Dr. Soosai Nayagam and respected faculty members from other departments were present. The prizes for the intra-college photography competition, 'Colours of Life' were given away. The first position awarded to Angira Raha (M.A. Economics, Semester 1) and the second to Mrittika Banerjee (M.A. English, Semester 1).

This was a wonderful platform for both amateur and professional photographers to showcase their best works. Each photograph captured interesting subjects, landscapes and abstractions. It was heartening to witness many discussions being stimulated regarding their interpretations. The event was a great space for students to interact with one another, work as a team and put up something that was enjoyed by one and all.

View Gallery

At the Jesuit infirmary at Bruxeles, in the early hours of September 6, 2018, Father Albert Huart, SJ left for his divine abode. He was born in Namur, Belgium in 1925; he joined the Society of Jesus in August 1943. Father travelled to India in 1957 and was ordained a priest in April 1957.

One of the makers of modern St. Xavier's College, Kolkata, Fr. Huart grew into an institution by himself, shaping the lives of innumerable Xaverians with lessons that lasted beyond the syllabus.

Fr. Huart had a remarkable memory of people and events. He could instantly recall names, roll numbers and incidents of his students even after decades have passed. People felt endeared as he dealt with them, and he dealt with complicated and disciplinary issues with ease, care and gentle compassion.

The students felt fascinated by his aura of love and warmth, and many students and professors acknowledged him as the mentor - of their profession and their personality. We remember him with respect and eternal reverence.

The Alumni Association of SXC organized a condolence meeting for Fr. Huart on Saturday, September 15 at St. Xavier's College auditorium. Many of his students and friends paid rich tribute and respect for the great soul.

Fr. Huart is mortally not with us, but will continue to grace our hearts and lives with the preaching and practices he proposed and performed. The just and righteous do not die, they continue to live. Biological death is only an entry to life eternal.

The teacher of many teachers has chosen his final appointment with the Divine Master. May His Soul Rest in Peace (RIP).

September 11, 1893 is a historic day for all. It was on this day that Swami Vivekananda made his appearance at the World Parliament of Religions held in Chicago and it was for the first time a religious leader, appearing on a world platform; spoke about the dire need for harmony of religions.

He spoke not only about universal toleration but acceptance of all religions as true. He made a fervent appeal to the assembled religious leaders to shun all forms of "religious fanaticism, persecution and violence, whether with the sword or with the pen, and of all uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way towards the same goal."

2018 marks the 125th anniversary of Swami Vivekananda's historic Chicago speech and the Ramakrishna Missions all over the world are observing this great occasion in a befitting manner. Ramakrishna Mission Delhi is organizing an Interfaith Meet with representatives from the nine major religions of India, in their Ashrama on September 11, 2018 to discuss and understand how clearly different religions have truly accepted the idea of harmony as preached by Swami Vivekananda and put it into practice.

Fr. Felix Raj, SJ, Vice-Chancellor of St. Xavier's University participated at the Interfaith Meet and addressed the religious representatives on "Christian Response to Swami Vivekananda's message of Religious Tolerance and Harmony".

To celebrate the great occasion, St. Xavier's University is organizing an essay competition on "Swami Vivekananda's Message of Harmony and its Relevance to the Youth Today".

On the 5th of September 2018, a year after the Inauguration, a lively Teachers' Day programme was organized for the Teachers and support staffs of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata.

The programme began with a prayer song sung by Shristi Mukherjee of B.COM, followed by a short speech on the role of teachers in shaping the young minds by Sarina Pradhan.

A solo dance performance by Kaushiki Pal of MBA, 1st year added to the sparkle. Student representatives and Alumni members presented a flower bouquet to Rev. Father Vice Chancellor.

Father Vice Chancellor gave an enlightening speech as he elaborated on the contributions of Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan to the society and the reason behind celebrating Teacher's day on his birthday. A beautiful cake cut by all dignitaries, along with a melodious musical performance.

Mr. Firdausal Hasan proposed the vote of thanks and a sumptuous lunch was served for all by the SXCCAA. The event was emceed by two students.

View Gallery

St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, located in New Town, Rajarhat, has opened its doors to students to reside within the campus. Two separate Hostels, one for boys and the other girls were blessed and inaugurated by Fr. Felix Raj and Fr. Soosai Nayagam respectively on the feast day of Jesuit Founder, St. Ignatius of Loyola, July 31.

There are 151 boys and girls who have taken admission in the hostels. Fr. Sebasti Raj, Pro-VC has been appointed with the additional charge as Hostel Director with Fr. Jeya Kumar as assistant.

Two Sisters of St. Anne's of Madavaram, Sr. Sahaya Lilly and Sr. Sheela Thomas have been appointed as Dy and Assistant director of the Girls' hostel.

Each hostel has a total capacity of 290 seats.

Independence Celebration at SXUK

The 72nd Independence of India was celebrated at the St. Xavier's University, Kolkata on 15th of August. The auspicious occasion was inaugurated by The Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor who hoisted the National Flag, accompanied by the National Anthem. Swami Agnivesh, a former Professor of St. Xavier's College and a spiritual leader and social activist was the Chief-Guest.
Swamiji spoke about the lessons he learnt from the Jesuit Priests during his days at SXC and about his universal mission for the poor and the bonded labourers. A large number of faculty, staff, students, security and house-keeping officers participated in the ceremony.
Shyam Rao taught at St. Xavier's College from 1963 to 1966. He was inquisitive about the life and work of the Belgian Jesuits who were serving at the College. One day he sneaked into the Jesuit residence and peeped through the window of a Jesuit's room. To his great amazement, he found in the room only a table, two chairs, a bed and a wooden almirah with some books. The austerity overwhelmed him.
While coming out of the Jesuit residence, Shyam Rao met a Jesuit on the corridor and asked him what motivated him to come to India, leaving a life of home and comfort in Belgium. The Jesuit answered him, " I am here with a mission to serve the people of India and impart quality education to Indian students".
The Jesuit's response had a deep-seated impact on Professor Shyam Rao and made him ponder; "What is my mission for India?" Subsequently Rao left his teaching career and travelled to Haryana where he joined the Arya Samaj and took the sanyas vows and became Swami Agnivesh.
Agnivesh became president (2004-2014) of the World Council of Arya Samaj, which is the highest international body of the Arya Samaj movement originally established by Swami Dayanand Saraswati in 1875, and served as the chairperson of the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery from 1994 to 2004.
He is best known for his dedicated service against bonded labour through the Bonded Labour Liberation Front, which he founded in 1981. Agnivesh is a close friend of Jesuits.

INTERVIEW WITH REV. FR. JOHN FELIX RAJ, VICE CHANCELLOR,ST. XAVIER'S UNIVERSITY - By Pawan Dalmia - Editor - We Xaverian

1) What is your feeling after your dream of SXUK is realized?

Its not my dream alone, it is the dream of the whole Xaverian Family, it includes the Jesuits, alumni, alumnae, the people of Kolkata, the Government, including the Honorable Chief Minister and many more.

It is a collective dream, I was there to give a lead; yes the dream has been realized, it has become a reality but the vision 2020 must now take a different shape as vision 2025, because this vision must continue.

We are still in the process. Our journey has been a successful one, there has been a lot of development in the university campus; students have been admitted, professors have been appointed, construction of buildings is going on, we are concentrating on offering to our students & faculty, as much facilities as possible for academic teaching, learning, research and consultancy.

I am sure with the support of many people, alumni association & the Xaverians, we will be able to successfully complete this vision and be at the service of thousands of students. I feel very happy that this collective journey has been very fruitful & I am grateful to all those involved & to God almighty for his blessings & guidance.

2) Kindly tell us the story of journey of how your dream of SXUK came into realty?

It is a journey; rather a long journey right from 2010 when we began to expand St. Xavier's College, establishing St. Xavier's University (SXUK) was a part of that expansion, we started working towards that and that's how the journey for the university began.

3) You always say - "if it is God's work, it will happen" ! Will you kindly share this conviction of yours?

First & foremost, I am a Jesuit & my primary conviction is that everything I do is God's work, it is God who is working through me, I am only an instrument, this is what Saint Ignatius of Loyola and the Society of Jesus have taught me.

If it is God's work, no one can stop it. Everything is possible for God. I don't think, I had the slightest idea of starting SXUK, it all happened spontaneously; that is why I believe that it is the work of God and so in the last six years we could successfully journey towards this goal of establishing the university. Nothing stopped us because God was there; God has been inspiring us to work for this goal, for this vision.

Sometimes, our work may not be God's work, because it may be out of selfish motive or it may be out of self centeredness, egoism might come in, so it may be an individual's achievement, individual mission, but often, if it is an individual's mission, if it is not God's plan, it stops, but whatever is God's work continues. God chooses us as his instruments & makes us work; it is He who inspires, so we need to put our total trust in Him and continue the work, He will take care of everything.

4) What are the factors on which you are going to give stress in the teaching, learning process in SXUK?

Off course, we need to give focus on different methods of teaching and also more effective ways of learning and facilities are provided taking into account these requirements; classrooms, libraries, research centers, studios, hostels all these are facilities that we offer, for a good academic environment so that teachers can teach well and students can learn.
We have started a good process and I am sure this process will be strengthened as we go on. We started with six courses, now we will have ten courses, five P.G. Courses, five undergraduate courses and an MBA programme; we will have in July 2018 around eleven hundred students. We want to introduce, taking into account the future needs, more courses relevant to our students, so that these courses open up avenues for further studies, research or for proper placement. We are discussing amongst the faculty members, on how and what type of courses we must introduce. We are thinking of starting Ph.D programme from 2019 and a law college in the near future & a sports academy soon.

5) What are the expansion-plans of SXUK?

In terms of expansion of the university, we are thinking of academic expansion; by 2025 we must have at least 8,000 students in the university, we must introduce more courses, with CBCS (choice based credit system) & a cafeteria system in which students can choose their courses.

We will also emphasise on skill formation, we shall also use the facilities for neighborhood children who want to study; we want to build up a good rapport with the neighborhood, so that SXUK is a center of change and development in the neighborhood.

We are also thinking in terms of physical expansion; improvement of facilities, sports facilities, games facilities, hostel facilities, library facilities, research facilities, recreational facilities, medical & health care facilities, placement, proper placement of our students, all these will be looked into as we grow. We are also thinking in terms of collaborating with other universities.

6) Do you have any plan to open a Law School in SXUK in future?

Yes, we have a plan to open a law school at Saint Xavier's University & I will be soon appointing a committee to look into it and taking advice from our alumni who are experts in this field.

Thank you Pawan. God bless you.
 

St. Xavier's University starts MBA Course

New Town, Kolkata: Industrialist Sanjiv Goenka, St Xavier's University Vice-Chancellor Father Felix Raj, Pro Vice-Chancellor Father Sebasti Raj, Registrar Prof. Ashis Mitra and Dean, Prof. Soma Sur jointly inaugurated the two-year, fully residential MBA course in the presence of 90 students of Xavier Business School (XBS) on Tuesday, August 7.
Be entrepreneurs and not managers; that was the advice from St Xavier's University Vice-Chancellor Father Felix Raj to the first batch of students of the institute's B-school.
"There is a difference between a manager and an entrepreneur. A manager will add value to a company but an entrepreneur will multiply...," Felix Raj said at the inauguration of Xavier Business School on Tuesday. The 17-acre campus of the school, modelled on XLRI Jamshedpur, is located in New Town. The University has got the approval of the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) to run the course.

"You are beginning a new chapter in the history of St Xavier's by joining as the first batch of MBA students... Please remember once a Xaverian, you will always call yourself a Xaverian... The aim of the B-School is not just to produce managers.... We are looking at future leaders of industry and the country," he said.
Earlier, Fr. Sebasti Raj, Pro Vice-Chancellor extended a warm welcome to all the students to the Xaverian family and invited them to make the best use of the facilities available in the institute.

Xavier Business School, equipped with all the facilities available in the best business schools in the country, is offering a two-year postgraduate programme in business administration with specialization in finance, marketing, human resource and systems.

The Wi-Fi campus has air-conditioned classrooms equipped with audio-visual systems, eight Amphitheatre, a digital library with access for students and teachers, hostels, a food court, doctors on call and a placement cell that will network with top companies.

The 90 students in the first batch were selected through Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT), GMAT and CAT. The university plans to select students through XAT and GMAT - like XLRI Jamshedpur and the XIMB Bhubaneswar - from next year.

Industrialist and Xaverian Sanjiv Goenka, an alumnus of St Xavier's College Calcutta, attended the inaugural programme as chief guest. "Today I am what I am because of the values that were taught to me by the institute... Remember once you enter St Xavier's, you are on the top of a percentile," Mr. Goenka said.

Prof. Ashis Mitra introduced the freshers to the rules and regulations of the B-School and called them to imbibe the Xaverian culture to become leaders. Prof. Soma Sur proposed the vote of thanks.

The new XBS entrants are attending an induction cum orientation programme for a week.

View Gallery

The Rotary Club, Central Calcutta organized a programme for promoting conservation of nature and greenery - PLANT A TREE, PLANT A HOPE at St. Xavier's University, Kolkata on 21st of July 2018. The club provided around 100 saplings and 25 plants, including mango, coconut, hibiscus, and sunflower. The event was graced by the presence of a number of dignitaries, students and teachers of the university.
Father Vice Chancellor and other dignitaries planted trees in the campus accompanied by students of the University including some students from Loreto.
The Rotary Club of Central Calcutta then felicitated Father Felix Raj, Fr. Soosai Nayagam, Fr. Arulappan Rayappan,Fr. Arul Raj, Fr. Jeyakumar, Prof Ashis Mitra and others. Rotary Club President Mr. Amit Rungta, Secretary Mr. Avinaash R. Bubna, Vice President Mr. Rajesh Agarwal and Project Chairman, Mr. R R Agarwalwere present at the programme.
St. Xavier's University has always supported and promoted the growth of greenery all round and the PLANT A TREE, PLANT A HOPE campaign proved to be a strong catalyst to motivate all present on the occasion to carry on such activities in future. Thanks to Mr. GP Gupta and Mr. Mario Louis who coordinated the work.

MBA Induction at St. Xavier's College, Kolkata

An inaugural programme of MBA courses for 2018 session was held on 22/07/2018 at 9:00Am at the Depelchin auditorium of St. Xavier's College. About 260 students attended the induction programme. Many teachers of MBA courses also participated the in the programme.
Fr. Dr. Dominic Savio delivered the welcome address to all new comers. Father declared that from to-day onward the MBA students can claim to be XAVERIANS.
Fr. Dr. John Felix Raj, Vice Chancellor of St. Xavier's University was the Chief Guest. He delivered the keynote speech. It was really a wonderful motivational speech. Father explained elaborately about Jesuit education and how it is relevant to study Management courses.
At the end, as the coordinator of the MBA Programme, I proposed the vote of thanks.
Dr. Ashoke Nath

On the 7th of July 2018, a lively induction programme was held at the Rajarhat campus for the new batch of students of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata.

The programme was held in three sessions for three different faculties of students:the first session was for B. Com and B.M.S students, the second for the B.A students of Economics, Mass Communication and English Departments and the third for all Postgraduate students respectively. There are around 600 freshers this year. The programme began with a short and solemn inter faith prayer video.

The Vice-Rector and Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Fr Sebasti Raj commenced the proceedings with a warm welcome speech. He highlighted the motto of St. Xavier's, 'Nihil Ultra' meaning 'Nothing Beyond', which calls students to aspire for excellence in all that they do. He also entreated the students to honour and uphold the values of the Society of Jesus on which this institute is based, invoking them to render themselves at the service of society, by being "men and women for others".

The Vice Chancellor, Fr Felix Raj, delivered the inaugural address. He joyfully welcomed the students and gave an inspiring address to orient the students towards the emblem of excellence that Xavier's upholds. He christened the freshers as Xaverians and inducted them into the Xaverian family and encouraged them to follow the footsteps of the renowned Xavierians of the past. Father entreated the students to strive to achieve 'Magis' and do everything for "Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam" the Latin phrase meaning "for the greater glory of God".

Father Vice Chancellor, who graciously thanked the editorial team that was instrumental in its publication, released the first issue of the University magazine, "Xaverianum".

The Registrar, Prof. Ashish Mitra informed the students of the high standards expected of them as Xavierians and explained the various rules and regulations of the University to help them achieve their goals. The Dean of Commerce and Management, Dr. Soma Sur and the Dean of Arts and Social Studies, Fr. Soosai Nayagam delivered the vote of thanks respectively.

The programme concluded with a melodious musical performance by the second-year students and a short video of the University's Inauguration ceremony.

View Gallery

A Faculty Orientation Programme was held on July 2, 2018 for both, new and existing faculty. The objective of the programme was to give an idea of Jesuit Education and existing norms and culture of the University. Around twenty new teachers have joined the different departments of University in July, 2018.

Rev. Dr. Felix Raj, Vice-Chancellor, introduced the faculty to the History and philosophy of Jesuit education system. He briefed them about the vision, mission, rules and regulations of the University.

Registrar, Prof. Ashis Mitra gave an exposure to the concept of CBCS course structure given by UGC. The faculty members were also informed about the Anti ragging Regulation of UGC.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Dr. Sebasti Raj, discussed the idea of a "Model University". The day's Orientation Programme for the faculty ended with a briefing session about the departments and the academic system by respective respective Deans..

St. Xavier's University celebrated International Day of Yoga on June 21, 2018. Dr. Rahul Anand, Masters in Emergency Medicine (USA), Director, Ohio Institute of Emergency Medicine & Trauma Care and Shri Bishu Biswas addressed the gatherings on Good Health Mantra: Towards Better Living.

Shri Biswas demonstrated some common asanas with the participants who were enthusiastic to perform those asanas under his supervision.

Dr. Anand provided some good health mantras and shared important tips for better living.

Rev. Fr. Felix Raj, SJ, Vice-Chancellor invited the members to take adequate good care of their health. He further reiterated that our body is the dwelling place of God and hence proper nurturing of our body is essential.

The participants were bubbling with confidence and promised to practice these mantras diligently and religiously in their daily life.They had also urged to conduct such sessions on regular intervals.

The programme ended with a vote of thanks and thanksgiving prayers to the almighty for such a wonderful day.

Father Felix Raj visited the city of Luxembourg for three days from May 5th to 8th. Fr. Raj met the Xaverians at Luxembourg on 5th evening and discussed with them the vision 2020 and the new developments at St. Xavier's College and University.

This is his second visit seeking opportunities for international exchange programmes with the University of Luxembourg. He visited the University and had talks with Stephanie Schott, Team leader, international Relations. Both universities plan to have student, faculty and research exchange programmes. They will sign an MoU in the near future.

Fr. Raj met the Archbishop of Luxembourg, Most Rev. Jean- Claude Hollerich, SJ and participated in the celebrations of the feast of our Lady of Luxembourg on May 6, which included a solemn Eucharist and a procession of the faithful. He expressed great appreciation to Christian Descoups, secretary general for the excellent organisation of the feast. Father also met Mr. Augustine Kochuparampil, a Xavierian who is a CEO at the ArcellorMittal Europe.

Accompanied by Fr. Thierry Monfils, SJ, Father Raj visited the three veteran Calcutta Jesuits - Frs Albert Huart, Hincq and Jean Englbert at the Maison Saint Claude La Colombiere, the Jesuit infirmary in Bruxelles and shared with them the status of Calcutta Jesuits and their works particularly at St. Xavier's College and University.

Fr. Raj paid a visit to Mr. Lakshmi Mittal's centre and was received by Vijay Goyal, a Xaverian and a CEO at the ArcellorMittals who briefed Father about the new developments at the ArcelorMittal which includes a plan for a new global office complex in Luxembourg. Mr. LN Mittal is a Xaverian who passed out from St. Xavier's in 1969. He has generously extended his support to the making of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata.

Thanks to Aditya Sharma, General Secretary, Europe Chapter of the Alumni and his team of Xaverians and friends who efficiently coordinated the Luxembourg visit of Father Felix Raj

Courtesy: Agefi, Luxembourg

Congratulations to Loyola College Chennai (6th Rank) and St. Xavier's College Kolkata ( 17th Rank) and other Jesuit Colleges who have made it within 100 among 2000 odd Colleges in India who participated in the National Institutional Framework Ranking 2018 of MHRD, Govt of India.

1. Loyola College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu (6th Rank in Colleges)
2. Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI) (10th Rank in Management)
3. St.Xavier's College, Calcutta, West Bengal (17th Rank)
4. St.Joseph's College, Tiruchirapalli , Tamil Nadu(28th Rank)
5. St.Xavier's College, Palayamkottai, Tami Nadu (54th Rank)
6. St.Joseph's College of Commerce, Bangalore, Karnataka (55th Rank)
7. Andhra Loyola College, Vijayawada (56th Rank)
8. St.Joseph's Arts and Science College, Bangalore, Karnataka (60th Rank)
9. St.Xavier's College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat (65th rank)
10. St.Xavier's College, Mumbai, Maharashtra (74th Rank)
11. St.Aloysius College, Mangalore, Karnataka (94th Rank)
12. St.Joseph's College, Irinjalakuda, Thrissur, Kerala (97th Rank)

The Bangalore Chapter of the St. Xavier's Kolkata Alumni arranged a meeting on the occasion of Fr. Felix Raj's visit to Bangalore on April 4 evening at the Bangalore Club.

The alumni felicitated Father for being the first VC of the St. Xavier's University. Father addressed the gathering on Vision 2020, the University project and its extension to 2025. He thanked the alumni for their efforts and loyalty to their alma mater and invited them to actively participate in the vision.

Fr. Victor Lobo, Principal of St. Joseph's College, Bangalore blessed the gathering with his presence.

Tony Francis' recent book, The Autographer, was introduced by the author himself through an interview by Hunaid Topiwalla. The book has St. Xavier's Kolkata as its background right from its initial days and makes an interesting reading.

Thanks to Rudra, Hunaid and Neil Blazey for coordinating the meet.

View Gallery

The Department of Sports of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata proudly presented 'Xavogames-2018' on 3 April, 2018.

It was a pleasure for us to have in our midst the Chief Guest, Mr. Pradip Dutta who represented the Indian Football Team during the year 1972 and was Technical Director of India Under 21 in the Rajiv Gandhi International Football Tournament in the year 1987. Presently, he is the member of the Technical Committee of All India Football Federation.

Rev. Fr. Felix Raj our Vice-Chancellor welcomed the chief guest, the faculty, staff and students and highlighted the importance of sports. He congratulated the winners.

Medals and certificates were awarded to the winners to acknowledge their talents in games and sports. the game of carom, chess and table tennis.

The programme included songs and dance performance by the cultural group of St. Xavier's University.

The team work of not only players but of the larger sporting fraternity of our institution comprising of Fathers, Deans, Faculty and students have all ensured that the Sports Department has set for itself a blistering pace. Thanks to Mr. GP Gupta, Mr. Mario Louis, Fr. Arulappan and the enthusiastic team of students for their hard efforts in putting things together.

View Gallery

We are extremely glad that St. Xavier's College, Rajganj, North Bengal has completed ten years of service in imparting higher education in North Bengal. We send our good wishes for a meaningful celebration and for many more years of service in the spirit of Magis. View Letter

Faculty Members, staff and students of SXUK celebrated the Bhasha Divas 2018 on February 19. Fr. Felix Raj, our VC received the Torch that was flagged off at Dhaka University, Dhaka, and travelled to Bangalore and Dubai before it was brought to Kolkata.

The purpose was to bring people together and to build a bond beyond borders. "Though politics divides us, mother language unites us. We pay our deep respect and tribute to our mother language today," said Fr. Felix Raj in his address.

The Alumni Association and the Bengali Literary Society of St. Xavier's College had jointly coordinated the rally and the celebrations. St. Xavier's College celebrates the Mother Language day on February 21 with a rally from the hostels at AJC Bose road to the College campus.

View Gallery

St. Xavier's University, Kolkata(SXUK) in collaboration with West Bengal Minorities Development & Finance Corporation(WBMDFC) had put up a stall at Milan Utsab, 2018 from February 10, 2018 to February 19, 2018 held at Park Circus Maidan to showcase academic opportunities in West Bengal.

The student community had a wonderful opportunity knowing about the various courses offered by the newly christened University at New Town and other Jesuit Colleges in West Bengal viz. St. Xavier's College, Kolkata, St. Xavier's, Raghabur, St. Xavier's College, Burdwan, St. Xavier's College, Asansol, St. Joseph College, Darjeeling and St. Xaiver's College, Rajganj.

Prof. Manali Bhattacharya and Prof. Sneha Singh also conducted a career counselling programme for the prospective students who wish to pursue Mass Communication and Law respectively in the days ahead.

On the 14th of February, 2018, students of the Mass Communication Department of St. Xavier's University got the wonderful opportunity to visit the Printing House of Times of India, Salt Lake. The visit was a wonderful and enlightening experience.

They were accompanied by Dr. Manali Bhattacharya, Prof.-in-Charge of the Department. The officials of the TOI press addressed the student on the challenging the task of producing the newspaper under a very strict time with optimum utilisation of resources. Students were divided into two groups. Each group was given a guided tour by a supervisor of the press.

The students were shown how the production was divided into different stages, how the paper passed from one machine to another, how various colours were integrated and final papers getting ready. Thousands of copies were printed per hour. The editions printed were: The Times of India, The Calcutta Times and Ei Samay.

Challenges and Opportunities for Media in the Digital Age
The department of Mass Communication of St Xavier's University, Kolkata, organised its first inter- collegiate seminar, "X-Pressions" on 10th of February, 2018. The theme was 'Challenges and Opportunities for Media in the digital age.'

Eminent media professionals were invited as Resource Persons. The Hon'ble Vice- Chancellor, Rev Fr. John Felix Raj inaugurated the seminar and gave the welcome address. The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Jawhar Sircar, Ex CEO of Prasar Bharti. He discussed the impact of Digital World on Radio and TV.

Other esteemed speakers included Mr. Siddhartha Ray, CEO, Response India Pvt. Ltd, Mr. Snehasis Sur, the Senior Correspondent at Doordarshan, Kolkata, Atanu Ghosh, film director, Mr Mahesh Motwani , Executive Vice President of Lintas Media Group and Mr Anirban Chaudhury, editor of 24 Ghanta. Each presentation was followed by question and answer session.

This was followed by the student session where one student from each of the invited colleges spoke on the theme. Students of St Xavier's College, Loreto College, Shri Shikshayatan College, Murlidhar Girls' College, and S.A. Jaipuria College were invited. Along with the students, faculty members from these colleges also participated in this interactive seminar.

The day-long seminar was followed by distribution of certificates to the participants.

View Gallery

Fr. Felix Raj, former Principal of St. Xavier's College, Kolkata and the current Vice-Chancellor of the St. Xavier's University was honoured with the prestigious the Nihil Ultra Award of Excellence 2018 on January 16 at the eleventh Convocation of the College.

Fr. Felix Raj was given the award not only for his "long and dedicated service to the College" but also for his contribution to the field of education in Bengal, said Fr. Raphael Hyde, the Provincial of the Calcutta Jesuit Province.

"Today I stand here with a sense of humility and a feeling of gratitude... I accept this Nihil Ultra Award of Excellence 2018, conferred on me for my humble service in this institution. By serving this institution for 33 years, I have learnt many lessons. I thank the Principal and the whole Xaverian family for this token of appreciation. St. Xavier's College has expanded in infrastructure and achieved high academic standards... I am confident that this high standard will be sustained in the years to come," said Father Felix Raj in his acceptance speech.

He steered the College as Principal from 2009 till he was appointed Vice-Chancellor of the St. Xavier's University in 2017. A doctor in economics from Rabindrabharati University, Fr. Felix Raj was rector of the College for six years from 2006. He was also the Vice Principal of the Commerce department of the College for 12 years from 2007.

"This gesture of appreciation and support is a message for me to go ahead in my mission particularly in building up of the new St. Xavier's University," Fr. Felix Raj told the Telegraph.

Fr. Felix Raj also told the media that St. Xavier's University would start more courses from July 2018, namy BA and MA in economics, BA in Mass Communication, BA in English and MBA.

View Gallery

New Town, Kolkata: St Xavier's University is "the model to follow" after showing in its inaugural year that an institute backed by a legacy of excellence will attract students irrespective of its location, education minister Partha Chatterjee said on January 15, Monday.

The university, whose campus is in New Town, had received more than 3,000 applications for admission to four postgraduate and two undergraduate courses. Only 400 made it to the historical first batch.

"St Xavier's University had its inauguration in July 2017. I came to know from Father Felix Raj (the vice-chancellor) that in its very first year of existence, the university received over 3,000 applications.... This shows the location of an institute does not matter. Location can't be an issue for students while choosing where to study. What matters is the quality of education an institute imparts," the education minister said at an event marking the first anniversary of the 17-acre New Town campus. He urged other institutes to stand up to be counted.

Vice-Chancellor Father Felix Raj described St Xavier's University as "a dream come true" that was made possible by the state government's support, particularly chief minister Mamata Banerjee. He thanked the benefactors and the alumni for their close association with the Jesuit institute and generous contribution towards Vision 2020.

Prof. Suranjan Das, the Vice Chancellor of Jadvapur University delivered the Foundation Day lecture on "The Challenges of Higher Education in India today".

Father Raphael J. Hyde, the Chancellor of the University, said the larger objective was to create a centre of excellence and strive to promote a society based on "love, freedom, justice, equality and fraternity".

All the dignitaries joined together and cut the Foundation cake which was shared among staff and students.

View Gallery

St. Xavier's University, Kolkata celebrated its first outreach programme, "Xervicio" (Xaverian Service) on 22nd December 2017 for hundred neighbourhood children seen in the picture with Fr. Felix Raj. VC of SXU who inaugurated the Shishu Mela. Eighty University student volunteers were involved in the organisation with Programme Officer, Dr. Nandini Sen. The event was preceded by a week of educational, cultural and health awareness activities organised by University students in the neighbourhood schools.

Her Excellency Stella Budiriganya, Ambassador of Burundi to India visited St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, along with Honorary Consul, Mr. Arpan Mitra, on Thursday, December 21st, 2017 and discussed with Fr. Vice-Chancellor the possibilities of Burundi students studying at St. Xavier's University under the purview of Academic collaboration between St. Xavier's University and Burundi.

Rev. Dr. Sebasti L. Raj, S.J. has been appointed as Pro-Vice-Chancellor of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata w.e.f. 21st August 2017.

Rev. Fr. Raphael J. Hyde, S.J. has taken over as the second Chancellor of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata w.e.f. 10th September 2017.

We welcome him and wish him all the best.

We thank Rev. Fr. Jeyaraj Veluswamy, S.J., the first Chancellor of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, for his able guidance and leadership.

St. Xavier's University basket ball court was inaugurated on 12th September by Rev. Dr. Felix Raj, Vice Chancellor of the University in the presence of the Rector and Deputy Principal of St. Xavier's College, Rev. Dr. Dominic Savio and other dignitaries.

On this occasion a basket ball match was organised between B.Com. and B.MS.. students of the University under the supervision of Ms. Feroza Mongrelia, Sports Director, and her team members of the College.

View Details

An exhibition on Still photography in the University on 12th September was inaugurated by Rev. Dr. Felix Raj, Vice Chancellor of the University. The exhibition was organised by the students of Mass Communication department of the University under the supervision of Dr. Manali Bhattacharyya. Mr. Subrata Patranabis, former Chief Photographer of the Statesman was the Chief Guest for this programme.

Apostolic Nuncio, Vatican Ambassador to India, His Excellency Giambattista Diquattro, visited St. Xavier's University, Kolkata on 7th September.

He was accompanied by His Grace Most Reverend Thomas D'Souza, Archbishop of Kolkata and other dignitaries. He had breakfast with Jesuit Fathers and University authorities.

He appreciated the Jesuit initiative toward building of the University and appreciated his full support.

The inauguration ceremony of St. Xavier's University Kolkata took place on 7th July 2017. The momentous occasion was graced by the Hon'ble Chief Minister Ms.Mamata Banerjee, Hon'ble Education Minister Dr. Partha Chatterjee, Mr.Lakshmi Niwas Mittal, the Chairman and CEO of ArcelorMittal, Mrs.Usha Mittal, Hon'ble Chancellor Father Jeyaraj Veluswamy, Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor Father Felix Raj, Hon'ble Rector Fr. Dominic Savio and several other dignitaries.

Mr. Mittal articulated his experiences as a student of St. Xavier's College and the lesson of decision making he learnt from his Alma Mater. He has since secured emotional and moral assurance on numerous occasions of his business career from the values St. Xavier's inculcated in him. The Chief Minister congratulated the Jesuits for setting up yet another seat of higher learning of strong ethical and aesthetic virtues, she highlighted the contributions of St. Xavier's towards the academic, cultural and social endorsements of West Bengal. She expressed her firm belief that like Harvard and Oxford, St. Xavier's University Kolkata will soon be of global significance, thriving on the principles of faith and wisdom.

The Chancellor, Father Jeyaraj Veluswamy called the inauguration a function of divine sanction as he christened the audience with the realisation of the Ignatian charism and reminded all about the precious responsibility of service to a greater number of students for the greater glory of God. Codes of custom and cultural practices are propagated by the educations of St. Xavier's and Father Chancellor thanked all the men and women who have contributed to the making of this historical moment of the birth of St. Xavier's University Kolkata.

Father Felix Raj, the first VC of St. Xavier's University Kolkata expressed his gratitude to Mr. Mittal, Ms.Mamata Banerjee, Dr.Partha Chatterjee, the Government of West Bengal and all the stake holders of St. Xavier's for their unstinted support and cooperation. He ordained the students, let St. Xavier's be the DNA, the genetic code that students have reached out to the world with. Father VC pledged reciprocal exchanges of service and patronage, loyalty towards academic and social relationships and invoked the Grace of the Lord who presides over the good and glory of the human race.

Honourable Vice-Chancellor of the West Bengal University of Teachers' Training, Education Planning and Administration, Prof. Mita Banerjee delivered a lecture on 'Leadership in Education' in the Department of Education of St. Xavier's College, Kolkata (Autonomous) on the 19th of June 2017. The Principals and Teachers of various educational institutions of Kolkata attended the lecture. This was a unique venture initiated by the Education Department of the college especially for the in-service teachers.

The session began with a warm welcome address by Father Principal, followed by a brief overview of the achievements and contributions of Professor Mita Banerjee by the Vice-Principal of the Department of Education.

Professor Mita Banerjee highlighted on extending leadership beyond the periphery of the class room. She also enlightened on the practical strategies of an effective leader. The lecture was followed by an interactive session on Leadership in Education.

The lecture by Professor Mita Banerjee was very motivating and enriching for the audience.

The Khadim India Limited (KIL) has donated an ambulance to St. Xavier's College Kolkata Educational Trust (SXCKET), the Sponsoring Body of both the College and the University for their use. Mr. Suman Burman Roy, President, KIL, delivered the van and handed over the keys and the relevant documents to Father Felix Raj, the Principal on May 27 evening. Fr. Raj expressed Xavier's gratitude to Mr. Roy and his company for the generous grant. Father also promised Mr. Roy that the ambulance would be put to its full use to save lives of staff, students and others in their hour of need.

Fr. Raphael Hyde, S.J., the present Rector of St. Lawrence High School has been appointed Provincial of the Calcutta Jesuit Province by Rev. Fr. General, Arturo Sosa, S.J. We congratulate Fr. Raphael Hyde, S.J. and assure him of our prayerful support.

As Provincial, he will be the Ex-Officio President of St. Xavier's College Kolkata Educational Trust, President of the Governing Body of St. Xavier's College and the Chancellor of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata.

The first Governing Board meeting of St Xavier's University, Kolkata was held on Friday, April 28 at the university's New Town campus. It was chaired by the Chancellor. The first board is effective for a period of four years till March 2021.

The board meeting included chancellor of the University, Father J Velluswamy, vice-chancellor Father J. Felix Raj, principal secretary of the department of higher education Vivek Kumar, the directors of XLRI, XIMB and XIMJ, the secretary of the St Xavier's College alumni association and six principals from 52 Jesuit colleges in India.

"The new board deliberated upon 1. Courses to be offered from 2017 session, 2. Admission policies and procedures, 3. Fee structure, 4.Delegation of power to the VC 5. Ratification of appointments, 6. the inauguration of the first academic session of SXUK on the Rajarhat campus on July 7, 7. the completion of Vision 2020 and so on," said Father Felix Raj.

The board members, after the meeting, toured the newly built campus that is at the moment ready with a six-story academic block. The G+5 floor academic block with 2.3 lakh square feet has four types of classrooms, including galleries and amphitheatres. The residence for VC and the Jesuits named Britto House, with a sacred chapel for prayer, was inaugurated by the SXUK chancellor and the VC of Xavier's University Bhubaneswar prior to the board meeting.

At the board meeting, R N Jhunjhunwalla, attorney-at-law and executive partner, Khaitan and Co, industrialists Sanjiv Goenka and Sanjay Budhia and chairman and managing director, West Bengal Power Development Corporation Ltd, Santanu Basu, were co-opted as members.

The vice-chancellor thanked chief minister Mamata Banerjee, education minister Partha Chatterjee, St. Xavier's College alumni, benefactors and all stake-holders for their support. The next Board meeting will be held on August 19.

The official inauguration on July 7 is likely to see chief minister Mamata Banerjee, who has been closely following the university's progress, visiting the campus. UK-based Indian industrialist and Xaverian L N MIttal will also be present that day.

Mamata Banerjee had earlier sent a personal letter of good wishes to Fr. Felix Raj and his team on the occasion, which was read out at the Board meeting by the VC.

Loyola College, Chennai and St. Xavier's College, Kolkata are the two Jesuit Colleges which feature among the first 10 Colleges in the country ranked by the National Institute of Ranking Framework(NIRF), MHRD, Government of India.

The 'India Ranking 2017' was announced by the MHRD Minister Mr. Prakash Javedkar on April 3 at a Press Conference. A public function has been arranged by the Central Government on April 10 to felicitate the top rank holders.

 

The ranking conducted by NIRF is based on 5 parameters:

1. Teaching Learning Resources(100)
2. Research and Professional Practice(100)
3. Graduation Outcomes(100)
4. Outreach Inclusivity(100)
5. Perception(100)

Loyola College, ranked number 2 scored 68.68 and St. Xavier's Kolkata, with a score of 59.12is at number 6 in the country.

Six Jesuit Colleges figure among the top 50 Colleges in India. They include: Andhra Loyola College, Vijayawada (rank: 24), St. Joseph's, Bangalore (rank: 29), St. Xavier's Mumbai (rank: 40) and St. Aloysius Mangalore (rank: 44).

In January 2017, St. Xavier's College Kolkata was accredited with A++ Grade with a CGPA of 3.77 on a 4 point scale- this score is the highest in the country by any College undertaking the 3rd Cycle of Accreditation conducted by the National Accreditation Body(NAAC), UGC.

Rev. Fr. Felix Raj, Principal of St. Xavier's College, Kolkata observes -
"We are pleased to be ranked 6th in the country by the National Ranking Framework of MHRD, Government of India. Every assessment is an Audit that identifies for us the strengths and weaknesses and lays the foundation for opportunities to prosper further with our purpose of imparting higher education to greater sections of society. We are therefore thankful to the Ranking council of MHRD. We pledge to strive tirelessly towards our motto of NIHIL ULTRA-NOTHING BEYOND".

The Jesuit cum VC's residence (Britto House) of the St. Xavier's University, Kolkata at Rajarhat campus was blessed by the Honourable Chancellor, Fr. Jeyaraj Veluswamy and inaugurated by the Vice Chancellor of the Xavier's University, Bubaneshwar on April 28, 2017 at 10.30 am on the occasion of the first meeting of the Governing Board of the University.

The official inauguration of the University Campus (New Town, Rajarhat) and the first academic session of the University will be on July 7, 2017 .

Press Conference at the University Campus on 8th March 2017

"St. Xavier's College, which gave birth to the University, kept its quality for 157 years and has become the number one college in India with 3.77 CGPA out of 4. The university will emulate that. It will in no way compromise on quality," Fr. Felix Raj told the press.

Firdausul Hasan, honorary secretary, St. Xavier's College Calcutta Alumni Association, said: " The University is the materialization of Father Felix Raj's visionary dreams. We are thankful to him for giving us the chance to play our part in Vision 2020 and do something for our alma mater."

Rev. Fr. Dr. J. Felix Raj, S.J. is appointed as Vice-chancellor by the Hon'ble Chancellor Rev. Fr. Jeyeraj Veluswamy, S.J.

Prof. Ashis Mitra is appointed as Registrar by the Hon'ble Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Jeyeraj Veluswamy, S.J.

Appointment of Finance Officer, Campus Minister and Liaison Officer

Rev. Fr. P. Paul Carlose, S.J. is appointed as the Finance Officer by the Vice Chancellor Rev. Fr. Dr. J. Felix Raj, S.J.

Rev. Fr. Arulappan Rayappan, S.J. is appointed as the Campus Minister by the Vice Chancellor Rev. Fr. Dr. J. Felix Raj, S.J.

Mr. G. P. Gupta is appointed as the University Liaison Officer by the Vice Chancellor, Rev. Fr.Dr.  J. Felix Raj, S.J.

The St. Xavier's University, Kolkata T Bill 2016 was passed unanimously on December 15 in the West Bengal Assembly, paving the way for a new university at New Town, Rajarhat, to meet the growing need for quality facilities and to encourage private investment in the state's Higher Education. The SXUK will be a private and constituent university.

The bill provides that the SXUK may have as many constituent colleges situated within Bengal that are established and administered by the Jesuits.

St Xavier's College Kolkata Educational Trust is the sponsoring agency of the university. It will have the power to manage all higher education institutions run by the Jesuit Trust across the State. The trust will provide instruction, teaching, training and research in various disciplines and specialised field of science, technology, law, management, social sciences, medicine, education, humanities, performing arts and several other areas.

the Jesuit Provincial of the Calcutta Province of the Society of Jesus will be the Chancellor ex-officio as the President of the Trust. He will appoint the Vice-Chancellor from among the Jesuits in consultation with the Governing Board.

The university will start operating from the 2017-'18 academic session.

The government had some difficulties with the proposal from the St Xavier's authorities to set up the university on a Public-Private- Partnership (PPP) model on the ground that there is no such precedence.

"St Xavier's college has been recognised as one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the country, and allowing them to open a university will encourage research in various branches of learning and course of study, promote advancement and dissemination of knowledge and learning and extend higher education to meet the growing needs of society," education minister Partha Chatterjee said, moving the bill.

"This is a historic moment for all Jesuits in Bengal and St. Xavier's College in particular," said Father Felix Raj, principal of St. Xavier's College Kolkata, who has been at the forefront of the initiative to set up the university.

"I thank the chief minister, the Bengal Government and all the legislators for being supportive to our cause. Now, we will be able to serve more students and set up another centre of excellence," added the principal.

The alumni of St. Xavier's College welcomed the move. "It is a big day for us and a good start. We shall stand by the Jesuits to make it a world class university, " said Firdausul Hasan, the honorary secretary of St. Xavier's College Calcutta Alumni Association.

The Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee visited the St. Xavier's College on December 23, and shared the joy with the Jesuits. She has been very supportive of the Jesuit projects in Bengal. She joined the alumni in a Christmas celebration that evening.