Members of St. Xavier’s University Kolkata Alumni Association (SXUKAA) supported the organisation of the event. 627 new Life Members were inducted by SXUKAA on the occasion. The Hony. Secretary of SXUKAA, Mr. Vatsal Chirimar, felicitated Dr. Sanjiv Goenka on the occasion.

Mr. Prionkur Bose, Vice President, SXUKAA and Mr. Siddharth Kumar Tripathi, Hony. Treasurer, SXUKAA, also represented the Association in the session to introspect, reinvent and invigorate through the ‘Cannonball Moment’ of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

On the 2nd day, Rev. Fr. John Felix Raj, SJ, President, SXUKAA and Mr. Vatsal Chirimar, Hony. Secretary, SXUKAA attended the Governing Council Meeting of JAAI.

The official Alumni Memorabilia of SXUK was also launched on the occasion by Rev. Fr. John Felix Raj, SJ. The souvenir items launched includes Coffee Mugs, Lapel Pins, Digital Table Clocks, Sipper Bottles, Key Chains, Fridge Magnets, Mobile Pop Sockets, Caps and T-Shirts. The first set of Memorabilia items were handed over to Rev. Fr. John Felix Raj, SJ, by the Honorary Secretary of SXUKAA, Mr. VatsalChirimar. A set of the Memorabilia was also gifted to each of the Jesuit Fathers of the SXUK Jesuit Community. The souvenir items will be available for sale from the Alumni Office as well as the website of SXUKAA. The sale proceeds will be used for various social and charitable activities carried out by SXUKAA throughout the year.

SXUKAA shared the joy of the festive season with some children of the neighbouring villages who had been invited for the Christmas Gathering. The children enjoyed playing games organised by the Lady Members of SXUKAA on the winter evening. Stationery Kits and Winter garments were also gifted to all the children by SXUKAA.

A total of 183 people received their 2nd dose of Covishield Vaccine on the day. This camp was organised primarily to administer the 2nd dose of the vaccine to the 248 beneficiaries who had taken their first jab on August 29, 2021.

The camp was blessed and inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Dr. John Felix Raj, SJ, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata, and President, SXUKAA.

Rev. Fr. Vinay Kerketta, SJ, Headmaster - St. Xavier’s School, Gurap, Prof.AshisMitra, Registrar, St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata, Rev. Fr. Mourlin Franklin, SJ, Assistant Professor - Xavier Business School, Mr. Rajesh Chirimar, Secretary - Siddhartha Shankar Ray Foundation and Member, Board of Administrators, Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation and Mr. Vatsal Chirimar, Hony. Secretary - SXUKAA were also present on the occasion.

Rev. Fr. Dr. John Felix Raj commended the lofty efforts of SXUKAA. He particularly appreciated the fact that an effort was made to reach out to the rural areas. Fr. Felix Raj also expressed his gratitude to Siddhartha Shankar Ray Foundation for sponsoring the camp.

Mr. Rajesh Chirimar expressed his gratitude to Fr. John Felix Raj, SJ, and the Jesuit Community of Gurap for getting the noble opportunity. He also assured his full support towards more outreach programs.

The medical team for this vaccination drive was from the Renaissance Hospital, Kolkata.

In the last few months, St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata, and St. Xavier’s University Kolkata Alumni Association have undertaken a number of initiatives in response to the outbreak of COVID-19 including setting up of a Safe-Home inside the University campus and vaccination drives at various places.

Rev. Fr. John Felix Raj, SJ commended the efforts of SXUKAA and all the people involved in making the event successful. Most of the eligible stakeholders of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata are now fully vaccinated.

The necessary medical support for the camp was provided by the District Administration of North 24 Parganas and Salt Lake Sub-Divisional Hospital.

St. Xavier's University, Kolkata and St. Xavier's University Kolkata Alumni Association have undertaken a number of initiatives in response to the outbreak of COVID-19 in the last few months. A 40- bed Safe-Home was setup inside the University campus during the peak of the 2nd wave of COVID-19 outbreak. SXUKAA has been involved in organising five COVID Vaccination drives covering over 1000 doses, including a rural vaccination drive organised in Gurap Village, Hooghly district.

Fr. Vinay Kerketta, SJ, Headmaster, St. Xavier’s School, Gurap, Fr. Mourlin Franklin, SJ, Assistant Professor, Xavier Business School, Mr. Rajesh Chirimar, Secretary, Siddhartha Shankar Ray Foundation and Member, Board of Administrators, Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation and Mr. VatsalChirimar, Hony. Secretary, SXUKAA were also present on the occasion.

Fr. John Felix Raj commended the efforts of SXUKAA. He particularly appreciated the fact that an effort was made to reach out to the rural areas. Fr. Felix Raj also expressed his gratitude to Siddhartha Shankar Ray Foundation for sponsoring the camp and to AMRI Hospital for the medical arrangements. Mr. Rajesh Chirimar expressed his gratitude to Fr. John Felix Raj, SJ and the Jesuit Community of Gurap for the opportunity. He also assured his full support towards more such endeavours.

It is noteworthy to mention that in the last few months, St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata and St. Xavier’s University Kolkata Alumni Association have undertaken a number of initiatives in response to the outbreak of COVID-19 including setting up of a Safe-Home inside the University campus and various vaccination drives.

Rev. Fr. President also handed over supplies of nourishment food supplements for 50 pregnant and lactating women belonging to the economically weaker section of society.

A professional sewing machine was also handed over to Ms. Mamata Das, a young widow, who presently supports her two children by doing minor tailoring/stitching jobs.

A COVID Vaccination drive was organised on Sunday, 29th August, 2021 at Gurap (Hooghly District) primarily for the rural and tribal population of the area.

A video showing the various philanthropic activities undertaken by St. Xavier’s University Kolkata Alumni Association during the year was shown. The Alumni Identity Card was also unveiled on this day by Rev. Fr. President. The Hony. Secretary of SXUKAA, Mr. VatsalChirimar handed over the first ID card to Fr. Felix Raj.

Rev. Fr. President gave an emotional speech on the occasion. The program was followed by High-tea. In Park Street, College alumnus, Mr. Pratap’s Oasis Restaurant distributed food to the poor and needy people.

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 and their family members were vaccinated in the drive. The event was organized with the active support of St. Xavier’s University Kolkata Alumni Association (SXUKAA).

Rev. Fr. John Felix Raj, SJ, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, SXUK and President, SXUKAA, delivered the Foundation Day Lecture. He reminisced the journey of the establishment of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata and the ups and downs in the process.

On the occasion, St. Xavier’s University Kolkata Alumni Association felicitated Rev. Fr. Vice Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Pro Vice Chancellor, the Registrar, the Finance Officer, the Campus Minister, the Deans of the various departments, the PhD Coordinator and the Controller of Examinations, as a mark of gratitude for their role in the journey of SXUK.

The Foundation Day cake was cut by Rev. Fr. Vice Chancellor along with Rev. Fr. Pro-Vice Chancellor, the Registrar and the Secretary of the Alumni Association in the presence of all the fathers, sisters and deans on the dais.

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 Apostolic 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.

The book comprises of 75 inspirational stories, collected and annotated by Fr. Felix Raj, which were taken from different mythological and religious faiths. Introducing the book, Father Felix Raj said, “The stories will inspire every individual in shaping his or her life to become a better human being. These stories are relevant in facing challenges in day to day life”.

In the Inaugural address Dr. Dhrubajyoti Chattopadhyay said that in the present education system, quality education including value education has become very important along with its proliferation. The foreword to the book is written by Dr. Suranjan Das, Vice-Chancellor, Jadavpur University. The book was released on the occasion of the feast day of St. Francis Xavier.

Father Felix Raj, in his introductory address also said that every story he has compiled in this book is a wave from the sea of his heart to embrace every reader so that they are touched and transformed. He further said, “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”.

The book is published by St. Xavier’s University Kolkata Alumni Association.

The office of SXUKAA has been constructed on the Ground Floor of the Aruppe Building adjoining the Hall of Fame. Rev. Fr. President blessed and inaugurated the office in the presence of Rev. Fr. Dominic Savio, SJ, Principal, St. Xavier’s College, Rev. Fr. Sebasti L Raj, Pro-Vice Chancellor, St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata, other Fathers and Sisters, Faculty Members and Alumni/ae of St. Xavier’s College & St. Xavier’s University.

The Philanthropy Day celebration was organized in the Auditorium. A video showing the philanthropic activities undertaken by St. Xavier’s University under the leadership of Rev. Fr. John Felix Raj, SJ was shown. Members of St. Xavier’s College Calcutta Alumni Association (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 the celebrations. He also shared his thoughts about the journey of the establishment and growth of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata.

Father welcomed all the members and called it an historical occasion. He also placed on record his gratitude to all the members and well-wishers, particularly the Alumni of St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, who were instrumental in formation of the Association. He said that the Alumni/ae are always welcome to the University and should always feel a sense of belonging towards their alma mater.

The members discussed and deliberated on various issues. The Secretary’s Report and the Audited Accounts of the Association for the year 2019-20 were approved. Based on the nominations received, Rev. Fr. Vice Chancellor also announced the new Governing Body of SXUKAA. Mr. Vatsal Chirimar was appointed the 1st Honorary Secretary of SXUKAA.

The Webinar was attended by around 120 participants, which included the Faculty Members, Alumni/Alumnae and Students of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata and was also streamed live on social media.

Rev. Fr. John Felix Raj, SJ extended a warm welcome to all the participants and called it a red-letter day as this was the first program organized by St. Xavier’s University Kolkata Alumni Association. He placed on record his gratitude to all those involved in the formation of the Alumni Association and the organization of the Webinar. Rev. Fr. Felix Raj went on to speak about the experience of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata during the lockdown due to the Corona-virus outbreak and how the University was trying its best to ensure the continuity of the teaching-learning process even though there have been no physical classes in the last five months. Father said how the ‘life’ of the campus is missing due to the absence of students in the campus.

Dr. Purnendu Roy spoke about the ‘Health and Wellness Challenges in the new normal.’ He said that we should not just hope for ‘normalcy’ to return but aim for a situation ‘better than normal.’ He said that we should look upon Corona-virus as a challenge and said that small steps taken by us can go a long way in protecting us. He said that simple practices like frequent hand washing, avoiding putting our hands on our face and wearing face masks properly can prevent the infection. He also called upon everyone to stand by the needy and the vulnerable during this tough time.

Shri Suparno Moitra spoke about the “Economic & Administrative Challenges in the new normal.” He specifically pointed out the various problems that are being faced by the various sections of the society and his recommendations regarding the same. He spoke about the Key Economic Indicators of the country and the likely trends. In a structured presentation, he pointed out the specific problems being faced by Faculty Members, Students and Administrators of educational institutions in the present period and how they can overcome them.

The entire session was moderated by Mr. Mario Martin Louis, Placement & Training Officer of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata, who also conducted a brief Interactive Session after all the speakers had presented their views. Mr. Vatsal Chirimar, Treasurer, St. Xavier’s University Kolkata Alumni Association proposed the Vote of Thanks.