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 and the enthusiastic Xaverians were on a mission of carrying forward the legacy of our founding fathers and the millions of unsung and unlamented men and women who sacrificed their present for the future of their country.

The Chief Guest, noted journalist, former Sheriff of Kolkata and a Xaverian, Utpal Chatterjee, hoisted the tricolour in the presence of the Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor, other dignitaries and students. This was accompanied by the singing of the National Anthem.

After the flag-hoisting ceremony, everyone assembled at Britto Hall for a short function. The Chief Guest delivered a mesmerising speech. The veteran journalist started the speech by quoting the opening lines of Charles Dickens' famous novel, The Tale of Two Cities, and contextualised the historical background of the novel with the present day international and national political scenario. The Xaverian Utpal called upon the student community to be aware of their place in the world and to rise up to its true spirit to be the instruments of peace and happiness for all the inhabitants of this green planet.