Sishu Mela 2025 – Celebration of Sharing & Caring, the flagship outreach initiative of the Centre for Social Outreach Programme (CSOP), St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata, was joyfully organised on 19 December 2025. The university campus transformed into a lively space of laughter and togetherness, welcoming children from adopted villages, partner NGOs, and university staff families.

University buses ensured safe transportation for participants from Kulberia, Kathalberia, Beonta, Hatishala, and Dharmatala Pachuria. Children were warmly received by student volunteers, mascots, and Santa Claus, creating an atmosphere of excitement and belonging. The programme began with an Opening Ceremony conducted in Bengali, followed by the ceremonial Lighting of the Lamp, symbolising unity and compassion. In his address, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J. reaffirmed the university’s commitment to social responsibility.

The inauguration of the Game Zone and a delightful magic show by Magician Amar Kumar added to the festive spirit. Throughout the day, children participated enthusiastically in indoor and outdoor games, including football and badminton, along with stall games, face painting, tattoo making, a bouncy castle, and a drawing competition.

A vibrant cultural programme featured performances by university students and children from villages and NGOs, followed by Christmas carols by Calcutta Hangouts. Prizes were awarded to Kathalberia (Drawing), Dharmatala Pachuria (Football), and Kulberia (Badminton). The event concluded with a Closing Ceremony led by Hon’ble Registrar Rev. Dr. Xavier Jeyaraj, S.J., goody bag distribution, and the safe return of children, reflecting CSOP’s vision of service, care, and shared humanity.

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Children's Day 2025 was celebrated warmly at Kathalberia Primary School and Kulberia Vivekananda Primary School, with 54 dedicated volunteers from the Commerce and Management departments. The event was held on 16th and 18th November in Kathalberia and Kulberia respectively. The event featured a drawing competition with above fifty participants from each school, including former students, and a friendly cricket match that encouraged teamwork and joy. Medals were awarded to drawing winners and a trophy to the cricket champions. Volunteers who had completed their service still joined, reflecting CSOP's positive influence. The collective effort made the celebration meaningful and memorable.

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The CSOP Investiture Ceremony was held on 3rd November 2025 at St. Xavier's University, Kolkata to formally appoint the Core, Sub-core, and Working Committee members for 2025–26. The event was graced by Father Vice-Chancellor Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J. & Father Registrar Rev. Dr. Xavier Jeyaraj, S.J. Badges were conferred by the dignitaries, acknowledging the student-members' dedication to community outreach. The ceremony concluded with wishes for future success and a commitment to compassionate service.

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The Grand Football Tournament, organized by the Centre for Social Outreach Programme (CSOP) of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, was held at Dharmatala Pachuria Village and inaugurated by the Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J. The initiative aimed to foster community engagement, promote sportsmanship, and spread awareness about upcoming CSOP online and spoken English classes. Multiple junior and senior matches were held, displaying strong teamwork, skills and competitive spirit. Team 7 emerged as the junior champions (2-1), while Sultan Mulla and Naseem Mulla were awarded Man of the Match. The tournament concluded successfully with enthusiastic participation and smooth coordination.

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The ongoing CSOP Cleanliness Drive was extended to Dharmatala Pachuria as part of the Village Revival Event. On 1st November 2025, a rally promoting hygiene and environmental cleanliness was conducted around the village, followed by a cleaning activity carried out by around 30 students. The initiative aimed to ensure a safe, healthy and eco-friendly environment while spreading awareness among villagers. This was also a preparatory event for the Football Match scheduled on 2nd November 2025.

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The CSOP Awareness and Survey Program aimed to help students understand rural socio-economic conditions while promoting financial literacy in Dharmatala Pachuria. A Financial Literacy Awareness Drive was held on 30th October, followed by household surveys on 31st October and 1st November. Students collected data on education, income, healthcare, facilities, and government schemes that will help formulate appropriate education/training-based projects. Findings highlighted poor water quality, limited healthcare and low access to schemes. Villagers preferred spoken English classes over skill training. The initiative has built students with empathy and awareness.

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A total of 80 students had been placed in eight different NGOs—Loreto Rainbow House, Kolkata Maryward Social Centre, Seva Kendra Calcutta, Samaritan Welfare Foundation, Gana Unnayan Parshad, Behala Keertika, St. Joseph's House and Tiljala Shed—for a 30-hour fieldwork internship to learn about urban slums. Students work with underprivileged children, women and elderly people through teaching, workshops and creative activities. The programme builds empathy, communication skills, leadership, teamwork and problem-solving abilities while offering real world exposure to social issues, ultimately shaping socially responsible young adults.

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On 13th September 2025, the Legal Aid Awareness session at Kulberia Vivekananda Primary School was conducted by Mr. Partha Sarathi Das and Dr. Pratyusha Das of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Legal Aid Clinic of SXUK in collaboration with the Centre for Social Outreach Programme (CSOP) in the presence of Upo-Pradhan Mr. Kongsho Biswas, the Headteacher, teachers, and CSOP members. Above sixty villagers gathered in the village school for the programme. Mr. Paritosh Majumdar, Deputy Director of CSOP introduced the team, while Mr. Partha Sarathi Das explained legal rights, family and property issues, and sources of free legal aid like NALSA, SALSA and DLSA. Dr. Pratyusha Das encouraged villagers to seek guidance from the clinic. Real cases were discussed, and monthly legal aid camps were announced for continued support.

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The University to Village Online Teaching Program involved children from the University's adopted villages and student volunteers teaching English and Mathematics through structured, supervised online class sessions. Orientation, documentation, and supervision ensured accountability. Around fifty SXUK students & children from Kulberia and Kathalberia village engage in this programme. Volunteers tracked student progress, submitted records, and supervisors verified attendance. This supplementary education programme helped a lot of village children with basic English and Mathematics.

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The University to Village Offline Teaching Programme enables students to teach English and Computer Studies to children in Kulberia and Kathalberia villages, combining academics with sports for holistic development. Almost a hundred students participated in the programme along with all the children from the schools of the villages. Weekly home visits ensure progress and parental feedback. The initiative builds literacy, digital skills, confidence, and community engagement while building leadership, empathy, and responsibility among our University students.

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The CSOP Cleanliness Drive, launched on 4th September 2025, aims to promote hygiene, health, and an ecofriendly campus. Conducted four days a week, with the idea of "Clean Campus Green Campus" it involves about 60 first year undergraduate students working in teams to clean designated areas and raise awareness. The initiative has gained recognition for visibly improving campus cleanliness and awareness among students.

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The CSOP Orientation on 23rd August 2025 welcomed new working committee members from all the departments of the University through formal introductions, lamp lighting, inaugural speech by Father Registrar Rev. Dr. Xavier Jeyaraj, S.J. and an inspiring guest lecturer Rector of St. Xavier's College, Kolkata, Rev. Fr. Jeyaraj Veluswamy, S.J. Interactive activities encouraged teamwork and clarity of roles in the Centre. The programme concluded with reflections, group selection, and a vote of thanks, preparing members for a committed year ahead of community service.

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The St. Xavier's University Kolkata Alumni Association organized a blood donation camp on 22nd August 2025, with participation from students, faculty and staff. The Centre for Social Outreach Programme extended its support by providing a group of twenty committed student volunteers who managed the drive and contributed towards its success. After an inaugural ceremony led by Father Vice-Chancellor Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J. and other University authorities, registered donors, underwent medical checks, and donated blood with volunteers' support. Refreshments were provided, ensuring a smooth and impactful event. There was a total of 225 donors in this camp.

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St. Xavier's University, Kolkata (SXUK), in collaboration with Gobaredanga Uttarayan, organised an English Summer Camp 2025 from 8–14 June 2025, inaugurated by Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J. The camp aimed to build English fluency through storytelling and self-expression, with activities like speaking, reading, word building, jumbled words, and games such as Musical Chairs. With 28 students participating, guided by SXUK volunteers, the camp boosted confidence, communication, and creative expression, nurturing meaningful academic and personal growth.

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