XavSpark 2.0 ignites national innovation at SXUK

St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) hosted the second edition of its national-level startup and business hackathon “XavSpark 2.0” on March 19, 2026 at the university campus.

Organized by the Institutional Innovation Council (IIC) in collaboration with the Centre for Incubation, Consultancy & Entrepreneurship (CICE) of SXUK, the event brought together students, young innovators, and startup enthusiasts from premier institutes like IIT–BHU, IIM Bodh Gaya, SCMHRD, Jadavpur University, VIT-AP, Amity University, and SRMIST, etc.

The hackathon aimed to provide an incubatory platform for budding entrepreneurs to pitch disruptive ideas and develop feasible, market-ready business solutions.

Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, SJ, Vice-Chancellor of SXUK delivered the inaugural address, urging students to think boldly and convert their ideas into ventures with real-world impact. Dignitaries and jury members were felicitated for their contributions to the programme.

The jury panel for the final round comprised Dr. Arijit Bhattacharya, serial entrepreneur and angel investor; Dr. Deboshi De, CEO of Smart Management Consultancy; and Dr. Gautam Dutta from SXUK.

Alongside the main hackathon, the event featured multiple competitive activities, designed to assess communication clarity, coding aptitude, and strategic acumen of participants respectively.

In the Business Hackathon, Oillovators from the Institute of Engineering & Management, Kolkata secured the first prize (₹40,000). Team Podhey from SXUK was declared first runner-up (₹30,000), while NeuroDrive from FORE School of Management, New Delhi took the second runner-up position.

In Pitch it Plain, Shri Shikshayatan College claimed the top spot, followed by the Institute of Business Management, Jadavpur University, and SXUK.

In Boardroom Blitz, SXUK won the first prize, Sister Nivedita University bagged the first runner-up position, and SXUK secured the second runner-up spot.

In the Clean Code Relay, UEM (Team 4) won the first prize, Heritage Academy took the first runner-up position, and UEM (Team 5) emerged as second runner-up.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Monalika Dey.

Prof. Soma Sur

President, IIC & Hony. Director, LCERI

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SXUK hosts 4th International Conference on Green Strategies for MSMEs

St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) hosted the 4th International Conference on “Indian MSMEs @2047: Greening as a Global Strategy” on March 13 and 14, 2026 at the university campus.

Organised by the Fr. Lafont Centre for Excellence in Research and Innovation (LCERI) in blended mode, the conference was supported by the St. Xavier’s University Kolkata Alumni Association. The two-day event served as a platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange on sustainability, innovation and future strategies for strengthening India’s MSME sector in alignment with the nation’s Vision 2047.

The conference received 68 research papers and recorded participation from 100 registered delegates from SXUK and reputed institutions across the country. The inaugural session was graced by Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, SJ, Vice-Chancellor of SXUK.

In his inaugural address, Father Felix Raj highlighted the growing importance of sustainability-driven business models in the MSME ecosystem. The session also witnessed the release of “New Frontiers in Commerce and Management Studies”, published by SXUK, along with the unveiling of the book of abstracts for the conference.

The conference featured plenary sessions by distinguished international speakers including Dr. G. Granata from University Mercatorum of Rome, Italy; Dr. Sagi Mathew from Curtin University, Perth, Australia and Mr. Madhurjya K. Dutta from Mekong Institute, Thailand. Their presentations addressed global business perspectives, sustainability frameworks and policy imperatives for MSME development.

A special panel comprising prominent MSME entrepreneurs—Mr. Rajarshi Nag, Co-founder of Drivers4me; Dr. Arijit Banerjee, popularly known as “The Toilet Man of Bengal”; Dr. Vikash Goel of Omnifin Solutions and Shark Tank fame; and Ms. Megha Sarayan of Modge by Land of Cakes discussed challenges and opportunities in adopting green strategies within the MSME sector.

Across parallel technical tracks, experts and researchers presented papers on topics such as sustainability and MSME competitiveness, circular economy, financing sustainability, resource efficiency, digital innovation, and capacity building.

An additional plenary session took place in the second day, featuring Dr. Shabbir H. Gheewala from King Mongkut's University of Technology, Bangkok; Dr. Zainura Zainon Noor from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and Dr. Subhasis Ray from XLRI, Jamshedpur, who shared global insights on sustainability and life-cycle assessment.

A special training session on ‘Efficacy of Research Publication’ was conducted by Dr. Amitava Sarkar, Former Director of IISWBM and MAKAUT School of Management, offering valuable guidance to young researchers.

The event concluded with a valedictory session addressed by Fr. Dr. Xavier Jeyaraj, SJ, Registrar of SXUK and Prof Soma Sur presented the conference summary, followed by distribution of certificates and Best Paper Awards. Dr. Monalika Dey delivered the final vote of thanks.

Dr. Soma Sur

Hony. Director, LCERI

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SXUK marks International Women’s Day with workshops

St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) observed International Women’s Day on its campus on March 6, 2026, reaffirming its commitment to fostering an equitable and inclusive academic environment. The initiative aimed to promote leadership, dialogue, and meaningful participation of all members of society.

Blessed by Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, SJ, Vice-Chancellor of SXUK, the programme was organized by the Women and Gender Development Cell (WGDC) and the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC).

A workshop on Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) and Financial Empowerment of Women was conducted for students, faculty, and staff members.

Addressing the gathering, Father Dr. Xavier Jeyaraj, SJ, Registrar of SXUK elaborated on this year’s theme, “Give to Gain.” He emphasized the importance of sharing knowledge, resources, and support, especially with marginalized sections, and highlighted the role of empathy and care in strengthening human dignity and relationships.

The session on prevention of sexual harassment was led by Smt. Ananya Dutta Chowdhury, Senior Manager at Damodar Valley Project. She underscored that a safe and dignified workplace is a fundamental human right and discussed the legal, social, and cultural dimensions of gender-based violations. Participants actively engaged in discussions, sharing experiences and exploring solutions to address such issues.

Another session on financial empowerment was conducted by Mr. Samik Dasgupta, Chief Business Manager at National Insurance Corporation, who spoke on the importance of financial independence for women.

Dr. Antara Ghatak, Convener of the WGDC, highlighted the cell’s ongoing initiatives, including workshops, awareness programmes, and physical training for female students. She stressed the university’s commitment to ensuring that gender equality is practiced actively on campus. The event concluded with a renewed pledge to create a more inclusive and supportive academic space for all.

Dr. Antara Ghatak

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Special Lecture on Transfer Pricing for M.Com Students

Faculty of Commerce & Management (Morning Section) organized a special lecture titled “Transfer Pricing in Practice: An Overview with Contemporary Perspectives” for its postgraduate students on February 26, 2026 at the university campus.

The resource person was Jayeeta Pal, Director at Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP and a seasoned industry professional. Pal provided insights into several key aspects of transfer pricing, including its global origins, tax residency, Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs), Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs), and Mutual Agreement Procedures (MAPs).

The lecture was marked by lively interaction and engaging discussions through real-life examples, making the session accessible and informative for postgraduate commerce students.

Students also expressed interest in learning about career prospects in the taxation and consulting industry, as well as the preparation required to succeed in the field.

Tanmayananda Chattaraj

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SXUK hosts lecture on emerging AI-Driven search

Department of Statistics of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organized an online guest lecture titled “Retrieval at Scale: System Design for AI-Driven Search” on February 23, 2026 at the university campus.

Noted researcher Dr. Shankar Pal was the resource person. He delivered an in-depth and comprehensive presentation on the architecture of large-scale search systems and their integration with modern artificial intelligence technologies. He emphasized the growing need for intelligent, efficient, and scalable search mechanisms in contemporary digital applications.

Dr. Pal discussed the growing importance of hybrid search and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), highlighting key challenges in large-scale retrieval systems such as latency reduction, distributed storage efficiency, index consistency, data freshness, relevance optimization, and cost management.

Dr. Pal also outlined the technical foundations of modern search infrastructures, explaining inverted indexes, vector databases, and the steps involved in building vector indexes—including embedding generation, normalization, sharding, and graph-based construction.

A major focus was the Hierarchical Navigable Small World (HNSW) algorithm, which enables fast and accurate nearest-neighbor retrieval. The session saw enthusiastic student participation and was widely appreciated for its clarity and depth, offering valuable insights into AI-driven search technologies and their practical applications.

Dr. Soma Debnath

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Seventh Convocation Ceremony at St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata

St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) celebrated the 7th Convocation ceremony of the university at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, New Town on February 21, 2026.

Rev. Dr. Arturo Sosa, S.J., Superior General based at Rome, Italy graced the occasion as the Chief Guest along with a galaxy of priests from different locations in India. The Honoris Causa (D.Litt) was conferred upon Dr. Shashi Tharoor, MP from Thiruvananthapuram and also the Chairman of the Standing Committee on External Affairs.

1052 postgraduate and undergraduate students and 25 Ph.D scholars received their degrees in this convocation. 17 students were awarded gold medals in different subjects for their exemplary performance.

While presenting the annual report, Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) announced the commencement of B. Tech programme from 2026 academic session in the university. Father Felix Raj also said, “M.Tech. Course will be added in due course of time. The university also embarks on an array of courses like, Integrated MBA, Integrated B.Ed., School of Design and School of Nursing.”

While addressing the gathering, Rev. Fr. Arturo Sosa, S.J. said, “We live in a world of extraordinary progress. We often see a lot of meaning, of values and of human connection. Jesuit education challenges us to respond differently. To balance intellect and empathy, ambition with integrity and success with service; we need to be persons of integrity, socially conscious and compassionate.”

Dr. Shashi Tharoor congratulated the students of SXUK saying that every degree conferred today represents not only the personal accomplishments of the students, but an investment in our republic’s future.

In his address, Dr. Tharoor said, “Behind every technological breakthrough, there lies a human aspiration and behind every institutional debate there is a discussion about values. It teaches us to see complexity where others may see simplification, and empathy where others may settle for abstraction. In societies as diverse and argumentative as our own, such habits of mind are indispensable. They strengthen the qualities upon which any democracy depends; the ability to listen, to question, to dissent and above all to understand complexity.”

Dr. Tharoor further added, “In the decades to come, the energy, talent and imagination of today’s young people will determine whether we translate demographic potential into national achievement.”

Father Felix Raj also said, “The MBA programme offered by Xavier Business School achieved the NBA accreditation for a period of three years, commencing from 2025-26. To further its global reach, the university has signed 5 MoUs with institutions of repute in the last year.”

Since 2017, the university has undergone dramatic transformation both physically and academically. The second academic building is nearing completion and will have provisions for modern classrooms and laboratories, library, moot court, etc. The upcoming auditorium will accommodate around 1500 persons, whereas the smaller auditoriums will have a seating capacity for 600 heads and 300 heads respectively. The university also plans to have MDP Block with 110 rooms including suites for VIPs.

The Executive MBA is attracting a good number of students from the corporate sectors. The university is also contemplating to introduce Executive MBA in hybrid mode and a new MBA programme in Hospital Management to meet the ever-changing demand of good executives for running the hospital effectively and efficiently.

The ceremony ended with a vote of thanks by Fr. Dr. Xavier Jeyaraj, S.J., Registrar of SXUK, followed by a high tea. Thanks to Dr. Manali Bhattacharya, the Convener of the 7th Convocation ceremony and her team members for successfully organising the event.

Dr. Somak Sen

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IIC conducts entrepreneurial event

A Pitch Deck Event was organized by Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) in collaboration with Centre for Incubation, Consultancy & Entrepreneurship (CICE) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata on February 14, 2026 at the university campus.

The event aimed to provide a structured platform for university students to present their innovative business ideas, start-up concepts, and entrepreneurial solutions. The event witnessed the participation of 6 groups from SXUK, representing diverse disciplines and innovative domains.

Each group presented their business ideas through structured pitch deck covering key aspects such as problem statement, proposed solution, potential market, revenue model, scalability, and financial projections. The presentations were evaluated by a panel of experts who provided constructive feedback. 4 groups were selected based on the originality of their ideas, clarity of business model, and growth potential.

The event encouraged entrepreneurial spirit among students and strengthened the university’s commitment to fostering innovation and start-up culture on campus.

Prof. Soma Sur

Hony. Director, LCERI

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A Decade of Excellence: St. Xavier's University, Kolkata Celebrates 10th Foundation Day

Mario Martin Louis

St. Xavier's University, Kolkata marked a milestone in its journey with a grand celebration of its 10th Foundation Day on February 9, 2026. The event, held at the Albert Huart Hall, brought together students, faculty, administrators, and distinguished guests to reflect on the university's growth and achievements.

The celebration began with a prayer led by Fr. Mourlin K. SJ, followed by a screening of a university video showcasing its journey over the past decade. In his welcome address, Vice Chancellor Rev. Fr. Dr. John Felix Raj set a forward-looking tone, highlighting the university's commitment to academic excellence and social responsibility.

The event featured a special lecture by Roopen Roy, Founder of Sumantrana Management Consultants, on "Academia-Industry Interaction for Future Growth." The Chief Guest emphasized the need for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration between higher education and industry.

The university also announced that the 2026 Convocation will be graced by Rev. Fr. Arturo Sosa, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, as the Chief Guest, and Dr. Shashi Tharoor will be conferred with the Honoris Causa degree.

Additionally, Fr. Felix Raj announced the list of faculties and staff with 100 per cent attendance in the year 2025, who will receive an incentive of one month's basic salary and a freeship scholarship to PwD (persons with disability) students admitted in the university.

The event included the release of a book, "Footprints - Essays in Honour of Fr. Felix Raj," and a tribute to Professor Ashis Mitra for his dedication and service to the university.

In his address, Dr. Basab Chaudhuri, Principal of the Heritage Institute of Technology, praised Father Felix Raj's contributions to Jesuit education. The celebration concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony and high tea.

As St. Xavier's University embarks on its next decade, Vice Chancellor Rev. Fr. Dr. Felix Raj's words resonate with renewed significance: "The establishment of this University is an act of God."

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SXUK celebrates Annual Sports Day 2026

Xavier Sports Society of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised the Annual Sports Day 2026 at the university playground on February 7, 2026.

Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK inaugurated the programme. Shri Bhaskar Mukherjee, IPS was the Guest of Honour. All Jesuit Fathers, Sisters, officers, faculty members, non-teaching staff, students and members of the alumni association were present.

The programme began with a parade by the Army Band, Bihar Regiment, followed by the faculty members, support staff, the NCC contingent, and, most importantly, the students’ contingents from all faculties and schools of the university.

Father Felix Raj and Mr. Mukherjee hoisted the Sports Society Flag and set a flight of pigeons free. A large number of both undergraduate and postgraduate students competed in a series of sports event.

Anuran Paul of BMS bagged the Fr. Joseph Maliyekal Memorial Trophy, and Aanya Paul of B. Com won the Fr. Joe D’Souza Memorial Trophy as the best male and female athletes for 2025-26.

Father Felix Raj blessed the best male and female athletes with scholarships. The event concluded with the cake-cutting ceremony, followed by a community lunch.

Dr Utpal Kumar Raha
Dr. Sayani Saha

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SXUKAA organises Walkathon

St. Xavier’s University Kolkata Alumni Association (SXUKAA) in collaboration with the Xavier’s Students’ Board and the Xavier’s University Sports Society organized the ‘Walkathon – Xaverian Walk for Peace’ on February 7, 2026.

The walkathon was held as a significant outreach initiative ahead of the University’s 10th Foundation Day, reflecting the institution’s enduring commitment to social responsibility, harmony, and collective well-being.

The event witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 1,000 participants comprising Jesuit fathers, alumni, students, faculty members and staff of the university.

The walk, which was flagged off at 8:30am by Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, SJ, Vice-Chancellor, SXUK and President, SXUKAA, commenced from the university gate and proceeded up to the iconic Biswa Bangla Gate, before returning to the University premises.

The long stretch of walkers presented a vibrant and inspiring sight, symbolising unity in diversity and the shared aspiration for a peaceful society.

Adding colour and purpose to the walk, enthusiastic students carried placards and banners bearing messages of peace, harmony, and non-violence, engaging onlookers and passers-by and spreading awareness about the importance of coexistence in today’s world. The disciplined and spirited participation of the walkers underscored the strong Xaverian values of service, solidarity, and social engagement.

The Walkathon – Xaverian Walk for Peace stood out as a meaningful highlight of the Foundation Day celebrations, reinforcing the university’s vision of nurturing socially conscious citizens and fostering a culture of peace through collective action.

Vatsal Chirimar
Hony Secy, SXUKAA

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Dept of Computer Science hosts tech talk

Department of Computer Science of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organized a special discussion session on February 2, 2026 at the university campus. The topic was “Difficulty, Discovery, and Destiny: A Story of Humanity’s Journey from Classical Limits to Quantum Horizons.”

The session was conducted by Dr. Tamal Chakraborty, a faculty member of Mrinalini Datta Mahavidyapith, Birati, Kolkata. Around 60 students participated in the programme.

Dr. Chakraborty offered a profound exploration of computational limits and the future of technology. He illustrated problems difficult for classical computers, leading to a deep dive into the P vs. NP question, the foundational challenges posed by Hilbert’s program on the completeness and decidability of mathematics, and the nature of an "effective procedure."

Dr. Chakraborty also discussed quantum physics, explaining key concepts like the Stern-Gerlach experiment, electron spin, superposition, and entanglement, and how these principles translate into the power of quantum computers and qubits. He explained quantum search using Grover’s algorithm to show how quantum computing can speed up search problems, and concluded by quoting Scott Aaronson on how solving P = NP could blur the line between solving a problem and recognizing its solution.

The session concluded with an interactive session with the resource person.

Dr. Soma Debnath

Assistant Professor,

Faculty of Science, SXUK

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Xaverian Spirit on Display at Xavier’s University Cricket League 2026

The Xavier’s University Cricket League, organised by the St. Xavier’s University Kolkata Alumni Association, was successfully held over two days on January 31, 2026 and February 1, 2026 at the SXUK Ground, witnessing enthusiastic participation from the larger Xaverian community.

The tournament featured six teams—Corridor Masters, Semester Survivors, Exam Warriors, Frontbench Legends, Backbenchers XI, and Hostel Super Kings. Each team was uniquely composed of 6 alumni members, 4 final-year students, and 4 faculty/staff members, and captained by an alumni Member, symbolising the spirit of unity and inclusiveness that defines the Xaverian family.

The tournament was ceremoniously inaugurated by Rev. Fr. John Felix Raj, SJ, Vice-Chancellor, St. Xavier’s University Kolkata & President, St. Xavier’s University Kolkata Alumni Association. A special moment marked the opening ceremony when the six team captains formed a Guard of Honour as Fr. President entered the field, setting a dignified and inspiring tone for the league.

After a series of closely contested matches across the two days, the Final Match was played between Semester Survivors and Exam Warriors, with Semester Survivors emerging as the champions. The matches showcased competitive cricket, teamwork, and true sportsmanship.

Dr. Tutun Mukherjee, faculty member of Xavier Business School, was adjudged the Player of the Tournament for his outstanding all-round performance. Anikesh Kumar, a final year student of B.Com (Day) was adjudged the Best Batsman, Harsh Jindal, an alumnus from B.Com Batch of 2025 was adjudged the Best Bowler and Debraj Nandi, an alumnus from the MBA Batch of 2024 the Best Fielder.

The tournament truly brought together the alumni, faculty, staff, and students, reinforcing the bond within the Xaverian family. Rev. Fr. President appreciated the initiative and leadership of the Honorary Secretary, Mr. Vatsal Chirimar, and his team for organising the league and fostering camaraderie through sport.

The Xavier’s University Cricket League stood as a memorable celebration of unity, excellence, and the enduring Xaverian spirit.

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Dept of Mass Communication celebrates XavComm’26

XavComm’26, the annual inter-college media fest of the Department of Mass Communication of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK), was held on January 30-31, 2026 at the university campus. The theme of the event was “Fictional Realism: Echoes of the Make-Believe.”

The fest was inaugurated by Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor amid the presence of esteemed dignitaries and faculty members of the institution.

XavComm’26 brought together around 400 external students from 40 colleges, fostering critical engagement with media, storytelling, and contemporary communication practices.

The event hosted a range of academic and practice-oriented events, spanning reporting, ad-making, podcasting, photography, performance, and broadcast-based competitions, complemented by study abroad interactions with Fragomen and a Canon hands-on workshop on street photography.

The first day also featured a session with media professionals and industry interactions with the team of the upcoming release ‘Mon Maaney Na’. Conversations held with the cast and the rest of the team provided the young minds with anecdotes and insights into the media industry.

Student-centric flagship events such as Mr. & Ms. Mass Comm and Mr. & Ms. XavComm further encouraged confidence, creativity, and professional presentation. The second day concluded with a closing awards ceremony, where the “Best College Award” was bagged by the Institute of Business Management, JU.

This two-day creative journey of light, laughter, and learning finally ended on a musical note with an incredible performance by The Yellow Taxi.

Dr. Reshmi Naskar

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SXUK celebrates the Republic Day 2026

St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) celebrated the 77th Republic Day at the university campus with great solemnity and patriotic spirit on January 26, 2026.

The programme commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by Father Dr. Xavier Jeyaraj, SJ, Registrar of the university in the presence of all Jesuit Fathers, Sisters, faculty members, officers, support staff members, and students, followed by the collective singing of the National Anthem. The occasion was further enriched by the presence of the NCC Unit of SXUK.

While delivering his speech, Father Xavier Jeyaraj, S.J. highlighted India’s emergence as the world’s fourth-largest economy. He urged the audience to reflect critically on whether, amid economic growth, the ideals enshrined in the Indian Constitution are being adequately upheld. Emphasising issues of social justice, equality, and inclusive development, Father Jeyaraj encouraged students and faculty alike to engage more actively as responsible citizens committed to the constitutional values of democracy and fraternity.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Mario Martion Louis, Campus Minister and Communication and Protocol Officer of SXUK marking the occasion as a meaningful reminder of both national achievement and collective responsibility.

Dr. Sovik Mukherjee

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Dept of Mass Comm hosts Xavtalk 2026

Department of Mass Communication of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised a group discussion event Xavtalk 2026 on January 22, 2026 at the university campus. The theme was “Youth in the Digital Age: Media, Influence, and Dependence.”

The programme commenced with the lighting of lamp by Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK; Fr. Dr. Xavier Jeyaraj, S.J., Registrar; Dr. Susmita Halder, Dean of Faculty of Arts and Social Studies; Dr. Harish Kumar, Head of Department of Mass Communication and others.

While inaugurating the event, Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj said, “Young people today are growing up in a world that has been influenced by digital media. Instant access to information, social media, and online platforms have a significant impact on young people's identity formation, communication, and thought processes.”

Father Felix Raj further said, “Despite challenges, digital media has many benefits, including connecting young people worldwide, fostering learning, creativity, and self-expression, and offering venues for idea sharing and awareness-raising.”

A total of ten students, two each from departments of Economics, English, Mass Communication, Psychology and Social Work of the Faculty of Arts and Social Studies of SXUK participated as finalists in the event. These individuals were previously chosen in the initial rounds conducted at each department. The event was judged by senior faculty members of the university.

Arik Mallick, a postgraduate student of fourth semester of Social Work department bagged the first prize while Aratrika Chakraborty of postgraduate second semester of Economics department and Nayanika Routh of fourth semester of postgraduate section of Psychology department received the second and third prizes respectively.

The event aimed to enable students of the university to participate in the group discussion and share their own opinions and equally learn to analyze, question, agree, or disagree with others’ views respectfully.

Students and faculty members of the Faculty of Arts and Social Studies attended the event. The vote of thanks was delivered by Ms. Deepakshee Ghosh, Student Convenor of the event.

Dr. Somak Sen
Faculty Convenor

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SXUK hosts seminar on environmental awareness

Father Lafont Centre for Excellence in Research and Innovation of the St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata organised a one-day seminar on climate change on January 22, 2026 at the university campus. The theme of the seminar was “Is the Future Safe for Us? – A Look into the Impact of Climate Change”.

The aim of the seminar was to generate awareness on climate change, its far-reaching impacts, and the need for sustainable and adaptive strategies. 230 students of SXUK attended the seminar.

A lecture on “Climate Change: Its Impact on our Planet” was delivered by Rev. Dr. Pedro Walpole, S.J., Director of Research, The Institute of Environmental Science for Social Change, Philippines. Dr. Jayanta Basu, an environment journalist and consultant delivered a lecture on “Sustainable actions that can help mitigate climate change: Case Studies of India” in the second session.

A panel discussion on “Climate Risk: Impact and Adaptation Strategies in Business” took place at the post-lunch session. The panellists included Mr. Jayanta Karmakar, Head EHS & Sustainability, Tata Hitachi Construction Machinery Company Pvt. Ltd.; Dr. Utpal Goswami, Manager (RE), DVC; Dr. Tirthankar Nag, Professor, IMI Kolkata; and Mr. Debraj Sinha Roy, CHRO, MotoVolt Mobility Pvt. Ltd.

The seminar sensitized participants to the pressing issue of climate change and encouraged critical thinking on mitigation and adaptation strategies across environmental, social, and business domains.

Dr. Soma Sur
Hony. Director, LCERI

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Department of Psychology organizes seminar

Department of Psychology of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organized a seminar on “Psychotherapy Formulation through a Trauma Lens” on January 21, 2026 at the university campus.

This seminar aimed to provide useful insights into trauma-informed psychological practice and clinical formulation. The resource person was Dr. Sampurna Chakraborty, Amity Institute of Behavioural Health and Allied Sciences (AIBHAS), Noida.

Dr. Chakraborty explained the study of trauma from various clinical viewpoints, mainly focusing on the neurobiology of trauma, highlighting its impact on brain functioning and emotional regulation. She helped people comprehend both acute and chronic trauma experiences by talking about "Big T" and "Little T" trauma. She discussed the 4Rs of Trauma-Informed Care in a way that made the session engaging for the students.

Participants were also introduced to the Trauma in Context Model and the main areas of formulation, which include pre-trauma vulnerability and post-trauma context. The lecture ended with an interactive session.

Dr. Susmita Halder
Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Studies

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Inauguration of NCC Unit at St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata.

St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata celebrated the inauguration of its National Cadet Corps (NCC) Unit on 20th January, 2026, opening new avenues for students to develop leadership, discipline, and a strong sense of national pride.

The inaugural program was graced by the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, NCC officers, University officials, faculty members, and enthusiastic cadets. Addressing the gathering, the dignitaries encouraged students to embrace NCC as a platform for personal growth, teamwork, adventure, and service to the nation.

An orientation session followed the inauguration, where students were introduced to the core values of NCC—Unity and Discipline—along with details of training, camps, social service activities, and career opportunities. The session generated great excitement among students eager to begin their journey as NCC cadets.

The event which was convened by the NCC Care Taker Officer of the University, marked the beginning of an inspiring chapter in campus life, as the University looks forward to empowering students through NCC to become confident, responsible, and socially committed citizens.

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SXUK celebrates Xavrang 2026

Students’ Board of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised the two-day annual cultural festival ‘Xavrang 2026’ on January 16-17, 2026 at the university campus.

The theme of this year’s Xavrang was “The Indian Mosaic: Traditions and Tales.” The fest was inaugurated by Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK. Apart from SXUK students, participants came from 60 colleges and universities.

The first day featured a wide range of academic, cultural, literary, business, legal, technical, and creative events, culminating in the Myntra Glamfest Tour and a musical performance by renowned playback singer Ms. Asees Kaur.

The second day of the grand event culminated in a grand showcase of flagship fashion, dance, sustainability, photography, coding, economics, psychology, and debating events, followed by the Closing and Awards Ceremony and a high-energy performance by DJ AAHI.

The ‘Best College Representative’ award was bagged by the J. D. Birla Institute, with The Bhawanipur Education Society College receiving the award for ‘Best College.’ Sister Nivedita University finshed as runner-up.

Team Xavrang’26 extends profound gratitude to its esteemed sponsors, whose unwavering support brought the celebration to life. The enthusiastic efforts of the office bearers, student heads, committees, societies, and participants brought the entire university family together, reinforcing the university’s commitment to cultural appreciation, innovation, and collective participation.

Dr. Sovik Mukherjee
Deputy Chairperson, Students’ Board

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SXUK hosts National Conference on Women Empowerment

The Research Development Cell (RDC) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised one-day National Conference on ‘Women Empowerment for a Sustainable Future’ on January 14, 2026 at the university campus.

The conference addressed the pertinent issues related to gender equality and women empowerment in line with the sustainable development.

Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK delivered the inaugural address. He said, “The conference aims to tackle some of the pertinent issues relating to gender equality and women empowerment keeping in mind the Goal 5 of the sustainable development.”

Father Felix Raj further added that structural impediments to gender equality exist and gender-based discrimination persists, inspite of the efforts by the government, democratic institutions and other key stakeholders.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Kiran Bedi, the Lt Governor of Puducherry. She was also the first woman Indian Police Service Officer. Dr. Bedi stressed the concept and the relations between empowering women and sustainable development.

A total number of 67 participants participated in the conference from across the country. This was the second national conference, organised by RDC, SXUK.

Dr. Mononita Kundu Das
Professor, Xavier Law School
Direrctor, RDC

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XBS celebrates Xaviesta 4.0

Xavier Business School (XBS) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised the 2-day annual cultural festival Xaviesta 4.0 on January 9-10, 2026 at the university campus.

Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK inaugurated the programme. The event brought the "Retroverse" to life, marking two days of unparalleled energy and talent.

Mr. Anirban Banerjee, CEO, Eveready Industries India Ltd. was the Chief Guest.

1,100 participants from 53 elite institutions, including IIM Rohtak, IIM Bodh Gaya, WeSchool, and IIT Kharagpur took part in this event. With a total footfall exceeding 6,000 attendees, the event solidified its status as a landmark celebration of student excellence and corporate synergy.

The festival featured 24 diverse events across business, sports, and cultural categories. A key highlight was the business segment, where students faced rigorous evaluation from high-profile industry experts, gaining professional insights that bridged the gap between the classroom and the corporate world. This ambitious vision was supported by Title Sponsor Vivo and Co-Sponsor Eveready Industries India Ltd.

The valedictory address was given by Mr. Sandip Goswami, Senior Manager, HRM, Vivo West Bengal.

Dr. Sitangshu Khatua
Dean, XBS

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SXUKAA organises Christmas Programme

St. Xavier’s University Kolkata Alumni Association (SXUKAA) organised a Christmas programme on December 23, 2025 for the faculty and staff members of the university. A cultural programme took place where staff members and students of the university participated.

Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj SJ, Vice-Chancellor of SXUK and the President of SXUKAA shared his Christmas message. As a mark of their gratitude, core committee members of the SXUKAA felicitated Father Felix Raj and other Jesuit Fathers on the occasion.

The joy of the festive season was shared with the lesser privileged as Father Felix Raj handed over some winter garments to them. The alumni association hosted a high tea for all the faculty and staff members on the occasion.

In the evening, SXUKAA organised its Annual Christmas Gathering at the university campus. Eminent guests including doctors, CEOs and others apart from Jesuit fathers and other members of the Xaverian family attended the celebration.

Father Felix Raj extended a warm welcome to the guests and shared his Christmas Message. He also shared the future plans of the University. A video presentation on SXUK was shown on the occasion, apart from a cultural programme put up by the staff and students.

The celebratory mood of the evening was enhanced by a performance by Mr. Peter Gomes, followed by a sumptuous dinner.

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St. Xavier’s University Kolkata Alumni Association (SXUKAA) hosted XavMilan 2025, the annual alumni reunion dinner on December 20, 2025 at the university campus with enthusiastic participation from the alumni members, creating an evening filled with reconnecting, reflection, and shared memories.

The event aimed to strengthen the enduring bond between the alumni and the university while celebrating the spirit of togetherness and belonging within the Xaverian community.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Vatsal Chirimar, Honorary Secretary of SXUKAA, who warmly greeted the alumni members and emphasized the significance of XavMilan as an important platform for continued engagement and connection with the institution.

This was followed by a delightful address by Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., President of SXUKAA and Vice-Chancellor of SXUK, whose gracious presence and thoughtful words added depth and meaning to the occasion. His address inspired the gathering and reinforced core values of unity, gratitude, and lifelong association with the university.

The evening was further enlivened by a band performance, which added vibrancy and energy to the programme. Alumni members enjoyed the music and informal interactions, reminiscing about their time at the university and strengthening old friendships. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Ajitesh Prasad, Convenor, XavMilan.

Mr. Ajitesh Prasad
Convener, XavMilan 2025

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Father Lafont Centre for Excellence in Research and Innovation (LCERI) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) in collaboration with India Japan Laboratory of Keio University, Japan organised the second batch of the certificate course on Disaster Risk Reduction Management in online mode from November 22, 2025 to December 22, 2025.

It was a two-credit course comprised of thirty hours. 29 participants joined the course. The course covered key topics related to disaster, risks, hazards and complex global landscape, etc.

The course aimed at creating awareness and enhancing disaster preparedness for field workers of disaster management and others.

Participants were given access to e-learning modules covering disaster types, mitigation strategies, and response plans, video lectures and case studies on disaster management, reference documents, guidelines, and assessment tools for risk reduction.

The course included periodic quizzes, case study analyses, and a final assessment to evaluate understanding of DRRM concepts by the participants.

Dr. Soma Sur
Hony. Director, LCERI

Xavier Law School (XLS) of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised a two-day international conference on “Challenges, Prospects and Emerging Dimensions of Human Rights” on December 12-13, 2025 at the university campus in collaboration with the West Bengal State Human Rights Commission and the Indian Social Institute, New Delhi.

The cohorts for this conference were ActionAid India, Peter Lang, Knowledge Steez and Alfabett Solutions.

Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK delivered the inaugural address emphasizing the Jesuit principles of justice and dignity, ‘cura personalis’ in meaningful guarantee of human rights in the tested times of crisis.

Mr. Basudeb Banerjee highlighted youth mobilization as critical to human rights protection, and Dr. A. Cyril SJ, emphasized the idea of human rights and human dignity and the necessity of social reforms for promotion of human rights across the country.

The conference brought together scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to address pressing global human rights concerns within an increasingly complex socio-legal landscape shaped by climate change, technological disruption, and persistent socio-economic inequalities.

Mr. Paul Divakar critically analysed structural inequalities affecting indigenous and marginalized communities, and Ms. Amaya Valcarcel discussed forced displacement, advocating for compassion-centered approaches prioritizing human dignity over securitized border control.

A distinguished panel comprising Rev. Dr. Xavier Jeyaraj, S.J., Prof. Manik Chakraborty, and Mr. Sandip Chachra examined emerging global human rights challenges emanating from climate disruption and socio-economic exclusion.

In the parallel sessions, participants from South Asia, Europe and Latin America presented research works on various issues like climate-induced migration, gender justice, artificial intelligence governance, labour rights, disability rights, refugee protection, algorithmic bias in medical technologies, statelessness, forest-dwellers' rights, and corporate social responsibility, etc.

The first international conference of XLS concluded with the aspiration and commitment for collaborations and collective human rights friendly responses.

Dr. Kaustav Choudhoury

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Father Felix Raj delivers fifth Annual Christmas Lecture

St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised its fifth Annual Christmas Lecture on December 13, 2025 at Parasmani, the university’s social outreach centre in Bolpur, Santiniketan.

Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK delivered a delightful lecture on “Mother Teresa: A Hymn of Compassion and Love”. Faculty members, officers, Fathers and Sisters, research scholars and dignitaries from SXUK and Visva-Bharati attended the programme.

Father Felix Raj shared his rare personal interactions with Mother Teresa. Weaving together memories and history, he reflected on her extraordinary life of service and compassion, describing it as a “hymn for the universe”.

In his engrossing address, Father Felix Raj narrated the early life of Mother Teresa, her arrival in Kolkata, and her noble mission of working for the poor and destitute. He highlighted the core principles that shaped Mother Teresa’s mission, that peace and charity begin at home, and that service to humanity is service to God.

While referring to his personal anecdotes with Mother Teresa, Father Felix Raj also narrated Mother Teresa’s close association with the Jesuit order. He also reflected on Mother Teresa’s mission and message that grew stronger over time.

Dr. Somak Sen

SXUK conducts MDP for bank employees

Centre for Incubation, Consultancy & Entrepreneurship (CICE) in collaboration with Fr. Lafont Centre for Excellence in Research and Innovation (LCERI) and St. Xavier’s University Kolkata Alumni Association (SXUKAA) conducted a four-day Management Development Programme (MDP) from December 5 to 9, 2025 at the university campus.

The programme was designed to upskill the Internal Operations Staff of SBI Life Insurance Co. Ltd. to enhance customer experience through improved internal efficiency, communication, and service delivery.

The participants were the internal operations staff of SBI Life Insurance Co. Ltd. The programme focused on equipping the participants with practical tools and strategies in operations management, leadership, and customer-centric service. Faculty members from SXUK and senior officials from SBI Life Insurance Co. Ltd. were the resource persons.

Participants found the sessions highly insightful.

Dr. Monalika Dey

SXUK hosts cricket match

Xavier’s University Sports Society (XUSS) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised a friendly cricket match between Team Faculty and Officers and Team Support Staff on December 3, 2025 at the university playground.

The match was held in fond remembrance of Fr. P. C. Matthew, S.J., former Principal of St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata. The Feast of St. Francis Xavier, S.J. was also celebrated on the same day in the university.

Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK greeted all participants of both teams and inaugurated the match amid the presence of Fr. Dr. Xavier Jeyaraj, S.J., Registrar; Fr. Dr. Mourlin K., S.J., Hostel Director and other dignitaries.

Team Faculty and Officers, led by Sandeep Mundra won the toss and decided to bat first. They scored 146 runs in 15 overs, losing 3 wickets. In response, Team Support Staff put up an impressive chase, scoring 149 runs in 12.3 overs with the loss of 4 wickets and clinched victory.

The Player of the Match award went to Sudipto Ghosh, captain of Team Support Staff for his crucial 28 runs off 21 balls and for bagging 1 wicket. Victor Naskar and Amit Kanji also made valuable contributions, scoring 25 runs each.

For Team Faculty and Officers, Anupam Mitra scored 62 runs off 44 balls, including eight boundaries and two sixes. This marks the third consecutive time that the Team Support Staff has lifted the trophy.

Father Felix Raj, S.J. presented the championship trophy to the winning team amidst applause and celebration. All players of both teams received medals.

Reported by

Mr. Subhashis Majumdar

From the Office of the Vice-Chancellor

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XBS hosts international conference

Xavier Business School (XBS) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) hosted the Xavier International Conference on Business Environment (XICBE 2025) on November 29th & 30th, 2025 in collaboration with University of Sussex, United Kingdom and Singapore Management University, Singapore at the SXUK campus.

The opening ceremony was graced by Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK and Dr. Uma Shankar, IAS as the Chief Guest.

150 academicians, industry experts, policymakers, and researchers participated in the conference. 88 research papers were presented. 45 external experts in different areas of management shared their views.

A Green Tribute was also conducted with a tree plantation ceremony, attended by prominent guests including Shri Rakesh Ranjan, Additional Secretary, Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC).

The conference highlighted global perspectives on business, sustainability, innovation, and policy through strong international partnerships with the University of Sussex and Singapore Management University. Keynote addresses from experts across UK, USA, France, Uzbekistan, and UAE, along with insightful panel discussions, explored themes such as ‘Redefining Success Beyond Profits’ and ‘Navigating Climate Risk and Business Resilience.’

XICBE 2025 presented diverse technical sessions, including ESG practices, corporate governance, AI, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Supported by esteemed sponsors, the event reinforced commitment of XBS to fostering research-driven, future-ready business knowledge.

Prof. Dr. Sitangshu Khatua
Dean, XBS

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SXUK signs MoU with WB State Council of Science and Technology

St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the West Bengal State Council of Science and Technology, Department of Science and Technology, Biotechnology (DSTBT), Government of West Bengal on November 18, 2025 at the university campus.

Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK graced the event with his presence. Fr. Dr. Xavier Jeyaraj, S.J., Registrar of SXUK and Shri Vijay Bharti, IAS, Secretary Department of Science Technology, Biotechnology (DSTBT), Government of West Bengal signed the MoU. Delegates from both organisations discussed possible avenues of collaborative research and development.

Dr. Manali Bhattacharya, Professor-in-charge of the Centre for Global Network and Initiatives (CGNI) of SXUK coordinated the event.

Dr. Bidisha Kantha

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Dept of Social Work organises special lecture

Department of Social Work of the St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK), organized a special lecture on ‘Public Action for Social Security and Economic Democracy’ on November 12, 2025 at the university campus.

Prof. Jean Drèze, an eminent development economist, social thinker and activist was the resource person.

The event witnessed a participation of around 250 students, scholars, academicians, development practitioners, and activists from in and around Kolkata, along with members of the management and faculty of SXUK.

Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK felicitated Prof. Drèze in the august presence of dignitaries. Father Felix Raj said, “Prof. Drèze is one of the most eminent development economists and social thinkers of our time. His pioneering contributions to India’s public policy, particularly in the areas of food security, employment guarantee, and welfare rights, have deeply influenced academic thought, social policies and practice.”

Prof. Drèze narrated the dynamic relationship between social action, social security and economic democracy. He laid a special emphasis on economic democracy and defined it as ‘an extension of democratic values to economic life,’ which can be achieved when citizens actively participate in shaping economic and social decisions.

Prof. Drèze discussed how ‘community participation and collective responsibility strengthen social security and democratic governance.’ He stressed that public action plays crucial role in transforming welfare programmes into effective tools of empowerment. He further emphasised that success of development policies depends on people’s awareness, participation, and ability to hold institutions accountable. The lecture was followed by an interactive session and a high tea.

Dr. Jacob Islary

Head, Dept of Social Work

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Startup Premier League

A one-day startup event titled “Startup Premier League” was organized by the Institutional Innovation Council (IIC) in collaboration with the Centre for Incubation, Consultancy & Entrepreneurship (CICE) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata, in association with Techaarohan Bharat Foundation (Startup Ki Pathshala). The event aimed to provide a dynamic platform for students and aspiring entrepreneurs to explore innovative ideas, strengthen their entrepreneurial mindset, and foster collaboration across institutions.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation forming teams from various education institutions in and around Newtown and Salt Lake, including St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata.

The Discovery Round Pitching Sessions allowed participating teams to present their startup ideas before a panel of successful entrepreneurs. The jury provided constructive feedback on market feasibility, innovation, and business model scalability.

The event concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Prabhat Das of Techaarohan Bharat Foundation (Startup Ki Pathshala), who highlighted the upcoming phases aimed at nurturing innovative ideas and transforming them into viable ventures. The jury members appreciated the best three ideas, followed by a Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Somnath Banerjee, IIC Convenor and Associate Professor, Department of Commerce and Management, St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata, formally marking the close of the event.

Feedback: The “Startup Premier League” successfully ignited the young minds of nine teams from our university, fostering collaboration and strengthening the academic startup ecosystem, thereby showcasing the university’s commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and skill development.

Professor Soma Sur

President, IIC & Hony. Director, LCERI

Dr. Monalika Dey

Professor-in-Charge, CICE & Startup Activity Coordinator, IIC

Dept of Psychology celebrates PSYSPHERE’25

Department of Psychology of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) commemorated the World Mental Health Day by organizing PSYSPHERE’25 on October 10, 2025 at the university campus.

The motif of PSYSPHERE was designed in accordance with the theme selected by the World Health Organization, “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” that highlighted resilience, recovery and strength of human connection amid crisis.

The event commenced with a street play (Nukkad Natak), followed by two other events namely “Canvas of Coping”, where participants transformed personal experiences into moving works of art and “Turncoat: Ctrl + Alt + Heal”, a dynamic discourse on reimagining social media for mental well-being.

The grand finale “Live Minds: Voices of Psyche” brought psychology to life through a street play competition. Each performance emphasized psychological first aid and mental health awareness through storytelling, blending empathy with social consciousness.

Dr. Soma Pramanik

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SXUK celebrates 150 years of Vande Mataram

St. Xavier's University, Kolkata (SXUK) paid tribute to 150 years of Vande Mataram, the National Song of India. The NCC Unit of SXUK under 1 Bengal CTR NCC Unit (Indian Army) marked the event with great pride and honour on November 10, 2025 at the university campus. The NCC Cadets of SXUK celebrated this event with a message of unity, devotion and patriotism.

Dr. Asif Iqubal Shah

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Talent peaks at SXUK’s X-Verse’25

St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) hosted X-Verse’25, the flagship intra-college event of the Xavier’s Commerce and Management Society (XCMS), on November 8, 2025 at the university campus.

Held under the theme “Cosmos – Nothing Beyond,” the event brought together students from various departments for a day of competitive learning, creativity, and managerial excellence.

The programme began with an inspirational address by Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, SJ, Vice- Chancellor of SXUK, who urged students to push boundaries and explore their fullest potential. The official opening video introduced six major sub-events, setting the tone for an engaging and intellectually stimulating day.

The competitions spanned diverse domains, including Solaris Prime (Best Manager), Jovian Capital (Finance), Athenian Arsenal (Strategic Management), Neptura Nexus (PR and Marketing), Ares Arena (Sports Management), and Astral Lore (X-Plain). Each event challenged participants to apply critical thinking, creativity, and leadership to real-world managerial scenarios. Among them, the highly anticipated Stress Interview segment of Solaris Prime drew significant attention and emerged as one of the highlights of the event.

The closing ceremony celebrated the achievements of the winners, who received trophies, certificates, gift hampers, and cash prizes. The event concluded with an engaging and humorous session by entrepreneur and stand-up comedian Anmol Garg, adding a lively touch to the day.

Dr. Mili Kar

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Dept of Mass Comm organises special lecture

Department of Mass Communication of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised a special lecture for its postgraduate students on November 7, 2025 at the university campus.

Mr. Tahir Abbas, Principal News Coordinator, Times Now Media Group delivered a lecture on the changing setup of the TV newsroom.

Mr. Abbas highlighted major transformations within television newsrooms, from the traditional setup of linear news production to the highly digitized, fast-paced, and multi-platform operations of today. He discussed how newsroom coordination has become more complex due to the rise of social media, real-time reporting, and the demand for instant updates. He also emphasized the importance of credibility, fact-checking, and teamwork in maintaining journalistic standards amidst the race for breaking news.

The lecture concluded with an interactive session with the students. Dr. Harish Kumar, Head of the Department of Mass Communication coordinated the programme.

Mohul Sen

Semester 1

MA in Mass Communication

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Dept of Computer Science hosts industry tech-talk

Department of Computer Science of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised the fourth industry tech-talk “From Automation to Autonomy: Data Science in the Era of Robots” on November 4, 2025 at the university campus.

Prof. Maria Kyrarini from Santa Clara University (SCU), California, USA was the resource person. 90 students of departments of Computer Science, Statistics, and Data Science attended the session.

Prof. Kyrarini highlighted the importance of data science given the rapid growth in the field of autonomous agents. She also explained students’ projects under her guidance in the field of robotics, including one that designed and deployed a robot that learns to play sports like football and basketball.

The special lecture helped students to understand concepts of human-robot interaction, robot learning and assistive robotics to enhance human performance.

Dr. Soma Debnath

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Kicking Off a Brighter Future: Grand Football Tournament 2025

Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, inaugurated the Grand Football Tournament 2025, a flagship event organized by the Centre for Social Outreach Programme (CSOP) on November 2, 2025. The tournament, themed "Empowering Youth through Sports," brought together young football enthusiasts from Dharmatala-Pachuria Village (2KM from SXUK).

The Kick-Off

The Vice-Chancellor was joined by Mr. Milan Gazi, the village president, and Mr. Anix Gazi, the local School Headmaster, as they kicked off the tournament. In his inspiring address, Father Raj emphasized the importance of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship, encouraging the youth to strive for excellence both on and off the field. He also extended an invitation to the young participants to join St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, to foster a harmonious and supportive community that bridges the gap between the university and the village.

A Day of Sports and Camaraderie

The tournament witnessed energetic matches, vibrant community participation, and the joyful involvement of student volunteers from SXUK and villagers alike. The football field was abuzz with cheers, trophies, and camaraderie, symbolizing the Xavier's mission of "forming men and women for others" extending beyond the classroom into the heart of the community.

Heartfelt Thanks

Fr. Vice-Chancellor expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the CSOP unit, deputy director, assistant director and all volunteers, participants, and supporters for making this initiative a grand success. The event promoted youth engagement, holistic growth, and the Jesuit spirit of service through sports, empowering the youth to become men and women for others with better future prospects.

by

Dr. John Felix Raj, SJ

Vice Chancellor,

SXUK

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Internal Quality Assurance Cell organizes Training on ISO 9001:2015

A three-day training programme on Awareness and Internal Quality Audit of QMS based on ISO 9001:2015 was organised by St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata, from 28.10.2025 to 30.10.2025. The training aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of the principles, requirements, and implementation strategies of ISO 9001:2015 standards to promote a culture of quality, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction within academic and administrative processes.

SXUK hosts Xenith’25

XPOSURE, the Xavier University Photography Society of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) in association with the St. Xavier’s University Kolkata Alumni Association (SXUKAA) hosted “Xenith’25: A Poetry of Pixels,” an inter-college photography exhibition and competition on October 30 and 31, 2025 at the university campus.

The exhibition celebrated the art of visual storytelling through themes like monochrome, minimalism and contrast. The opening ceremony was graced by Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK and other dignitaries.

Mr. Abhirup Basu, PR Professional at Adfactors PR, Mr. Goutam Bose, Senior Consulting Photographer, Millennium Post and Mr. Siddhartha Sarkar, News Editor, News18 Digital were the Guests of Honour.

The exhibition showcased an eclectic collection of visual narratives captured by students of 35 prestigious institutes across the country. A workshop on photography was conducted by Mrs. Lopamudra Talukdar, a Fujifilm X Ambassador and Global Photographer. She shared her expertise and guided students through the nuances of composition, storytelling, and visual emotion.

The event culminated with a closing ceremony and prize distribution, honouring the winners of various photography categories. The esteemed panel of judges evaluated the entries based on creativity, technique, and thematic depth.

Dr. Nitesh Tripathi

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Father Felix Raj delivers lecture on Mother Teresa

Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) delivered an inspiring extension lecture on “Mother Teresa: Instrument for Peace” on October 31, 2025 at the university campus.

The programme was organised by Father Lafont Centre for Excellence in Research and Innovation (LCERI) and the Mother Teresa Chair for Peace of SXUK. All faculty members and officers of SXUK along with dignitaries attended the lecture.

In his lecture, Father Felix Raj highlighted the life and mission of Mother Teresa as a beacon of peace, compassion, and humanity, emphasising her contributions to social harmony and service to the marginalized sections of the society. He also shared his interactions with Mother.

The lecture was followed by an interactive session, where the audience shared their insights and reflections on the theme. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof Gautam Dutta, Chair-Professor, Mother Teresa Chair for Peace, SXUK.

Dr. Soma Sur

Hony. Director, LCERI

SXUK Gets Approval for Raising NCC Unit

We are pleased to announce that our request has been honored, and SXUK has received approval for NCC enrolment.

Dr. Asif Iqubal Shah, CTO of the NCC Unit, is leading the initiative.

The enrolment process will begin soon, and students are encouraged to join and avail the benefits. Interested students are requested to visit the NCC office for more information.

Contact details:

Dr. Asif Iqubal Shah

Assistant Professor in Law

CTO, NCC UNIT, SXUK

9836625241

asif.shah@sxuk.edu.in

Father Felix Raj Visits University of Sussex to Strengthen Ties

During his London visit, Father Felix Raj, accompanied by Manik Dey and Nandan Roy, visited the University of Sussex on October 13.

The delegation met with university officials to discuss collaborative initiatives, building on the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between St. Xavier's University (SXUK) and the University of Sussex (US).

The meeting was coordinated by Prof. Sambit Bhattacharyya, Head, Department of Economics whose efforts are greatly appreciated.

Key areas of cooperation include:

- Summer School programmes

- Business Schools

- Law Schools

- Economics

- Doctoral programmes

Prof. Simon Thomson, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor, hosted the team and led a campus tour, showcasing the university's facilities, including the serene Hall of Silence.

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Father Felix Raj Honoured with Prestigious Tagore Award

Father Felix Raj, a renowned Jesuit priest and founding Vice-Chancellor of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, India, received the esteemed Tagore Award for his lifetime achievements. The award ceremony took place on October 10 at the House of Lords, Palace of Westminster in London, UK, as part of the Thought Leadership Summit hosted by the Global Collaboration Forum, Indi Setu.

Dr. Amit Ghose, Founder-Director of Indi Setu, and Mr. Manik Dey of London presented the award to Father Raj in the presence of a distinguished gathering of international dignitaries, including British parliamentarians.

In his acceptance speech, Father Felix Raj humbly said, "I accept this award as a recognition of the good work being done and an acknowledgement of the goodwill that exists among people. Every dream, despite opposition, can become a reality with the support and participation of those around us. We simply need to take bold steps forward.

During his London visit, Father Raj will be visiting the University of Sussex on October 13, to discuss and strengthen collaborative plans between St. Xavier's University and Sussex University.

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SXUK inaugurates IKS cell

The Indian Knowledge System (IKS) cell of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised a special lecture at its inaugural ceremony on September 15, 2025 at the university campus.

The event marked the beginning of a significant academic initiative aimed at integrating India’s indigenous wisdom with modern education.

Prof. Joy Sen, Professor, IIT Kharagpur delivered a speech on “The Contemporary Relevance of Indian Knowledge System within the Fold of SXUK Imperatives.” He emphasized the need to reconnect with India’s intellectual and cultural roots and reflected on the relevance of the Vedas and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in reviving holistic knowledge traditions.

Prof. Sen also highlighted contributions from the Bengal Renaissance and Jesuit scholars, stressing the harmony between Indian ethos and modern scientific thought. Faculty members and students from different schools and departments attended the lecture.

Dr. Priyanka Bhaduri

Convenor, IKS Cell, SXUK

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SXUK conducts legal aid camp

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Legal Aid Clinic collaborated with the Centre for Social Outreach Programme (CSOP) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) conducted a Legal Aid Camp at Kulberia village on September 13, 2025.

The programme aimed to create legal awareness among the villagers and provide free legal aid to the inhabitants of the village.

The programme took place at the Kulberia Vivekananda Primary School. The event was conducted by Mr. Partha Sarathi Das, Retired District and Sessions Judge and presently, Professor of Practice and Dr. Pratyusha Das, Professor-in-charge of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Legal Aid Clinic, both from Xavier Law School and Mr. Paritosh Majumdar, Deputy Director of CSOP and Anwayee Chatterjee, Coordinator of CSOP.

The meeting took place in the presence of Kongsho Biswas, Deputy Head (Upo-pradhan) of the Gram Panchayat, the Headmaster and other teachers of Kulberia Vivekananda Primary School, students, participants and others.

Students performed a leading role by enthusiastically providing services for the camp like visiting the families, distributing leaflets, informing the villagers by visiting the village several times before the programme, etc. Women are eligible for receiving legal aid unconditionally, while men may have to meet certain conditions for free legal representation.

Members of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Legal Aid Clinic would visit the village and conduct legal aid camp on the second Saturday of each month at the same venue and provide free legal aid to the villagers.

Dr. Pratyusha Das

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XSLAJ organizes IGNITAC’25

Xavier Society of Law and Justice (XSLAJ) of Xavier Law School (XLS) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organized the second edition of its national flagship event, the Ignatius Trial and Advocacy Competition 2025 (IGNITAC’25) from October 9 to 11, 2025 at the university campus.

The event was supported by an illustrious array of sponsors and collaborators namely Coal India Ltd. as the presenting partner, MCO Legals as the title partner, Asian Paints as the event partner, Aamsrav and RK Electronics as associate partners, Manupatra and LawFoyer as knowledge partners, Dexon Global LLP as the research partner, Legal Bites as the e-resource partner, and LiveLaw.in, Knowledge Steez, DesiKanoon, Legal Specs, and LawBhoomi as media partners.

Dr. Siddhant Chandra

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SXUK organises awareness session on suicide prevention

Department of Psychology of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organized an awareness session on suicide prevention programme on September 10, 2025 at the university campus. The title of the event was “Hope Over Hurt: Stronger Together for Resilience and Suicide Prevention.”

The session was conducted by Ms. Madhuri Sarda, Founder and Director of Annantaa, Kolkata, an accomplished psychotherapist and trainer.

The event aimed to raise awareness about suicide prevention, focusing on identifying warning signs, understanding risk factors, and encouraging timely help-seeking. Participants were also introduced to coping strategies such as problem-focused and emotion-focused approaches, journaling, mindfulness, and self-care practices.

The session concluded with a hands-on relaxation activity where students practised deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and mindfulness meditation.

Students actively engaged in group discussions and expressed their reflections through creative drawings that conveyed messages of hope and resilience. Participants found the session highly enriching.

Dr. Susmita Halder.

Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Studies.

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Father Felix Raj delivers special lecture on development economics

Department of Economics of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised a special lecture on September 2, 2025 at the university campus.

Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., the Vice-Chancellor of SXUK was the esteemed speaker. The theme was “Issues in Development Economics”. The session explored moral, social, and economic dimensions of development and highlighted the need to move beyond conventional measures of growth.

Father Felix Raj began his lecture by contrasting negative and positive criticisms, pointing out how Indian institutions often emphasise inefficiencies, whereas in the United States of America, institutions focus on strengths and possibilities. He further addressed the changing times, noting how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is restructuring, reinventing, and redefining society while situating it within a hierarchy of intelligences: divine, human, and artificial.

He said, “We are born in a society which is divided into the global North and South, continents, and racial groups, despite the ideal of one earth.” He further added, “GDP is not an adequate indicator of development. Alternative measures like HDI, literacy, gender equality, per capita income, and happiness indices provide a more holistic understanding.”

While highlighting India’s challenges, Father Felix Raj said, “Only 40% of the population works to sustain the whole, while 7.5% of the population lives on less than one dollar a day.”

To distinguish growth from development, Father Felix Raj compared Libya, where oil extraction benefitted only a few elites, with South Korea, which achieved inclusive development.

The lecture concluded with a discussion on the Bandung Conference (1955), where developing countries sought collective strategies for development and laid the foundation for South-South cooperation.

Students found the session thought-provoking. The session encouraged students to reflect on development not merely as an economic concept but as a human and social process rooted in dignity and justice.

Dr. Chayanika Mitra

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Dept of Computer Science hosts session on data and analytics in AI era

Department of Computer Science of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised an offline session on “Data and Analytics: Trends and Opportunities in the AI era” on September 4, 2025 at the university campus.

The session was conducted by Mr. Saurabh Mukherjee, Head of Data-AI Practice, Accenture. 60 students attended the programme. Faculty members of the department were also present.

The session was successful in enhancing students’ understanding of the role of data in analytics and demonstrated the real-world application of statistical and analytical tools. Participants found the session highly enriching.

Dr. Soma Debnath

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St. Xavier's University, Kolkata (SXUK) inaugurated the Father Verstraeten Centre for Public Policy and Governance (VCPPG) in the university campus on September 3, 2025. The centre aims to embody the university's abiding commitment to academic excellence and its engagement with society through research, dialogue and policy intervention.

Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK delivered the inaugural speech in the presence of dignitaries. Shri Moloy Ghatak, Minister-in-Charge of Law and Judicial Department and Department of Labour, Government of West Bengal, Prof. Shiladitya Chakraborty, Department of Political Science, University of Kalyani, Fr. Dr. Xavier Jeyaraj, S.J., Registrar of SXUK and Dr. Ranjeeta Mukherjee, Dean, Xavier Law School (XLS); other faculty members and students of XLS and different departments of the university were present.

Shri Ghatak reflected on the indispensable role of law as the bedrock of justice and the guardian of democratic governance. He expressed confidence that the centre would not only enrich public discourse but also contribute meaningfully to shaping policies that uphold justice, equity, and the common good.

Prof. Shiladitya Chakraborty offered a deeply engaging academic discourse on the theory and practice of governance in India. He skilfully interwove political philosophy with contemporary challenges, urging the Centre to position itself as an arena for critical inquiry and constructive debate.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Animesh Das, Co-ordinator of the centre.

Dr. Priyanka Bhaduri

Assistant Coordinator, VCPPG

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Dept of Mass Comm organises workshop

Department of Mass Communication of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) in collaboration with the India Today Group hosted an informative and engaging workshop on digital literacy on September 1, 2025 at the university campus.

The workshop aimed to educate students and attendees on the growing threats of online scams, cyber fraud and ways to stay safe in the digital world.

Mr. Bal Krishna, Senior Executive Editor of India Today and Ms. Preeti Sarkar, a fashion designer and entrepreneur were the chief guests. Mr. Riddish Dutta, Principal Correspondent of Aajtak, was also present during the enlightening session.

Dr. Harish Kumar, Head, Department of Mass Communication greeted the guests at the outset. Mr. Bal Krishna addressed the audience with a comprehensive session on the anatomy of online scams, how scammers manipulate users, and the immediate steps one should take upon identifying fraudulent activity. His session was filled with real-world examples and practical advice on using government platforms like cybercrime.gov.in to report incidents.

Ms. Preeti Sarkar followed with an engaging talk focused on the role of young digital citizens in preventing the spread of misinformation and avoiding online traps. She shared personal anecdotes and offered tips for maintaining strong digital hygiene, including creating secure passwords, recognising phishing attempts, and safeguarding personal data on social media.

The workshop concluded with a quiz competition with the participants based on the day’s topics. Five students of the department emerged as winners and were awarded. Dr. Harish Kumar was the coordinator of the event.

Srija Bhattacharyya

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Faculty of Commerce and Management hosts lecture series

Faculty of Commerce and Management of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) in collaboration with the Training and Placement Department organised a lecture series on August 29, 2025 at the university campus. The theme was ‘Bridging the Gap: Industry Insights for Next-Gen Leaders’.

The lecture series aimed to enhance practical knowledge of the students and provide them with valuable industry insights. The inaugural ceremony was presided by Dr. Anupam Mitra, Dean, Faculty of Commerce and Management.

Two eminent speakers from industry, CS Nikhil Israni and CS Shikha Gupta were invited to deliver the lecture. CS Nikhil Irani conducted an engaging session on GST website and registration; while CS Shikha Gupta spoke on commercial agreements.

The event witnessed participation of 75 students and faculty members from the department. Students found both sessions highly enriching.

Dr. Mitra Goswami

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Department of Mass Communication hosts Xphoria 5.0

The Department of Mass Communication organized its intra-departmental info-cultural program, Xphoria 5.0, on August 28, 2025 at the Fr. Albert Huart Hall for all its undergraduate and postgraduate batches. The theme for this edition was “Indie Pop – Old Melodies, New Memories.” The event was graced by Dr. Susmita Halder, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Studies and Dr. Harish Kumar, Head of the Department of Mass Communication, along with the faculty members. The programme featured a range of engaging performances and activities curated by the students. These included a skit, a recitation, cultural performances, and musical pieces. Interactive segments such as a ‘rapid-fire round’ and ‘one-minute to fame’ added a lively and spontaneous touch. The hall resonated with enthusiasm as the audience cheered and engaged with the performances, strengthening the bond within the department. Xphoria 5.0 not only delighted the students but also provided them with a platform to showcase their creativity and talent, while fostering a spirit of collaboration and togetherness. The event concluded on a joyful note, leaving behind cherished memories and reinforcing the department’s tradition of celebrating creativity, collaboration, and camaraderie among the students.

Dr. Reshmi Naskar and Dr. Nitesh Tripathi, Professor-in-Charge of Xphoria

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AI Workshop

“Engaging with AI: A Technical Introduction to AI based Applications for Professional Assistance” (A 7 Days Communication through AI Workshop) was conducted online by the Centre for Language and Communication Studies (CLCS), St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata from 1st September 2025 to 7th September 2025. The Inaugural Ceremony of the workshop conducted on 1st September 2025 was graced by Dr. Chinmay Chakraborty, (Associate Professor, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India)

The workshop witnessed engaging sessions by distinguished faculty members and professionals, spanning areas across technological domains. The workshop was committed towards the introduction of the participants with AI based apps, which would be beneficial for usage in the professionals fields with respect to communication.

Dr. Bidisha Kantha

Professor-in-charge, CLCS

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Magis Mantra: A Testament to Excellence and Compassion

The biography of Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata (SXUK), was launched on August 26, 2025, at the university campus, coinciding with the 115th birth anniversary of St. Teresa of Calcutta. The event was graced by dignitaries, university employees, alumni, and students.

In his biography, Father Felix Raj emphasizes the importance of envisioning Indian higher education within the broader context of culture, highlighting pluralism and secularism. Dr. Prabhat Kumar Datta, an adjunct professor at Xavier Law School, SXUK, meticulously researched and penned the biography over one and a half years.

During the launch, Father Felix Raj shared his decision to collaborate with Dr. Datta, stating, "Before Prof. Datta expressed his interest, two other reputed publishers approached me with the same appeal. However, I declined, as they sought to include controversial discussions for commercial gain."

He emphasized the importance of inspiration in writing a book, saying, "There should be no other agenda than inspiring people, especially the younger generation."

The book, Magis Mantra, features a foreword by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and is a testament to the Jesuit motto of excellence and compassion. The biography is divided into ten chapters, detailing Father Felix Raj's life, from his childhood memories in Tamil Nadu to his transformative years as a Jesuit, his bond with Mother Teresa, and his vision for St. Xavier's University.

The launch event was attended by esteemed guests, including Rev. Dr. James Arjen Tete, S.J., Chancellor of SXUK; Mr. Javed Khan, Minister of Disaster Management; and Prof. Suranjan Das, Vice-Chancellor of Adamas University, among others. The event concluded with a vote of thanks and a high tea.

Dr. Somak Sen
SXUK

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IRSGC

St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, proudly announces the continued inclusion of its "Inter-Religious Studies for Global Citizenship" course in the prestigious Global Citizenship Curriculum Project, an initiative of the International Association of Jesuit Universities (IAJU). For the second consecutive year, this course, offered to first-year undergraduate students under the NEP curriculum, will be featured in Fall 2025, following its successful inclusion in Fall 2024.

The Global Citizenship Curriculum Project has garnered significant participation, with over 700 students from 31 Jesuit universities across 17 countries in Fall 2023 and over 600 students from 37 Jesuit institutions in 20 countries in Fall 2024.

As part of this initiative, our students will engage in Global Student Dialogues, fostering cross-cultural exchange with peers from select Jesuit institutions worldwide. They will also be eligible for the Global Citizenship Fellows Program, a unique opportunity for leadership development and global engagement, culminating in a week-long international study tour next summer.

The Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs at Georgetown University serves as the project's secretariat, facilitating academic collaboration, student participation, and knowledge sharing.

Conceived under the visionary leadership of Hon'ble Vice Chancellor Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., this course embodies St. Xavier's University, Kolkata's commitment to promoting inclusivity, dialogue, and social responsibility, core values of Jesuit education and global citizenship.

Dr. Sovik Mukherjee
Course Coordinator
Inter-Religious Studies for Global Citizenship

Dept of Mass Comm hosts special lecture

Department of Mass Communication of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised a special lecture on Corporate Communication on August 27, 2025 at the university campus.

Mr. Subir Ghosh, a veteran academician and former Public Relations professional was the speaker. He shared valuable perspectives of corporate communication that bridged theoretical learning with practical understanding. Students of third semester of postgraduate section attended the lecture.

Mr. Ghosh emphasised the critical role of research in corporate communication, stating that a communicator must understand a brand’s ethos and feel before crafting any message. He further said that successful communication is not just about delivering information but about embodying brand’s identity in every interaction with stakeholders.

Beyond technical insights, Mr. Ghosh highlighted the importance of workplace dynamics, cautioning that in a new professional environment, it is vital to understand “who is whose” rather than “who is who.” He urged students to stay aloof from office politics and focus on their work.

The session concluded with an engaging interaction between the speaker and students. Dr. Manali Bhattacharya was the coordinator of the programme.

Deepakshee Ghosh
MA Semester 3
Department of Mass Communication

Knimbus Most Usage in East India 2024-25 Award to SXUK

St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) bagged the “Most Usage in East India 2024-25” award from the Knimbus Online Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi. This honour is based on the number of views, searches, downloads, and overall accesses of the subscribed electronic resources within the SXUK Digital Library with Knimbus platform.

Dr. Stephen G., Assistant Librarian of SXUK, received the award on behalf of Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, SJ, Vice-Chancellor of SXUK on August 26, 2025 from Mr. Sharansh Gond, Regional Manager of Knimbus. The award was subsequently handed over to Father Felix Raj.

The university extends its heartfelt thanks to all users, with special appreciation to the faculty members, research scholars, and students, whose consistent engagement has made this achievement possible.

Dr. Stephen G.

XCMS organises X-Vision’25

Xavier’s Commerce and Management Society (XCMS) organised X-Vision’25 on August 23, 2025 at the university campus.

X-Vision’25 is an intra-college event designed exclusively for the first-year students of the Faculty of Commerce and Management. The event aimed to nurture creativity, strategic thinking, and teamwork, while introducing students to the vibrant culture of XCMS.

The event featured three power-packed rounds namely Prism Breaker in Public Relations and Marketing, Assets Aurora in Finance and Spectrum Cipher in Human Resource.

Kushal Mohta and Sreeyans Bhuniya emerged as the winners. Bharat Agarwal and Pravisha Arya became the first runners-up. Prisha Jhunjhunwala and Archishmaan Paul became the second runners-up.

Dr. Mili Kar

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SXUK hosts Synapse 2025

St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) successfully hosted Synapse 2025, the first student placement committee summit, a visionary initiative by the Training and Placement Department. The summit marked a key milestone in promoting a placement-driven culture and enhancing student-industry synergy.

Presided over by Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK, the event featured esteemed guests including Vivek Chawla, Director and CEO of Emami Paper Mills Ltd., as Chief Guest, and CS Debendra Banthiya, Legal Head of Emami Paper Mills Ltd. and an alumnus of St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata.

CS (Dr.) Mohit Shaw, Convenor of Synapse 2025, opened the summit by sharing the vision behind building a student-led placement ecosystem. Father Felix Raj lauded the initiative, emphasizing experiential learning and academia-industry collaboration.

In his keynote, Vivek Chawla offered invaluable insights into career preparedness, internship exposure, and professional growth. His address inspired over 100 student placement committee members with its emphasis on humility, discipline, and hard work.

A special certificate ceremony recognised the core committee for their exceptional contribution to the summit’s planning and execution.

Deans, Departmental Placement In-Charges, Coordinators, and faculty members lent strong institutional support through their active presence, underscoring the university’s commitment to holistic student development.

The summit concluded with an interactive session, defining the committee’s roadmap and values — professionalism, integrity, and service-driven leadership.

CS (Dr.) Mohit Shaw

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SXUK signs MoU with Mahidol University

Centre for Global Network and Initiatives (CGNI) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with delegates from Mahidol University, Thailand on August 18, 2025 at the university campus.

The meeting between the two universities witnessed deliberations regarding the research activities conducted at Mahidol university.

Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK informed the guests about Jesuit legacy in education in India and the potential of expansion of the university in future. Discussions regarding the education systems of the individual countries and credit transfer systems for future collaborations were also held.

Both institutions expressed significant interest in the possibility of student exchange. The meeting ended with a mutual exchange of thankfulness and a campus trip for the guests.

Dr. Manali Bhattacharya Prof.-in-Charge, CGNI

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SXUK celebrates 79th Independence Day

St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) celebrated the 79th Independence Day on August 15, 2025 at the university campus. The celebration began with the hoisting of the National Flag by Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, SJ, Vice-Chancellor of SXUK infront of the Britto House amid the august presence of Jesuit Fathers, Sisters, Officers, faculty members, non-teaching staff, alumni members and students, followed by the chanting of the National Anthem collectively.

While delivering the Independence Day speech, Father Felix Raj said, “India is progressing to be a fully developed nation by 2047 through the Viksit Bharat programme. Every citizen of the country should do their best to make the country progress towards its goal. SXUK, being a hub of academic excellence, has been contributing to the development of the nation by making men and women for others.”

He further added, “The constitution of India speaks of giving respect to pluralism and secularism. India is the only nation across the world which practices multilingual and multicultural values. The future generation should follow the legacy.”

Mr. Rajesh Chirimar, Member, Mayor-in-Council, Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation was the Chief Guest. While delivering his speech, Mr. Chirimar said, “Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of Nation taught us to follow tolerance and non-violence. We believe in the equality of every citizen and the same makes India proud.”

The programme ended with a cultural performance by the students and a refreshment. Mr. Mario Martin Louis was the emcee.

Dr. Somak Sen

SXUK hosts International Conference on Digital Humanities

Faculty of Arts and Social Studies of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) in collaboration with Lincoln University College, Malaysia and the St. Xavier’s University Kolkata Alumni Association (SXUKAA) hosted two-day international conference on August 8-9, 2025 at the university campus. The theme was ‘Digital Humanities: New Era Education’.

The event, conducted in hybrid mode, brought together over 80 participants from across India. Aligned with the vision of Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK, it provided a vibrant platform for academicians, researchers, and practitioners and to explore the intersection of technology and the humanities.

Prof. Dr. Sandeep Poddar, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Lincoln University College, Malaysia was the Chief Guest. He commended the organisers for fostering global academic exchange and emphasised bridging cultural and technological perspectives to prepare students for a rapidly evolving future. Inaugurating the conference, Rev. Dr. Xavier Jeyaraj, S.J., Registrar of SXUK lauded the initiative for advancing interdisciplinary research. Dr. Susmita Halder, Dean of Faculty of Arts and Social Studies, and Conference Convenor, highlighted the relevance of the theme in addressing innovation, ethics, and inclusivity in education.

The two-day international conference witnessed a culmination of resource people from all disciplines of the humanities, including Dr. Avinash De Sousa, Consultant Psychiatrist and Founder of De Sousa Foundation, Mumbai; Dr Gloria Kirwan, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Science, Dr. Souvik Mukherjee, Associate Professor, Centre for Studies in Social Sciences, Calcutta; Dr. Mrinal Kumar Chatterjee, Professor, IIMC Dhenkanal, Odisha; and Dr. Nilanga Abeysinghe, Head, School of Psychology, SLIIT, Sri Lanka. Their diverse expertise enriched the deliberations across thematic tracks such as Digital Pedagogy, AI and Capacity Building, Ethics and Inclusivity, and Digital Culture and Performing Arts.

Dr Susmita Halder
Dean,
Faculty of Arts and Social Studies

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XLS organises seminar on corporate culture

Placement Committee of the Xavier Law School (XLS) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised a seminar on August 7, 2025 at the university campus. The topic was “Corporate Culture and Leadership in the Tech Sector.”

Mr. Manoj Kumar Gupta, Managing Director, Accenture was the speaker. Fr. Dr. Xavier Jeyaraj, S.J., Registrar, SXUK graced the occasion and felicitated Mr. Gupta in the presence of Dr. Ranjeeta Mukherjee, Dean of XLS; faculty members and students.

The need for such industry-academia interface was highlighted by Fr. Dr. Xavier Jeyaraj, S.J. in his welcome address.

Mr. Gupta reflected upon the practical insight of the corporate culture and leadership qualities of professionals to reach the zenith of their professional life. He explained the importance of leadership and punctuality in the corporate world.

This programme was instrumental in providing leadership strategies to the students who aspire to create their own identity in the professional world. Students of B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) and B.Com. LL.B. (Hons.) of 7th and 9th semesters participated in the seminar.

Dr. Rajdip Bhadra Chaudhuri
Dr. Rakesh Kumar Singh

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CICE hosts MDP for SBI staff members

Centre for Incubation, Consultancy & Entrepreneurship (CICE) of the St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) in collaboration with the Fr. Lafont Centre for Excellence in Research and Innovation (LCERI) and St. Xavier’s University Kolkata Alumni Association organised a 3-day Management Development Programme (MDP) from August 3-5, 2025 at the university campus.

The programme was designed to upskill the Internal Operations Staff of SBI Life Insurance Co. Ltd. with the objective of enhancing customer experience through improved internal efficiency, communication, and service delivery. Staff members from SBI Life Insurance Co. Ltd. attended the programme.

The MDP focused on equipping the participants with practical tools and strategies in operations management, leadership, and customer-centric service. Faculty members from St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata, and senior officials from SBI Life Insurance Co. Ltd. served as resource persons.

The sessions encouraged reflection on operational practices and fostered innovation aimed at improving customer satisfaction and loyalty. The programme was jointly directed by Dr. Monalika Dey, Professor-in-Charge, CICE and Dr. Soma Sur, Hony. Director, LCERI. Participants found all sessions highly insightful.

Dr. Monalika Dey

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AJC organises week long FDP

Students of Department of Mass Association of Jesuit Collaborators (AJC) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised a one-week Faculty Development Programme on Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm (IPP) from July 26, 2025 to August 11, 2025 at the university campus.

Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK and President of AJC inaugurated the FDP and took a session with the participants.

Other resource persons were Fr. Dr. Xavier Jeyaraj, S.J., Registrar, SXUK; Fr. Dr. Peter Arockiam S.J., Vice Principal, Department of Commerce (Evening), B.M.S. & M.Com, St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Kolkata; Fr. Jeyaraj Veluswamy, S.J., Rector, St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata; and Fr. Dr. Maria Joseph Israel, S.J., Assistant Professor, Faculty of Science, SXUK.

27 participants of SXUK registered in the FDP. Fr. Dr. Mourlin K, S.J., Assistant Professor, Xavier Business School; Dr. Rakesh Kumar Singh, Associate Professor, Dr. Rajdip Bhadra Chaudhuri and Dr. Kaustav Choudhoury, Assistant Professors of Xavier Law School organised the FDP.

Dr. Rajdip Bhadra Chaudhuri

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Xaverian sports enthusiasts visit Mohun Bagan club

Students of Department of Mass Communication made a visit to the Mohun Bagan Atletico Club, Kolkata on August 1, 2025. The visit took place to make students of Sports Journalism aware of the history of Mohun Bagan club and its remarkable achievements in national and regional tournaments.

Students visited the management office and interacted with the club management team. While interacting with the students, a senior official from the management said, “Football is witnessing dwindling interest because of the nuclear family concept. Parents mostly want their children to emerge as cricketers for various reasons. However, in the process, the sense of community that football fosters gets lost.”

He further added, “To safeguard football's future, children must be encouraged to play it casually with friends on school grounds. That’s where the love for the game truly begins.”

Students also visited the club’s prized possessions, their Hall of Fame. Everyone stood in awe before the glorious trophy cabinet, housing countless national and international accolades.

Students also stepped onto the practice ground and found that despite the downpour, players were sprinting, passing, and shooting with remarkable agility and ball control. What made the experience extraordinary was the presence of their fans gathered along the sidelines, drenched but undeterred.

Among the many stars on the field, one name stood out the most—Vishal Kaith, India’s number one goalkeeper and a Mohun Bagan legend. Dr. Somak Sen, faculty of Department of Mass Communication, organised the visit.

Sanjana Malhotra
MA Semester 3,
Sports Journalism, Dept of Mass Communication

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LCERI hosts 6th Doctoral Colloquium

Father Lafont Centre for Excellence in Research and Innovation (LCERI) of the St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised the sixth Doctoral Colloquium on July 28 and 29, 2025 at the university campus.

A total of 39 doctoral scholars of SXUK from various disciplines presented their research papers, highlighting the progress of their ongoing research work.

External experts namely Dr. Saumya Chakrabarti, Professor of Economics and Head, Economics and Politics, Visva-Bharati; Dr. Anirban Mazumder, Professor, West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences; Dr. Subhajit Sen Gupta, Associate Professor, University of Burdwan; Dr. Bidita Bhattacharya, Associate Professor, Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry - COE, Kolkata; Dr. Debjyoti Chanda, Professor, Department of Mass Communication and Videography, Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata; Dr. Asok Kumar Sarkar, Professor, Department of Social Work, Visva Bharati; Dr. Sumati Ray, former Professor, IISWBM; and Dr. Ananda Mohan Pal, former Professor, Department of Business Management, University of Calcutta graced the different sessions.

The discipline-specific sessions encouraged in-depth discussions and provided constructive feedback from the expert panel, significantly contributing to the academic growth of the scholars.

Dr. Soma Sur
Hony. Director, LCERI

Alumni Meeting

The Calcutta Province Commission for Alumni Associations held its half-yearly meeting at St. Lawrence School, Ballygunge. The gathering brought together presidents, secretaries, and members from seven member associations (St. Xavier’s Collegiate School, Kolkata, St. Xavier’s College, St. Lawrence School, St. Xavier’s School, Burdwan, St. Xavier’s College, Burdwan, St. Xavier’s School, Durgapur and St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata). Representatives presented reports on their activities over the past six months. Key issues affecting the province and associations were also discussed.

The meeting resulted in the selection of Jeetu Rampuria as the nominee for the JAAI and Shankar Ramalingam, Snehasis Sur, and Vatsal Chirimar as representatives for the North Zone.

Fr. Felix Raj, Province Coordinator, chaired the meeting with valuable assistance from Jeetu Rampuria, Province Representative to JAAI. The host association, St. Lawrence, warmly concluded the meeting with a delicious lunch.

LCERI organises national conference

Father Lafont Centre for Excellence in Research and Innovation (LCERI) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) in association with Indian Accounting Association, Kolkata Branch (AOP) organised a one-day national conference on July 26, 2025 at the university campus.

The theme was “Emerging Issues in Accounting, Finance and Management.” The conference received wide support from the St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata Alumni Association.

This conference aimed to provide an interdisciplinary platform for academicians, researchers, industry professionals, and students to deliberate on the recent developments, challenges, and innovative solutions in the fields of accounting, finance, and management.

Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK delivered the welcome address. Dr. Soma Sur, Professor, Xavier Business School & Hony. Director, LCERI and Dr. Ashish Kumar Sana, Professor, Department of Commerce, University of Calcutta and Secretary, IAA, Kolkata Branch (AOP) addressed the audience on the theme.

Dr. Girdhar Soral, former President, IAA and former Professor, Department of Accounting and Business Statistics at Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Rajasthan was the Chief Guest.

Dr. Ananda Mohan Pal, former President, IAA Kolkata Branch (AOP), and former Professor in the Department of Business Management, University of Calcutta; Prof. Satyajit Dhar, Chairman, IAA Kolkata Branch (AOP) and CA Sanjit Sen, former AVP Tata Capital and Partner Upgrade were the esteemed speakers in the plenary session. Dr. Mahasewata Bhattacharyya, Treasurer, IAA Kolkata Branch, delivered the vote of thanks.

More than hundred participants had registered for the conference and about eighty papers were presented in the nine tracks on different topics related to the theme. Each of them received certificates of presentation.

The valedictory session was chaired by CA Sunil Kumar Gandhi, former Professor, University of Kalyani; Dr. (CA) Sanjib Kumar Basu, Dean (Commerce), St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Kolkata; Prof. Ashish Kumar Sana, Secretary, IAA Kolkata Branch (AOP) and Prof. Soma Sur, Convener, LCERI. Prof. Amalendu Bhunia, former Vice-Chancellor, University of Kalyani delivered the valedictory address.

Prof. Soma Sur
Hony. Director, LCERI

Memorandum of Understanding Signed between St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, and Antara Institute of Health Sciences

On July 23, 2025, St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, and Antara Institute of Health Sciences formalized their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at St. Xavier's University, Kolkata. The MoU was signed by Father Dr. Xavier Jeyaraj, Registrar of SXUK, and Dr. Mathew P. John, Director of Antara Institute of Health Sciences, in the presence of Vice-Chancellor Fr. Felix Raj, SJ, and representatives from both institutions.

This collaboration marks a significant step towards fostering academic cooperation between the two institutions. With a shared commitment to addressing pressing issues such as mental health among young adults, they plan to develop joint courses for students in the near future.

Fr. Felix Raj stated, “Antara is widely recognized as a leading mental health institution in the region, providing trusted psychiatric services. Our collaboration will yield mutual benefits for both institutions.”

Dr. Manali Bhattacharya
Professor-in-Charge, Centre for Global Network and Initiatives
Dr. Bidisha Kantha
Assistant Professor-in-Charge, Centre for Global Network and Initiatives

Introductory Session for Incubation held on 21st July 2025

Centre for Incubation, Consultancy & Entrepreneurship (CICE) of the St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata organised the introductory session for incubation in collaboration with the Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) on July 21, 2025 at the university campus.

The session aims to nurture the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation among students across all departments of the university.

35 students from various departments of SXUK, having interest in innovation and entrepreneurial ventures, attended this programme.

Dr. Deborshi De was the resource person. He delivered his lecture on the incubation process and available support mechanisms, sparking interest and involvement in entrepreneurial activities within the university framework among the students.

Dr. Monalika Dey
Professor-in-Charge, CICE

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Dept of Economics hosts special lecture

Department of Economics of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised a special lecture on July 17, 2025 at the university campus. The topic was “Let it be”: Motivating Workers Through Task Autonomy.

Dr. Utteeyo Dasgupta, Associate Professor and Prof Subha Mani, Professor of Economics at the Fordham University, USA were the invited speakers.

Prof. Dasgupta delivered the lecture on their research on how autonomy in the workplace on various non-pecuniary dimensions may prove to be more productive than the historically established work environment with tightly defined jobs, rates of pay, clearly defined roles of power between employers and workers. Their research established that greater autonomy leads to higher productivity and job satisfaction and also procedural autonomy is a great motivator in the workplace. The engrossing lecture was followed by a brief interactive session.

Prof. Subha Mani discussed various opportunities available for higher education in Economics at Fordham University, like a fully funded doctoral programme, the university’s location advantage, extensive research works of the university and placements grabbed by its students. Students found the session highly enriching.

Dr. Chayanika Mitra

Mango Tree Plantation at SXUK

St. Xavier's University, Kolkata (SXUK) took a significant step towards a greener future with a mango tree plantation drive on its campus, led by Rev. Fr. Dr. J. Felix Raj, S.J., the Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor. On July 9, 2025, Fr. Felix Raj planted four mango saplings in front of the Britto House, symbolizing growth, nourishment, and the university's commitment to environmental sustainability.

The mango tree, a revered symbol of abundance and tradition, was chosen to embody SXUK's cultural and ecological values. The event drew alumni and staff members, who joined in celebrating the university's dedication to promoting ecological awareness. This initiative is part of SXUK's broader efforts to enhance biodiversity, foster a deeper connection with nature, and inspire a sense of responsibility among its community members.

By embracing green initiatives, SXUK continues to nurture a culture of sustainability, reflecting its commitment to shaping not just educated individuals, but also environmentally conscious citizens.

By Sudipto Ghosh

LMS Workshop at SXUK

St. Xavier's University is organising a department-wise training programme for its faculty on the Learning Management System (LMS), leveraging the expertise of Shikshak, a renowned London-based company.

This initiative aims to enhance teaching and learning experiences by harnessing the full potential of LMS facilities. Vice-Chancellor Fr. Felix Raj paid a visit to the programme, interacting with faculty members and offering words of encouragement to support their adoption of innovative teaching methodologies.

AIU Membership

The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has granted membership to St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, effective from April 1, 2025, and assigned it to the East Zone.

CLCS conducts week-long workshop

Centre for Language and Communication Studies (CLCS) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) conducted a 7-day workshop from June 16 to 22, 2025 at the university campus. The theme of the workshop was “Decoding Words: Emerging Trends in Understanding Translation Studies.”

The workshop was conducted in hybrid mode. The inaugural address was delivered by Rev. Dr. Jeyaraj Xavier, S.J., Registrar of SXUK and was graced by Dr. Chandrakala Pandey, a former Professor of the Department of Hindi, University of Calcutta and also a former Member of Parliament.

The workshop witnessed six engaging sessions by distinguished faculty members and professionals, spanning areas across literary translations, translations for administrative purposes and machine translations. A total of 33 participants attended the workshop. Each session was followed by an evaluative assignment at the end.

Dr. Bidisha Kantha
Professor-in-charge
Centre for Language and Communication Studies

XLS organises conference on criminal justice administration

Xavier Law School (XLS) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) hosted a two-day National Conference in collaboration with Surendranath Law College on June 28 and June 30, 2025 at the university campus.

The theme was ‘Deciphering the New Criminal Laws in India- A Paradigm Shift in Effective Criminal Justice Administration’. The conference aimed to provide insights on the new criminal laws for effective criminal justice administration.

The programme started with the blessings of Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J, Vice-Chancellor, SXUK. Fr. Dr. Xavier Jeyaraj, SJ delivered the inaugural speech.

Justice Tirthankar Ghosh, Judge of the Calcutta High Court was the Chief Guest. The keynote speaker was Prof. Nirmal Kanti Chakrabarti, Vice Chancellor, The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences. The Vice Principal of Surendranath Law College was also present. An e-book was launched at the end of the programme.

Dr. Pratyusha Das
Convenor

AJC organises workshop on Ignatian Spirituality

Association of Jesuit Collaborators (AJC) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised a workshop on June 18, 2025 at the university campus. The theme of the workshop was “Ignatian Spirituality-Finding Meaning in the Everyday: A Day of Reflection and Awareness Inspired by Ignatian Practices.”

The workshop aimed to introduce the Ignatian principles and practices to the AJC members. The event began with a prayer of St. Ignatius of Loyola, followed by an inaugural speech by Father Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., the President of AJC and the Vice-Chancellor of SXUK.

A series of transformative sessions were conducted to deepen participants’ inner awareness, clarify life’s purpose, and foster a discerning attitude toward personal and social responsibilities. The event unfolded in four insightful sessions, culminating in a reflective interaction with members of the Jesuit community.

The first two sessions were taken by Fr. Julian Sahayadas, S.J., where he focused on ‘examen’, a method of self-assessment in the presence of God and contemplative imagination. The second session was on “Living with purpose -values, vocation, and service.” These sessions explored the interconnectedness of personal values, vocational calling, and a life of service.

The third session was taken by Fr. Xavier Jeyaraj, S.J. who explained the process of Ignatian discernment, a key theme in Ignatian spirituality. Participants were introduced to practical tools to "listen to the inner compass,” the deep-seated feelings and insights that guide ethical and spiritual decision-making.

The workshop concluded with an interactive session where participants engaged in a discourse with Father Felix Raj, S.J. Participants requested him to share his experience on faith, service, and spiritual life. In his reply to the participants, Father Felix Raj narrated various aspects of Ignatian spirituality like Jesuit life, achieving mindfulness, and importance of forgiveness.

The entire programme was coordinated by Fr. Maria Joseph Israel, S.J., Dr. Nitesh Tripathi and Prof. Soma Sur.

Dr. Somak Sen
Secretary, AJC

Report on the International Yoga Day Celebration, June 21, 2025

Yoga is not only a pathway towards physical and mental fitness but also an alignment between inner tranquillity and the divine order. Every year, June 21 is marked as the longest day of the year and is celebrated as the ‘Summer Solstice’.

Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of St. Xavier’s University Kolkata, inaugurated the International Yoga Day, 2025 celebration with a welcoming note. He welcomed the guest, Ms Mayurakshi Biswas, the yoga teacher, her team, and all the participants. Father Vice-Chancellor reminded everyone that Yoga is an essential component of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) and urged the participants to ‘practice Yoga daily and not just on the Yoga day celebration’. He appreciated the presence of female faculty members and Ph.D. scholars among the participants.

All the participants, including students, faculty members and support staff of the university, had the opportunity to experience an hour-long ‘Asanas’ (Yoga Session) under the able guidance and motivation of Ms Biswas, the Yoga teacher and her team in Fr. Albert Huart Hall. The participants’ enthusiasm for overcoming initial discomforts in performing different Asanas was notable.

The Sports Society, in support of the Office of the Campus Minister and IT section, made the necessary arrangements for a smooth progress of this session. The celebration came to an end with the high tea, where participants shared their experiences echoing the theme of this year’s International Yoga Day, ‘One Earth and One Health’.

Report Prepared by
Ms Debopriya Chattaraj (student) and Dr. Utpal Kumar Raha (Faculty)

SXUK conducts faculty orientation programme

St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised a faculty orientation programme for its faculty members on June 20, 2025 at the university campus. The orientation focused on the upcoming student induction for the new academic session 2025-26.

While delivering the inaugural speech, Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK advised that faculty members should reflect on the history of SXUK, administrative structure, vision and mission, Jesuit legacy, and campus life to the new students while orienting them with the Xaverian culture.

The faculty members should also focus on curriculum, syllabus, rules and regulations, use of LMS, and other facilities like counselling and mentoring, etc.

A department- or school-wise brainstorming session followed, where the Heads and Deans of every department / school reflected on the objectives and outcomes of the induction programme for their respective department / school. The meeting ended with a concluding note by Father Felix Raj.

Dr. Debolina Chatterjee, Dr. Sovik Mukherjee

RDC hosts International Conference

The Research Development Cell (RDC) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised a two-day International Conference on the Convergence of Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, and IPR on June 13 and 14, 2025 at the university campus.

It aimed to address the complex and critical issues that involve ethical, legal, and social considerations on AI and Human Rights & AI and IPR.

Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK delivered the inaugural address. He said, “The impact of digital technology on society is heightened by the recent emergence of AI in every sphere of life. The convergence of AI and IPR allows the creation of new digital assets. It also complicates the authorship and ownership of AI-generated content.”

The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Dr. Nirmal Kanti Chakrabarti, Vice Chancellor, West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata. He gave a detailed insight into AI on Human Rights and IPR. He also gave illustrations of several judicial pronouncements. He stressed that it is essential to have a balanced approach to foster IPR innovation and to safeguard IPR protection.

A total of 70 research papers were presented at this conference and 102 participants registered as authors and co-authors.

Dr. Mononita Kundu Das
Professor, Xavier Law School
Director, Research Development Cell (RDC)

St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, launched an innovative English Language Camp for rural school children at Uttarayan Primary School in Gobardanga, founded and administered by Mr. Timir Biswas and his dedicated team. Inaugurated by Fr. John Felix Raj, the camp aims to boost spoken English and communication skills among students.

From June 8-14, 2025, faculty and students from the university reside in Gobardanga, working closely with local students to overcome language barriers and improve educational outcomes. This pioneering initiative seeks to replicate its model in other rural areas, fostering a deeper connection between urban and rural students through immersive experiences.

Thanks to Mr. Mario Martin Louis, Mr. Sudipto Sarkar, Mr. Paritosh Majumdar, and Mr. Jarman Nandi for coordinating the camp and attending the inauguration.

Mario Martin Louis

Dept of Psychology organises FDP on mental health

Department of Psychology of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised a five-day online Faculty Development Programme (FDP) from June 2 to 6, 2025 on “Positive Psychology: Pathway to Mental Health.” A total of 54 participants enrolled in the FDP.

Prof. Susmita Halder, Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Studies inaugurated the session with a welcome address. Dr. Moumita Mukherjee, Head of the Department of Psychology gave a briefing about the department.

Eminent resource persons from esteemed national and international institutions such as IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Roorkee, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, Tilburg University, Netherlands, and Sunway University, Malaysia enlightened participants on different topics.

Participants were from several institutions and universities of India such as NMIMS, Mumbai; UPES, Dehradun; FLAME, Pune; KIT, Bhubaneshwar; Banasthali Vidyapeeth, Jaipur; St. Andrews College of Arts, Mumbai; Central University of Rajasthan and IIT Roorkee, etc. Participants submitted the feedback and assessment forms after each session.

Dr. Anurupa Kundu, Asst. Professor, Dept. of Psychology
Dr. Ritesh Kumar, Asst. Professor, Dept. of Psychology

SXUK hosts events on sustainable development

St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) hosted two events under its Environmental Studies and Sustainable Development curriculum on April 25 and 26, 2025 at the university campus.

The event was inaugurated by Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK in the presence of other dignitaries. The aim was to emphasise a myriad of ecological issues. On the first day, students of second semester of BMS organised a poster presentation on waste management, plastic pollution, climate change, and species conservation. Dr. Kaberi Dutta, an external expert evaluated the performance of the students.

On the second day, students made a presentation on sustainable business plans and models. The session showcased six innovative business pitches and were evaluated by Dr. Sandeep Ghosh, and Dr. Kaberi Dutta. Some notable business plans presented by the students were Airlixir, Green Wallet and Pure Earth Crafters and Smart Dustbin.

Dr. Debatri Banerjee

PRSI felicitates SXUK students

The Public Relations Society of India (PRSI), felicitated two students of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) for their best performance in Public Relations paper on April 22, 2025.

Ayana Roy and Saptaparni Sarkar, two postgraduate students of the final semester of the Department of Mass Communication were felicitated by PRSI, Kolkata chapter as they obtained highest marks in Public Relations paper. The ceremony took place at the Balmer Lawrie Training Centre, BBD Bagh, Kolkata.

The Chief Guest was Adhip Nath Palchaudhuri, Chairman and Managing Director, Balmer Lawrie and Company Limited. Dr. Sanjay S Pawar, Principal, Dr. B. C. Roy Engineering College, Durgapur was the keynote speaker. They shared their own experience while stressing the importance of the Public Relations as a profession across different domains.

Dr. Harish Kumar

Vice-Chancellor’s Tribute to Pope Francis

Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 on Monday, April 21, 2025. He was the first Jesuit pontiff in history who captivated the world with his humility and deep concern for migrants, the marginalized, and climate change. His last public appearance was on Easter Sunday—just a day before his passing.

Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata, Fr. Felix Raj, SJ while paying his tribute to Pope Francis, said “I am deeply saddened by the demise of His Holiness Pope Francis. The world has lost a great leader and reformer who challenged tradition and embraced the margins. Pope Francis will be eternally remembered by countless faithful across the globe for his unwavering compassion, profound humility, and courageous spiritual leadership. May he find everlasting peace in the gentle arms of the Divine.”

- Mr. Subhashis Majumdar

SXUK hosts workshop

The Research and Development Cell of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) in collaboration with the Centre for Incubation, Consultancy and Entrepreneurship (CICE) of SXUK organised a two-day workshop on Data Visualisation with Power Business Intelligence (BI) on April 12 and 13, 2025 at the university campus.

A total of 30 faculty members, research scholars of SXUK and other institutions participated in this workshop.

The conference began with the welcome address by Prof. Ashis Mitra, Registrar, followed by the introduction and felicitation of the resource person, Prof. Atanu Ghosh. Dr. Somnath Banerjee, Convener of the workshop briefed on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in today’s world and the necessity of training about Power BI. Dr. Monalika Dey, Joint Convener of the workshop, coordinated and conducted the inaugural session.

The training session began with an introduction to the domain of Power BI and how the companies use it to take important decisions pertaining to the sales, purchase and fixation of discount rates. Prof. Ghosh then demonstrated how different types of charts can be created using this software, and also emphasised the usage of charts.

Participants also learned columnar charts, doughnut chart, DAX basics, report publishing and visualising the charts as a form of storytelling, followed by an interactive session. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Somnath Banerjee.

Dr. Monalika Dey

Workshop on Data Visualization with Power BI held on 12th & 13th April 2025.

The Research and Development Cell of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) in collaboration with the Centre for Incubation, Consultancy and Entrepreneurship (CICE) of SXUK organised a two-day workshop on Data Visualisation with Power Business Intelligence (BI) on April 12 and 13, 2025 at the university campus.

A total of 30 faculty members, research scholars of SXUK and other institutions participated in this workshop.

The conference began with the welcome address by Prof. Ashis Mitra, Registrar, followed by the introduction and felicitation of the resource person, Prof. Atanu Ghosh. Dr. Somnath Banerjee, Convener of the workshop briefed on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in today’s world and the necessity of training about Power BI. Dr. Monalika Dey, Joint Convener of the workshop, coordinated and conducted the inaugural session.

The training session began with an introduction to the domain of Power BI and how the companies use it to take important decisions pertaining to the sales, purchase and fixation of discount rates. Prof. Ghosh then demonstrated how different types of charts can be created using this software, and also emphasised the usage of charts.

Participants also learned columnar charts, doughnut chart, DAX basics, report publishing and visualising the charts as a form of storytelling, followed by an interactive session. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Somnath Banerjee.

Dr. Monalika Dey

SXUK hosts graphic design exhibition

Department of Mass Communication of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) hosted ‘Xav-Create’, a graphic design exhibition on April 9, 2025 at the university campus.

Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK inaugurated the event in the presence of dignitaries. The 3-day exhibition showcased design displays, made by the undergraduate students of second and final semesters.

The creations of the students were critically evaluated by the Project Director, Fr. Dr. Mourlin K, S.J. and other members of the ongoing ICSSR-sponsored research project at SXUK. The exhibition was coordinated by Mr. Tanmay Samanta, the Graphic Design Instructor of the department.

Dr. Harish Kumar

Raising the Curtain: A Memorable Day in Pandua

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, Fr. Felix Raj and a delegation of esteemed Fathers from St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, traveled 70 kilometers to Pandua, a vibrant census town in West Bengal, to participate in a joyous celebration. The occasion was the inauguration of a newly constructed stage and a thanksgiving service, which drew a gathering of approximately 1,000 people on a sunny Sunday.

The festivities began with a warm welcome from Fr. Amulya, the priest-in-charge of the Pandua Mission, who treated the guests to a delightful breakfast. As the Fathers made their way to the altar, they were ceremoniously escorted by a troupe of tribal dancers, and their hands were washed in accordance with the revered local Santal custom.

In a joyous moment, Fr. Felix Raj offered a heartfelt prayer, followed by the inauguration of the stage, which was graciously shared with Sr. Josephine, the senior most Holy Cross Sister in Pandua. The Fathers then came together to celebrate the thanksgiving Eucharist, a beautiful expression of gratitude and faith.

The newly constructed stage, generously sponsored by Fr. Felix Raj, is poised to become a hub of community activity, serving the people and school children of Pandua. The Mass was followed by a captivating cultural programme, showcasing the talents of St. Xavier's School students from Pandua.

In his brief address, Fr. Felix Raj expressed St. Xavier's University's immense delight in extending support to the Pandua Centre. Our University-Village connect initiative is poised to make significant strides, ultimately benefiting numerous rural students. It is essential that our collaborative spirit endures.

As the celebration drew to a close, Fr. Amulya extended his heartfelt thanks to Fr. Felix Raj and the visiting Fathers for their kindness and presence. In a symbolic gesture, Fr. Felix Raj and Mr. Ghosh, the contractor, unveiled a jubilee plaque, dedicating the stage to the community. The festivities concluded with a sumptuous lunch, enjoyed by all in attendance.

Dr. Somak Sen

XSLAJ organises Xavier Meditation Competition

Xavier Society of Law and Justice (XSLAJ) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised the third Xavier Mediation Competition (XMC) at the university campus from April 2 to 4, 2025.

The XMC was a true celebration of advocacy, collaboration, and the art of peaceful dispute resolution. Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, SJ, Vice-Chancellor of SXUK delivered the inaugural address. Students from different universities and institutions across the country participated in this event.

Preliminary rounds of every event took place on the second day and all participating teams engaged in intense simulated mediation sessions, displaying empathy, critical thinking, and persuasive dialogue. The quarter-finals and semi-finals took place on the final day. The final round was a masterclass in negotiation and mediation, judged by esteemed experts in the field.

XMC Cup (Best Negotiating Pair) was lifted by the Jindal Global Law School and MNLU Aurangabad finished as the runner-up. MNLU Mumbai also won the Magis Cup as the Best Mediator. Students of SXUK bagged the award of the Best Counsel. All judges and experts were felicitated on the final day.

Dr. Animesh Das
Convener, XMC’25

SXUK celebrates XavKala 2025

Xavier’s University Cultural Society (XUCAS) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) celebrated the XavKala 2025 in the university campus on March 29, 2025.

The grandeur of XavKala 25' was amplified by the esteemed presence of Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK, Prof. Ashis Mitra, Registrar and other dignitaries.

Nearly 1000 students from different disciplines participated in the programme. The event unfolded a mesmerising symphony of dreams and creativity under the theme “KHWAAB - Asliyat Se Zara Hatkar.” The fest served a platform for artists, musicians, and performers, offering an immersive escape into a realm where imagination transcended reality.

The daylong event included various cultural activities like dance performances and musical renditions. The event also held a fashion show and a band performance which drew cheers from the audience.

The main attraction of the event was the art and craft exhibition “Xavkala Street.” The event concluded with the distribution of prizes to the winners in various events.

Dr. Antara Ghatak

SXUK Students Board

The Vice-Chancellor of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, Fr. Felix Raj, convened a meeting with the University Students Board on March 26, 2025, engaging in a comprehensive one-hour discussion on various facets of university life. The board comprises 86 Class Representatives (CRs) and Secretaries of Societies. Prof. Sovik Mukherjee, Deputy Chairperson and Prof. Antara Ghatak, Assistant Chairperson of the Students' Board were present in the meeting.

LCERI hosts international conference

Father Lafont Centre for Excellence in Research and Innovation (LCERI) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) in collaboration with the St. Xavier’s University Kolkata Alumni Association (SXUKAA) organised a two-day international conference on sustainable development on March 21 and 22, 2025 at the university campus.

The theme of the conference was “Sustainable Development: Creating a Unified Foundation with Research and Practice.” The conference aimed to foster discussions on sustainable development by bringing together academicians, researchers, and professionals.

Students, scholars, faculty members from SXUK and other national and international institutions participated and presented research papers in this conference. Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK delivered the inaugural address amid the presence of dignitaries.

The distinguished speakers included Prof. Rajib Shaw, Keio University, Japan and UN Science Technology Advisory Group (STAG); Prof. Sutapa Pati, Academic Dean, School of Sustainability, XIM Bhubaneswar; Prof. Siddhartha Mitra, Department of Economics, Jadavpur University; Prof. Sekh Md. Altafur Rahaman, Associate Dean, School of Global Studies, Thammasat University, Thailand; Prof. Sagi Mathew, School of Management & Marketing, Faculty of Business and Law, Curtin Business School, Curtin University, Australia; Prof. Sadhan Kumar Ghosh, Director General, Sustainable Development and Circular Economy Research Centre, ISWMAW.

The conference was structured into multiple plenary and technical sessions, with four different themes, economic, environment, social and interdisciplinary. More than 50 research papers were selected for presentation in the conference.

All the sessions facilitated engaging discussions, allowing scholars and industry professionals to exchange their ideas and research findings. The tracks were chaired by senior renowned academicians from across the country.

A special training session on “Efficacy of Publishing in Social Science Research” was conducted by Prof. Kanika Chatterjee, Department of Commerce, University of Calcutta, aiming to equip young researchers with the necessary skills for impactful academic publishing.

The event concluded with a valedictory session, presided over by Father Felix Raj, S.J., who summarized key takeaways and acknowledged the contributions of participants. Certificates were distributed to the researchers on the final day. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Monalika Dey.

Dr. Soma Sur
Honorary Director, LCERI

NBA Accredited

St. Xavier's University, Kolkata MBA Programme is now NBA accredited for three years.

Xavier Business School (XBS) of SXUK invites you to become a Xaverian for life.

Faculty of Science of SXUK participates in State Science Congress

Faculty of Science of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata (SXUK) represented its delegation team at the 32nd West Bengal State Science and Technology Congress held at the Biswa Bangla Convention Center in Newtown, Kolkata on the occasion of National Science Day on February 28, 2025.

Dr. Aniket Biswas, Dr. Priyanka Talukdar, and Dr. Mrinmoyee Bhattacharya along with 21 postgraduate students of Statistics and 7 postgraduate students of Computer Science department of SXUK were the delegates.

Dr. Arpan Pal, Chief Scientist at TCS Research delivered the Prof. Prasanta Chandra Memorial lecture. Dr. Pal shared his insights on the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in enhancing human capabilities across various sectors such as healthcare, education, and industry.

Dr. Tapan Misra, former Director of ISRO, while delivering the Sir C.V. Raman Memorial Lecture, discussed radar technology and its applications in space research, weather forecasting, and earth observation.

Dr. Haradhan Maity from Rishi Bankim Chandra Evening College, Naihati conducted a session on mathematical applications in river processes and discussed how statistical and mathematical models are used for predicting river dynamics, which is crucial for environmental conservation and disaster management.

Dr. Aniket Biswas
Assistant Professor
Department of Statistics
St. Xavier's University, Kolkata

IPR cell of SXUK organises FDP

The Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Cell of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) in collaboration with the Research and Development Cell (RDC) organised a one-week Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on IPR from February 24-28, 2025 at the university campus in hybrid mode. The FDP was funded by the Department of Science & Technology and Biotechnology, Govt. of West Bengal (DSTBT, GoWB).

A total of 82 faculty members and researchers from SXUK and other colleges and universities from across the country registered in this programme. The inaugural session took place at the university campus, while the rest of the sessions were held in online mode.

While inaugurating the FDP, Prof. Ashis Mitra, Registrar of SXUK said, “I congratulate all the team members for conducting the FDP on IPR as it is a major subject in the careers of academicians and researchers. Every academician should know and update themselves on the latest development in IPR.” He further said, “I wish all the participants an effective session ahead.”

Eminent resource persons were invited to deliver lecture on different topics related to IPR. Dr. Mahua Hom Choudhury, Scientist C, DSTBT, Govt. of West Bengal was the resource person at the first session. She deliberated on introduction to IPR, different types of IPR and technology transfer. While narrating the different types of IPR, she gave a detailed insight on Patents, Copyright, Industrial Designs, Geographical Indications (GI), Trade Mark and Service Mark and protection for new plant varieties. She mentioned the trade-related aspects of IPR also.

Dr. Choudhury also shared the sharp rise of patent filing in research works by academicians throughout the country. She said, “India made good progress in research in last few years as a whole.” She urged academicians from West Bengal especially to work for more research in order to stay in the race with other states. While explaining reasons of not getting patents in individual or institutional research works, she cited the similarity of research works that were done earlier. She added, “Patent authenticates one’s research findings throughout the world. Therefore, the researcher should be careful enough while applying for patent.”

Dr. Raju K. D., Professor of Law, Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur took the session on Geographical Indications on the second day. He said, “Odisha as a state has made remarkable progress in GI registration. Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Kerala are other states that have made equally good progress in GI registration.”

Prof. Raju further added, “Darjeeling tea is the first Indian product to be registered under GI category from West Bengal.” He also cited examples of Sambalpuri saree (Odisha), Malda Laxman Bhog mango, Himsagar mango, Baluchari saree, Burdwan mihidana and sitabhog (a sweet product), Sundarban honey and Satiniketan leather goods (West Bengal) and many other products from different states of India as GI registration.

The other resource persons are Mr. Arnab Bhattacharya, Examiner of Patent and Design and NIPAM Officer, Gr. A (Gazetted), The Patent Office, Kolkata, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of India; Prof. Sushil Kr. Mitra, SXUK and Dr. Anirban Mazumder, Professor of Law, NUJS, Kolkata.

The programme concluded with an interaction with the participants. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Tuhin Utsab Paul, Dean, Faculty of Science, SXUK.

Dr. Tuhin Utsab Paul

SXUK celebrates International Women’s Day

In a bid to commemorate the International Women’s Day 2025, the Women and Gender Development Cell (WGDC) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) in collaboration with the Regional Labour Office, Barasat, Government of West Bengal organised a workshop on gender sensitization at the university campus on February 19, 2025.

The workshop focused on generation of awareness of the rights of women employees at their workplaces. Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., the Vice-Chancellor of SXUK appreciated the steps.

Ananya Dutta Chowdhury, Additional Labour Commissioner of West Bengal, conducted the workshop. A total of 40 faculty members, officers, support staff and students of SXUK attended this workshop. Participants received certificates at the end. Dr. Antara Ghatak was the coordinator of the event.

As a part of this event, a medical camp was also held by the WGDC of SXUK in collaboration with the Desun Hospital and AM Medical Centre on March 8, 2025 at the university campus.

Dr. Shreya Chatterjee, Clinical Oncologist at the Desun Hospital, shared an insightful lecture on cervical and breast cancer and made the audience aware of early detection and regular screenings for women’s health.

The camp offered medical tests like measuring blood pressure and glucose level, checking dental problems, eye testing and general health assessments free of cost by experts. A total of 150 students, faculty and staff members of SXUK underwent these medical tests. They also received medical guidance from the medical practitioners in the camp.

Dr. Somak Sen

Dept of Mass Communication organises workshop

Department of Mass Communication of the St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) in collaboration with the Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication (AIMC), New Delhi organised a two-day digital-filmmaking workshop using AI and Drones on March 4 to 5, 2025.

The workshop aimed to educate students on utilising cutting-edge technology to enhance the filming and editing process, making it more efficient and innovative. The esteemed guests for the workshop included Prof. Sajal Mukherjee, Director, AIMC; and two other faculty members, Naveen Gautam and Ankit Kumar Malyan of AIMC.

The inaugural address was delivered by Dr. Susmita Halder, Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Studies. In these two days, students learned uses of professional cameras, capturing stable and cinematic shots using gimbals and drones. Experts taught the students how to create short films and use of AI-driven editing tools in colour correction, sound enhancement, and video stabilization. Students found this workshop highly enriching.

Dr. Harish Kumar

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Dept of English organises workshop

Department of English of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised a workshop on March 1, 2025 at the university campus. The theme was ‘Learning to Speak/Write "in Other Words": A Writing and Translation Workshop’.

60 participants from across the country participated in the workshop. Prof. Ashis Mitra, Registrar of SXUK inaugurated the event.

The workshop was divided into two halves. The first half of the workshop was conducted by Prof. Aritrik Dutta Chowdhury of Acharya Girish Chandra Bose College. He shared the merits of writing skills and importance of effective communication, followed by an activity of short letter writing. He also asked participants to create an advertisement about an existing brand.

The second half of the workshop was conducted by Prof. Ashok Mohapatra of SXUK and Prof. Abhijit Sen of Visva Bharati. Participants were asked to translate Hindi and Bengali scripts into English.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Medha Bhadra Chowdhury, followed by the distribution of certificates to all participants.

Dr. Anish Bhattacharyya

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SXUK hosts fireside chat

Centre for Language and Communication Studies of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) hosted a fireside chat on February 25, 2025 in the university campus for the postgraduate students of the Department of English. The topic was Passport to the Mind and World: How Foreign Languages Unlock Cognitive Potential and Global Opportunities.

The guest speaker was Prof. Indranil Dutta, School of Languages and Linguistics of Jadavpur University, Kolkata. Prof. Ashok Mahapatra of the Department of English of SXUK conducted the hour-long discussion.

Prof. Dutta discussed the relevance of language learning in a world where Artificial Intelligence is progressing at a fast pace. He mentioned the cognitive advantages of learning multiple languages. Prof. Mahapatra’s skilful conduction of the discussion threw light on the differences between languages and the ongoing research in the field of language studies.

The event concluded with an interactive session with the students.

Dr. Bidisha Kantha

Dept of Social Work holds rural camp

Department of Social Work of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) held a week-long rural camp at Choupahari village in Birbhum district, from February 21 to 28, 2025 in collaboration with Swayambhar Nari and Nayantara Memorial Charitable Trust, two Birbhum-based nongovernmental organisations (NGOs).

The camp focused on sustainable rural livelihood policies and the role of government and NGOs in empowering rural communities to meet sustainable development goals.

Students made field visits, conducted interactive sessions with local entrepreneurs and villagers, and gathered experience on community-based activities in different villages in the week-long programme. Dr. Rupa Biswas, Head, Department of Social Work and Sudipto Bhattacharya, Fieldwork and Internship Coordinator, SXUK accompanied the students.

Besides learning about sustainable livelihoods, students visited a saal plate-making unit run by a self-help group (SHG) member and interacted with other SHG members. They also conducted Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRS), household surveys and resource mapping.

Students identified water scarcity and child marriage as threats to rural development. They also visited Amkhoi village, Nayantara Memorial Charitable Trust, Nimbuni village, Washi Paper making unit, Sonajhuri market, and gained knowledge on nutrition gardens, animal husbandry, and fisheries.

Dr. Rupa Biswas

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An exciting cricket match took place between St. Xavier's University Kolkata Alumni Association (SXUKAA) and St. Xavier's University Faculty and Staff members on February 22, 2025 at the university ground in which the SXUKAA team lifted the President’s Cup 2025.

While inaugurating the match, Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK and also the President of SXUKAA said, “I congratulate both the teams for participating in the President’s Cup. Sports is an integral part of academics and it helps to build up a healthy body and mind.”

The university Faculty and Staff team won the toss and decided to bowl first. The Staff and Faculty team was led by Sudipto Ghosh and the Alumni team’s captain was Ajitesh Prasad, a former student of Xavier Business School.

Batting first, the SXUKAA Alumni team scored 214 runs for 6 wickets in 16 overs. The Faculty and Staff team made 165 runs in 16 overs. Ayush Ray, a left-hand batsman of SXUKAA bagged the Man of the Match award as he scored 49 runs in 16 balls. He hit 6 over boundaries. Rishabh Agarwal, a right-hand batsman of the victorious team scored 43 runs in 17 balls and finished not out. He hit 5 over boundaries and 2 boundaries.

Amit Kanji’s single over deliveries cost the Faculty and Staff team 24 runs to chase. Anupam Mitra, right-hand batsman of the Faculty and Staff team scored 40 runs in 22 balls before being bowled out by Fr. Franklin Sando. Mitra hit 5 boundaries and 2 over boundaries. Arup Anthony’s spell picked up Sudipto Ghosh too early, which brought a setback to the Faculty and Staff team.

Fr. Felix Raj handed over the President’s Cup to the winners and also congratulated each player of both teams with medals.

Dr. Somak Sen.

XCMS organises X-Inovaè'25

Xavier’s Commerce and Management Society (XCMS) of the St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised X-Inovaè'25, a premier inter-college fest from February 21 to 23, 2025 at the university campus.

The event aimed to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic problem-solving. Participants from 15 institutes across three states took part in different events. Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK delivered the inaugural speech amid the presence of dignitaries. Mr. S.C. Agarwalla, Director, Maithan Alloys Limited was the Chief Guest.

Designed to challenge analytical thinking, leadership, and adaptability, X-Inovaè'25 provided a dynamic platform for students to navigate real-world business complexities.

A major highlight was the Fireside Chat with Aman Gupta, Founder & CMO, boAt Lifestyle on February 21, 2025, moderated by CA Rohitt Surana. Aman Gupta shared insights on entrepreneurship, brand-building, and business resilience, leaving students inspired through engaging storytelling and an interactive session.

All the first rank holders in each event were awarded ₹4000 and the second rank holders were awarded ₹2000 along with exclusive gift hampers.

Dr. Mili Kar

Department of Economics of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata (SXUK) in collaboration with the Jesuit Economics Association of India, hosted the third Annual Economics Conference on February 21-22, 2025 at the university campus. The theme was “Contemporary Issues in Economic Theory & Policy” and it was co-sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR).

The conference featured distinguished keynote speakers, including Prof. Jayati Ghosh, University of Massachusetts, USA, and Prof. Pulapre Balakrishnan, Centre for Development Studies, Kerala.

The special lecture sessions saw captivating presentations by renowned academicians like Prof. Sambit Bhattacharyya, University of Sussex, UK; Prof. Saumya Chakrabarti, Visva-Bharati; Prof. Krishnendu Ghosh Dastidar, Jawaharlal Nehru University; and Prof. Priyadarshi Banerjee, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata. The valedictory lecture was delivered by Prof. Rajat Acharya, Jadavpur University.

Srijita Ghosh

Department of Economics of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata (SXUK) in collaboration with Xavier’s University Economics Society (XAVECOS) hosted the fifth Annual Economics Summit 2025 on February 20, 2025 at the university campus.

Students of both undergraduate and postgraduate sections of economics and other social science subjects from institutions, colleges and universities across India, including Jadavpur University, Presidency University, Madras School of Economics, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Amity University, Praxis Business School, Ashutosh College, and Gurudas College, Kolkata participated in the summit.

The inaugural address was delivered by Dr. Alex M Thomas, Associate Professor of the Azim Premji University, Bengaluru. The title of his lecture was “Kanta Ranadive, Krishna Bharadwaj and the history of economic thought.”

An innovative poster presentation by undergraduate students showcased fresh economic perspectives, while a panel discussion on “The future of women at the workplace” sparked insightful conversations. The session was moderated by Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, Vice-Chancellor of SXUK, and featured esteemed speakers Prof. Sahana Roy Chowdhury, IMI Kolkata; Dr. Supurna Banerjee, IDSK and Ms. Ruchira Goswami, NUJS.

Students submitted research papers on different topics like education economics, gender economics, health economics, and development economics.

The summit concluded with a valedictory address by Prof. Asis Kumar Banerjee, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Calcutta, followed by a prize distribution ceremony to the outstanding research paper presenters.

Srijita Ghosh

Department of Mass Communication hosts special lecture

Department of Mass Communication, St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) conducted a special lecture on “Language of Cinema” for its postgraduate students on February 17, 2025 at the university campus. The resource person was Dr. Ipsita Barat, a senior faculty member of St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata.

The session focused on the evolution of film grammar and then delved into the various instances of cinema that developed their own film language due to their unique situation. Dr. Barat gave examples of Asian, Iranian, American, French, Italian, German, and Soviet cinema to elaborate on how cinema language evolved across the world and how it is distinct from each other. She delineated on the history of film movements like French new wave, Italian neorealism that was a direct outcomes of World War II.

She also explained how editing techniques, depiction of themes, characterisation and storytelling in every country’s cinema is distinct and suit that particular country. She provided examples of films and filmmakers along with relevant film clips to explain the nuances of film language.

The lecture was a great learning experience for the students who gained knowledge about cinema history and a bird’s-eye perspective on evolution of cinema language across the globe. The event concluded with an interaction with students.

Dr. Nitesh Tripathi

6th Convocation of SXUK

St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) will introduce Master of Laws (LL.M.) programme from the 2025-26 academic session, Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., the university’s Vice-Chancellor, announced at the 6th convocation held at Biswa Bangla Convention Centre on February 15, 2025, Saturday.

Rev. Dr. James Arjen Tete, S.J., Chancellor of the university presided over the ceremony, where 844 students received degrees across undergraduate, postgraduate and Ph.D programmes. Among them, 102 students from the first batch of Xavier Law School (XLS) graduated. 48 students were awarded with gold, silver and bronze medals.

During his address the Vice-Chancellor said: “The climate that we have in our country, of disturbance and communal violence, St. Xavier’s University has taken the initiative of offering a course on inter-religious studies. That will be our focus this year, so we can train students of the university with an inter-religious outlook, so every student who passes the portals of St. Xavier’s will also go with a greater appreciation of every religion in the world.”

G Viswanathan, Founder and Chancellor of Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), was conferred upon the Doctor of Literature (D.Litt., Honoris Causa) for his contributions to education, leadership, public service, and humanitarian efforts.

In his acceptance speech, Viswanathan said: “Our GER is only 28 per cent, whereas in developed countries, it ranges between 60 per cent and 100 per cent. The National Education Policy (NEP) aims to increase GER to 50 per cent. It means that the government has to spend, invest more on education.”

The convocation address was delivered by Justice I.P. Mukerji, Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court, who was an alumnus of St. Xavier’s School and College, Kolkata. He said, “I am highly indebted to the institution for whatever I am today.” He called upon the young graduates to be committed to the ideal of justice in their future lives.

Justice Mukerji, the Chief Guest also released the Xaverian Journal, a Journal of Interdisciplinary Research. Dr. G. Viswanathan released the University Magazine, Xaverianum 2024.

Dr. Somak Sen

SXUK celebrates 9th Foundation Day

St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) celebrated its 9th Foundation Day on February 8, 2025 at the university campus. Shri Binod Kumar, IAS, the Principal Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Government of West Bengal was the Chief Guest.

While delivering the inaugural speech, Father Felix Raj recalled the university’s Foundation Stone laying ceremony in 2013 and highlighted the unwavering support of Mamata Banerjee, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal since 2011. He further added, “We conferred on her the D.Litt (Honoris Causa) in 2023.”

Father Raj unveiled the strategic plan of the university, the Vision 2050 along with Mr. Binod Kumar in the presence of dignitaries and presented a copy to Mr. Kumar.

While delivering his Foundation Day speech, Mr. Binod Kumar said, “The State Education Policy, 2023 of the Government of West Bengal promises unwavering support and commitment towards the holistic development of students and higher education. St. Xavier’s University has been contributing a lot to the education in the state.” He also mentioned the importance of private-public partnership model in education sector and the industry-academia interface, with SXUK playing a vital role.

The programme ended with a prize distribution ceremony to the winners of an essay and poster-making competition, followed by a high tea.

Dr. Somak Sen

XBS students bag Baroda Achievers Award

Three students of Xavier Business School (XBS) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) received the prestigious Baroda Achievers Award on February 1, 2025 at the university campus.

The award was given to top three rank holders as a recognition of their outstanding academic performance in the first three semesters. Atishya Ghosh was the topper, Souvik Dey and Shania Sardar were the second and third rank holders respectively.

Each of them was awarded a cheque of Rs. 31,000 at the concluding ceremony of Xaviesta 2025 at the university campus in the presence of Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK, Prof. Ashis Mitra, Registrar, Dr. Sitangshu Khatua, Dean of XBS, officials of the Bank of Baroda and other dignitaries.

Father Felix Raj said, “I congratulate all three rank holders for their hard work and dedication to studies. I wish all of them to excel in life.”

Representatives from Bank of Baroda also expressed their commitment to encourage and support young professionals in their journey toward success.

Dr. Sitangshu Khatua

SXUK students attend media conclave

Students of the Department of Mass Communication, St. Xavier's University, Kolkata (SXUK) attended the Media and Entertainment Conclave (MECON) 2025, organised by the Film Federation of India in association with Techno India Group, on January 31, 2025, at Fairfield Hotel, Kolkata.

The event saw the participation of industry professionals, and key representatives from the West Bengal government, including Ministers, Mr. Sujit Bose and Mr. Babul Supriyo.

MECON 2025 provided a platform for in-depth discussions on the evolving landscape of the media and entertainment (M&E) industry. Experts addressed significant challenges and opportunities in the television industry, analysing its current state and potential for growth.

The discussion also covered the OTT ecosystem, focusing on the rise of digital platforms, changing audience preferences, and the impact on traditional media. Other key topics included technological advancements and content creation in the sector.

In addition to the thought-provoking sessions, the conclave offered valuable networking opportunities, allowing students and young professionals to engage with established industry figures. This interaction provided insights into career prospects and emerging trends in the industry. Students found the event highly encouraging.

Dr. Manali Bhattacharya

XBS hosts Xaviesta 2025

Xavier Business School (XBS) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) hosted the third edition of its flagship two-day annual fest, Xaviesta 2025 in the university campus on January 31 and February 1, 2025.

The fest, which has grown to become one of the most sought-after events among B-schools, was themed “Trinity of Tales,” symbolizing a vibrant confluence of business acumen, cultural expression, and sporting spirit.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by the presence of Mr. Noomi Mehta, Chairman of Selvel One Group, as the Chief Guest. In his address, Mr. Mehta inspired the young and aspiring business leaders with his insights on innovation, resilience, and leadership in the evolving corporate landscape. His presence added immense value to the occasion, setting the tone for an engaging and high-energy fest.

A total of 400 students from 45 colleges and universities including SXUK participated in this grand event. The fest was a perfect blend of business-oriented challenges, cultural extravaganzas, and high-octane sporting events, creating an inclusive platform for students to network, learn, and excel.

Xaviesta 2025 includes different events like business plan contests, case study analysis, marketing simulation games, testing their analytical and decision-making skills in real-world business scenario, sports events and cultural showcases, etc.

In addition to the competitive events, the fest was further elevated by electrifying performances and entertainment acts. "The Waves in the Town", a popular band, set the stage ablaze, captivating the audience with their dynamic music. The grand finale saw an exhilarating performance by DJ Nilashree, who ensured that the fest ended on a high note with an unforgettable musical experience.

Dr. Sitangshu Khatua

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SXUK signs MoU with KIIT

St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneswar on January 27, 2025 at the university campus. The event took place at virtual mode.

Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, Vice-Chancellor of SXUK and Prof. Saranjit Singh, Vice-Chancellor of the KIIT signed the MoU in the presence of dignitaries.

Father Felix Raj said that the new collaboration would help in providing quality education to the students of both SXUK and KIIT. The MoU would help in further development of research works by faculty members of the two institutions of higher learning together, he added.

Prof. Singh said that the new academic alliance with SXUK, under the stellar leadership of Father Felix Raj would pave the way for a series of new projects between the two universities.

Dr. Bidisha Kantha

Republic Day Celebration

The 76th Republic Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm on January 26, 2025. Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, unfurled the national flag to reflect upon the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950. Fathers, sisters, faculty members, students, officers and staff members graced this momentous event.

The Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor in his deliberation highlighted the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters and the nation’s remarkable journey. He further reiterated upon the importance of preserving India’s civilizational heritage, promoting linguistic diversity, and the need for individual contributions against global warming.

The event symbolized the spirit of unity and pride in India’s democratic values and cultural heritage.

Mario Martin Louis

SXUK Annual Sports Day 2025

Xavier University Sports Society (XUSS) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised the Annual Sports Day on January 25, 2025 in the university playground.

Commodore Ajay Yadav, Naval Officer-in-Charge, West Bengal and the Commanding Officer of INS Netaji Subhas was the Guest of Honour. His wife, Ms. Meena Yadav, was also present at the event.

While inaugurating the event, Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK said, “Sports is an integral part of education. It helps to build up a strong body and mind. It also helps to increase concentration level of an individual. I congratulate all the participants for their performance in different sports events.”

Father Felix Raj and Commodore Ajay Yadav commenced the programme through hoisting the University flag in the playground and flying a flight of pigeons. The event witnessed the parade by the Army Band, Bihar Regiment, followed by students and faculty members of each department, support staff members, and alumni members.

A series of sports events took place in which faculty members, support staff members and students participated. Winners in each event were awarded by Father Felix Raj, Prof. Ashis Mitra, Registrar and other dignitaries.

Arqish Hussain of BA, LL.B (Hons) was awarded the Fr. Joseph Maliyekal Memorial Trophy, and Shristi Mukherjee of XBS bagged the Fr. Joe D’Souza Memorial Trophy as the best male and female athletes respectively. The event was concluded with a lunch.

Dr. Somak Sen

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SXUK Signs MoU with Lincoln University College (LUC)

Fr. Felix Raj, accompanied by Dr. Indra Kanta Maitra, COE of SXUK, visited Lincoln University College (LUC) in Kuala Lumpur on January 21-22, 2025.

During his visit, he delivered a lecture at an international conference organised by LUC at the Summit Hotel on “Sustainable Healthcare and Management.”

The visit marked a significant milestone as SXUK and LUC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for mutual academic and research collaboration.

Father Felix Raj had a constructive meeting with Prof. Dr. Amiya Bhaumik, Founder and President of Lincoln University College, Malaysia, to discuss mutual cooperation between the institutions. Additionally, he also met with the Pro-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellors of LUC.

Fr. Felix Raj and Dr. Maitra also utilized the opportunity to pay his respects at the historic site in Malacca where St. Francis Xavier was reburied in 1554.

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Inauguration of the Online Certificate Course on Disaster Risk Reduction Management

An inauguration program for the Online Certificate Course on Disaster Risk Reduction Management was organized by the Fr. Lafont Centre for Excellence in Research and Innovation of the University, in collaboration with the India Japan Lab, Keio University, Japan. During the programme, a book titled “Fear of Lightning, Safety, and Disaster Risk Reduction” (An Awareness Initiative in Bengali) was also released. The program took place on January 6, 2025, at 11:00 am in the Board Room of Loyola Tirtha on the University campus.

Participants and Resource persons of the course Disaster Risk Reduction Management.

An inauguration programme for the two credit online Certificate Course on Disaster Risk Reduction Management was organized by the Fr. Lafont Centre for Excellence in Research and Innovation of the University, in collaboration with the India Japan Lab, Keio University, Japan on Monday, January 6, 2025 in presence of Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor and Dr. Rajib Shaw, Professor, Graduate School of Media and Governance, and Director, India Japan Lab, Keio University, Japan, the chief guest of the university.

The programme commenced with a warm welcome extended to the guests and participants by Dr. Soma Sur, the Honorary Director of LCERI. The inaugural address was delivered by the Honorable Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J. followed by the book release titled “Fear of Lightning, Safety, and Disaster Risk Reduction” (An Awareness Initiative in Bengali). In his inaugural address, Fr. Vice Chancellor informed about the naming of the university's research center after Jesuit Father Eugine Lafont, a renowned scientist, honoring his 1867 disaster prediction, saving many lives. He stressed the importance of modern disaster management awareness to reduce risks. Dr. Rajib Shaw in his lecture, provided an insightful overview of disaster risk reduction. He covered key topics, including basic terminologies and fundamental concepts, an understanding of the global risk landscape, and the essentials of risk reduction.

Thirty-seven participants including govt. officials, students, scholars, and social workers have registered for this course.

The session concluded with an interactive discussion, where participants shared their real-life experiences in disaster management and articulated their expectations from the online course.

Dr. Soma Sur

Hony. Director, LCERI

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XAVECOS hosts online workshop

Xavier's University Economics Society (XAVECOS) of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata (SXUK) hosted a two-day online workshop on Data Analysis with R from January 2 to 4, 2025.

A total of 77 participants joined the event, representing a diverse range of institutions, including ICRIER, BITS Law School, Symbiosis School of Economics, Jadavpur University, University of Calcutta, Delhi University, University of Burdwan, IDSK, Women's Christian College (Chennai), Doon University, Himachal Pradesh University, UPES Dehradun, Scottish Church College, The Heritage College, Lady Brabourne College, and many more.

Dr. Subhanil Chowdhury and Dr. Chayanika Mitra were the resource persons.

Srijita Ghosh

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XAVRANG'25: MYTHICAL ODYSSEY - ECLIPSE OF ERAS

Xavrang'25, 17th and 18th January 2025: Xavrang'25, the annual extravaganza of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, themed "Mythical Odyssey: Eclipse of Eras" brought together 50 colleges across Kolkata for an extraordinary celebration. The opening ceremony on 17th January 2025 was graced with the presence of Mr. Sujit Bose, the Hon’ble Minister of Fire and Emergency Services, Govt. of West Bengal.

The excitement for Xavrang'25 was ignited by the pre-xavrang events: Football, Chess and Table Tennis. These events set the stage, uniting students in the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie.

The two-day fest's flagship events, Mythical Debate Odyssey by the Debating Society, Football by the Sports Society, Treasure Hunt by the Literary Society, Monopoly by the Commerce and Management Society, and Theme Walk by the Cultural Society, brought together enthusiastic participants and showcased spirited and healthy competition. Xavrang’25 witnessed 53 events in total.

Both the days of the fest had a lively artist lineup. The Musical Police band performed on the first day, followed by DJ Bunny and DJ Aziz. DJ Trouble started the musical journey on the second day, followed by DJ Phantom. The excitement reached its pinnacle with a captivating performance by DJ Roop from the Sunburn Campus.

Xavrang'25 concluded on an exhilarating note, with the St. Xavier's University Students' Board hosting a grand closing ceremony. Their enthusiastic efforts brought together the entire university family, leaving everyone inspired and longing for the next edition of this iconic fest.

- Sovik Mukherjee
Deputy Chairperson, Students' Board
St. Xavier's University, Kolkata.

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Dept of Mass Communication hosts XAVCOMM

Department of Mass Communication of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) hosted XAVCOMM’25, an inter-college Communication Fest, on January 10 and 11, 2025 at the university campus.

The event was inaugurated by Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK in the presence of Prof. Ashis Mitra, Registrar; Dr. Susmita Halder, Dean of Faculty of Arts and Social Studies and other senior officers, faculty members and students.

The two-day programme witnessed a series of events like talk shows, Mr. & Ms. Mass Comm, talent hunts, treasure hunts and captivating performances in dance, acting, and singing.

More than 200 students from 27 colleges and universities across Kolkata participated in different events scheduled for inter-college competition, like news report writing, graphics designing, ad making, podcasting, photography, marketing pitch, street play, press conference, movie trivia, etc. The event concluded with prize distribution to the winners in each event, followed by an electrifying guest performance by DJ Tatrix.

Dr. Nitesh Tripathi

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Dept of Social Work hosts special lecture

Department of Social Work conducted a special lecture on Qualitative research and its tools on January 14, 2025 at the university campus. Dr. S. C Andrew Michael, Department of Sociology, Loyola College of Social Sciences, Trivandrum was the guest speaker.

Dr. Michael gave a clear understanding of the basics of qualitative research, its components, and significance. He explained the concepts in a simple and engaging manner, making it relatable through real-life examples.

He also highlighted that research helps to understand society better, improves decision-making, and addresses real-world challenges. He also advised to be systematic and logical while doing research and stressed on Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Students found the session highly enriching.

Dr. Rupa Biswas

SXUKAA celebrates culmination of Fr. Felix Raj's Golden Jubilee of Jesuit life

St. Xavier’s University Kolkata Alumni Association (SXUKAA) organised a programme to mark the culmination of the Golden Jubilee Year of Jesuit Life of its President, Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, SJ, on January 3, 2025, at the university campus.

The event featured a thought-provoking cultural performance by Baul singers from Santiniketan, who presented a specially curated show titled ‘Sanyasi Jiban’, reflecting on the essence of ascetic life. This artistic tribute added a unique spiritual dimension to the celebration.

As a gesture of admiration and gratitude, Fr. Felix Raj was felicitated by the SXUKAA office bearers. A specially composed song dedicated to his golden jubilee was played, further enhancing the emotional resonance of the occasion.

In his address, Fr. Felix Raj thanked Mr. Vatsal Chirimar, Hony. Secretary of SXUKAA, and his dedicated team of alumni members not just for organising the programme but for their unwavering commitment and for closely collaborating with the university in its various endeavours.

In a spirit of generosity and compassion, Fr. Raj distributed blankets and shawls to 250 construction workers, maintenance staff, and other workers of the university. This act of kindness highlighted the values of service and solidarity central to Jesuit philosophy and made the event truly inclusive and meaningful.

Vatsal Chirimar

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SXUKAA celebrates Annual Christmas Gathering 2024

St. Xavier’s University Kolkata Alumni Association (SXUKAA) successfully hosted its Annual Christmas Gathering on December 20, 2024, at the SXUK campus. The event brought together distinguished guests, including Vice-Chancellors, Principals, and Heads of Institutions alongside the extended Xaverian family.

Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, SJ, Vice-Chancellor of SXUK and President of SXUKAA, delivered an inspiring Christmas message. He also outlined the future plans for the university’s growth and development. In his address, Father Felix Raj mentioned his formal request to Mamata Banerjee, Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal, for additional land to facilitate the campus’s physical expansion, underscoring the institution’s commitment to scaling new heights.

A vibrant cultural program, organised under the leadership of Dr. Antara Ghatak, captivated the audience. Faculty members and students collaborated to deliver an enthralling performance at the SXUK quadrangle, which was beautifully adorned for the festive occasion.

Mr. Vatsal Chirimar, Hony. Secretary, SXUKAA proposed the Vote of Thanks. He expressed gratitude to all attendees and contributors who made the event a memorable success. The formal program concluded with a sumptuous dinner, fostering camaraderie among the attendees.

Earlier in the day, SXUKAA organized a dedicated Christmas celebration for the faculty and staff of the university. This special program acknowledged their invaluable contributions to the institution and provided an opportunity to celebrate the festive season together.

Vatsal Chirimar

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Mamata Banerjee Celebrates Christmas with Jesuit Fathers

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee celebrated Christmas with the Jesuit Fathers on December 19th evening at St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata. She inaugurated the crib and paid a floral tribute to the Child Jesus. During the Christmas function, she honored Fr. Aloysius Carvalho for 75 years of service as a Jesuit and Fr. Felix Raj for his golden jubilee as a Jesuit.

Fr. Felix Raj praised Mamata Banerjee, calling her a messenger of peace. He thanked her for gifting 17 acres of land to St. Xavier's University, Kolkata (SXUK) in 2013 and for establishing the Mother Teresa Chair for peace at SXUK. He also appreciated her government's efforts in maintaining communal harmony and diversity in West Bengal.

Mamata Banerjee expressed her affection for St. Xavier's and the Jesuit Fathers, calling them her second home. She commended them for their outstanding contributions to education and social service in West Bengal. She shared her personal struggles as a young leader and spoke about the significance of Christmas. Minister and Mayor Firhad Hakim accompanied her to the event.

December 20, 2024 Christmas Celebrations
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SXUK celebrates Sishu Mela 2024

St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) celebrated Sishu Mela 2024 on December 17, 2024 at the university campus. This is an annual flagship event organised by the Centre for Social Outreach Programme (CSOP) of SXUK.

This event aims to foster strong community relations and build trust with the local communities, especially with school-going children. The objective is to empower these children through activities that stimulate cognitive development, encourage them to showcase their talents, and make them feel like a part of the Xavier family.

Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, SJ, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of SXUK inaugurated the programme amid the august presence of Prof. Ashis Mitra, Registrar; Dr. I K Maitra, Controller of Examinations; Deans, Heads of different departments and faculty members.

The event witnessed the participation of 174 underprivileged children from the neighbouring villages. 120 student volunteers of SXUK worked actively in the event to make it successful. The programme included stage performances, fun-filled activities, and competitions, promoting a sense of togetherness and community spirit.

Sishu Mela 2024 reaffirmed the university's commitment to social outreach and community development, creating lasting bonds and opportunities for underprivileged children to shine. The event showcased the university's dedication to providing a platform for the marginalised and fostering a sense of belongingness.

Sweta Banerjee
Coordinator, CSOP

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Khwahish’24

Khwahish’24, organized by Xavier’s Commerce and Management Society (XCMS) on 22nd December 2024 at Kulberia Vivekananda F.P. School, celebrated the spirit of giving and community care. The event brought festive joy to approximately 200 underprivileged children through games, interactive activities, and a delicious meal. Volunteers, some dressed as Santa Claus, created a magical atmosphere, distributing kits containing school essentials, snacks, and fun items like badminton rackets and bubble blowers, generously sponsored by Jai Guru Impex.

The event’s success was made possible by the unwavering support of St. Xavier’s University’s leadership, including the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj S.J., Registrar Prof. Ashis Mitra, Dean of Commerce and Management Dr. Anupam Mitra, and Professors-in-charge Dr. Sumantra Bhattacharya and Dr. Mili Kar. Special thanks were extended to Mr. Kamal Hussain, Head Teacher of the host school, for his cooperation.

Khwahish’24 left a lasting impact, spreading smiles and fostering a sense of community. It exemplified XCMS’s commitment to social responsibility, reinforcing the values of kindness, compassion, and giving back, while embodying the true spirit of Christmas.

Dr. Mili Kar

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CGNI hosts FDP on mental health

The Centre for Global Network & Initiatives (CGNI) of St. Xavier’s University Kolkata (SXUK) in collaboration with PSYCHeDGES; a Kolkata-based educational consultant conducted a 7-day Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on Mental Health Awareness for the faculty members of the university.

Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, Vice-Chancellor of SXUK inaugurated the FDP on December 5, 2024 amid the presence of Prof. Ashis Mitra, Registrar, Deans of respective faculties, schools, participants and the resource persons Dr. Gargi Dasgupta, Consultant Psychologist and CEO, PSYCHeDGES; Ms. Priya Ray Chaudhuri, Counsellor.

Father Felix Raj said, “It is necessary to focus on the importance of mental health of students as well as of faculty members and sensitisation towards mental health issues in the educational institutions of today.”

The FDP consisted of a total of 10 sessions spread over the 7 days, some days having sessions in both the halves and some days consisting of one session in either of the halves. The main focus of the FDP dealt with the various mental health issues that might crop up in the minds of modern-day adolescents and young adults.

The teachers, being the mentors of the young individuals, were given guidance on how to become first responders to any scenario, either when the students approach them directly seeking help or the teachers themselves notice a student behaving in an unusual manner and take the initiative to enquire about the mental health of the said student.

The various sessions of the FDP included topics like “Addiction”, “Carrer Anxiety & Academic Performance”, “Romantic Relationships”, “Peer Pressure & Bullying”, etc. The workshop ended on December 17, 2024 with the distribution of certificates to the participants.

Dr. Manali Bhattacharya
Prof-In-Charge, CGNI.

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AI-Powered LMS at SXUK

St. Xavier's University, Kolkata (SXUK) is set to introduce an AI-powered Learning Management System (LMS) solution, transforming the teaching-learning process and aligning with the modern education paradigm. This initiative makes SXUK one of the first universities in Eastern India to adopt such a solution, furthering its ambitious 'Vision 2030' goal of reaching 10,000 enrollments in the coming years. Currently the faculty members and staff are undergoing orientations on the system. To ensure a seamless transition, faculty members and staff are currently undergoing orientation on the new system, which was inaugurated by Vice-Chancellor Father Felix Raj on December 16, 2024.

The university has partnered with UK-based Shiksak, specialists in AI-powered LMS solutions for K12, higher education, and corporate training. Their platform simplifies teaching and learning processes while providing valuable data insights, empowering institutions to deliver exceptional educational experiences.

This project marks a significant milestone in SXUK's commitment to providing holistic and future-ready education; ensuring students are well-prepared for future challenges. The AI-powered LMS platform will provide SXUK with tools for assignment management, online testing, and content management, allowing educators to focus on student success.

The system's intuitive content creation capabilities enable the development of interactive multimedia content, fostering a more engaging and effective learning journey for students. By leveraging Shiksak's AI capabilities, SXUK will personalize educational experiences tailored to individual learning styles and generate data-driven insights to improve academic outcomes.

This transformative approach is expected to significantly enhance student engagement and solidify SXUK's position as a leader in personalized education in the region.

Dr. Indra Kanta Maitra

Fourth Annual Christmas Lecture Held at Parasmani, Shantiniketan

You may listen to the entire lecture by following the link on www.felixrajsj.com

On December 14, Fr. Felix Raj delivered the fourth annual Christmas lecture on "Spirituality for Life and Leadership" at Parasmani, Santiniketan. The event drew faculty members, staff, and scholars from Visva-Bharati and St. Xavier's University.

The lecture was followed by an engaging and thought-provoking interactive session, fostering a deeper understanding of the topic. The success of the event is attributed to Fr. Mourlin and his team of Association of Jesuit Collaborators (AJC) members. Dr. Manodip Ray Chaudhuri skillfully moderated the programme as the master of ceremonies.

The program commenced with enchanting Baul Gaans performed by a team of Baul singers. Fr. Felix Raj noted that the songs beautifully summarized and explained the essence of his lecture, transporting the audience to a realm of spirituality.

The event concluded with a lunch, marking a delightful end to a meaningful and inspiring programme.

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St. Xavier's University Hosts Consultation on Fostering Entrepreneurship among Youth

St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, recently hosted a pivotal Expert Consultation on "Fostering Entrepreneurship Skills and Mindset among the Youth." This landmark event, held on December 12, 2024, was organized under the aegis of a prestigious ₹16 lakh-funded research initiative supported by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), as part of the visionary Viksit Bharat Mission 2047.

Reverend Father Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice Chancellor of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, chaired the session, bringing his leadership and vision to the forefront. The discussion revolved around crucial themes, including the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, essential skills for success, and the role of education in fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. The consultation also explored pathways for collaboration among industry, academia, and government to nurture a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The event boasted an illustrious panel of experts, featuring Mr. Debashis Sen, Mr. Rajesh Chirimar, Prof. Mamata Ray, Prof. Zinia Mitra, Mr. Amit Bajoria, Mr. Niranjan Mundra, Mr. Sumit Jalan, and Dr. Gargi Dasgupta. Their diverse perspectives enriched the dialogue, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in building a resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The consultation highlighted the urgency of policy-driven and experiential entrepreneurial education tailored to the needs of India's dynamic youth. By fostering innovation and resilience, the session laid the groundwork for transformative changes in higher education practices, empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs to lead India toward sustainable growth and global leadership.

Prof. Ruchita Burman
SXUK

Alumni Meet

The Calcutta Jesuit Province Alumni Associations met on Sunday, December 8, at Saint Xavier's College, Burdwan, courtesy of the gracious host team. Approximately 50 alumni and alumnae, accompanied by association presidents and secretaries, attended.

The Saint Xavier's School and Saint Xavier's College, Burdwan Associations jointly honored Father Felix Raj on his golden jubilee as a Jesuit.

Fr. Felix Raj chaired the meeting, while Jeetu Rampuria, Province Coordinator for Jesuit Alumni Association of India (JAAI), ensured seamless coordination. Comprehensive reports outlining six-month activities were presented by the associations (SXSK, SLSK, SXSB, SXCB, SXCK and SXUK).

Fr. Felix Raj facilitated the strategic planning session for future initiatives. The gathering concluded with a delightful lunch hosted by the Burdwan association.

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The Department of Mass Communication, St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata, is elated to announce that the documentary He Too Cries: Unheard Shadow of Silence has been officially selected for the Short Documentary and Panorama sections of the prestigious International Kolkata Film Festival (IKFF) 2024.

The documentary will be screened on:

• 5th December, at Shishir Mancha at 1:30 PM
• 8th December, at Nandan 3 at 5:00 PM

Directed and produced by the MA final-year students of the Department of Mass Communication—Abhirup Pal, Urboshree Banerjee, Anjali Jha, Ahona Das, and Debankita Deb—under the mentorship of Dr. Reshmi Naskar, the film delves into the pervasive issue of rape culture in contemporary society.

With profound sensitivity and unflinching honesty, He Too Cries breaks the silence surrounding this critical issue, shedding light on the experiences of survivors and calling for an urgent societal reckoning. This compelling documentary is not just a narrative but a call to action—a poignant blend of resilience, empathy, and the transformative power of storytelling.

Report Submitted by : Dr.Reshmi Naskar

Feast of Patron Saint Celebrated at SXUK

On December 3, the Saint Xavier's University community gathered to celebrate the feast day of its patron saint, Saint Francis Xavier. The ceremony, attended by a large number of faculty, staff, and students, began at 9:30 am with the Eucharist celebrated by Father Vice-Chancellor.

In his sermon, Father Vice-Chancellor reflected on the outstanding qualities of Saint Francis Xavier, inspiring the congregation to emulate his virtues.

The celebration continued with a gathering where the feast day cake was cut, followed by a high tea.

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New Building for Xavier Law School

Exciting developments are underway at St. Xavier's University, Kolkata (SXUK)! The second Academic Building on campus is nearing completion.

Once ready, the Xavier Law School (XLS) will relocate to the new wing, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.

Furthermore, XLS is expanding its academic offerings by introducing a Master of Laws (LL.M.) program, set to commence from the 2025-26 academic session.

MDP at XBS

The Xavier Business School (XBS) at St. Xavier's University, Kolkata (SXUK) recently hosted a 7-day Management Development Programme (MDP) for 35 employees of Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. The programme, held at the university campus in New Town, featured esteemed resource persons from the XBS faculty.

On the final day of the programme, November 23rd, Fr. Vice-Chancellor addressed the participants. The successful completion of the MDP is a testament to the dedication of the Dean and faculty of XBS. Congratulations to them on this achievement!

Investiture Ceremony

The SXUK Student Board’s Investiture Ceremony was held on November 12 at 2:00 pm. Father Felix Raj, Vice-Chancellor welcomed the newly appointed Class Representatives (CRs) and emphasized that their roles come with great responsibility and accountability.

As stakeholders and integral members of the Xaverian family, the CRs were honored with personalized lapel pins by Father Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar.

Special thanks to Prof. Sovik Mukherjee (Deputy Chairperson) and Prof. Antara Ghatak (Assistant Chairperson) for their meticulous coordination of the ceremony.

Congratulations to all Working Committee members and CRs on this achievement!

Nihil Ultra!

Medical Outreach Camp in Gurap

The Saint Xavier's University Kolkata Alumni Association, in association with the Nandlal Chirimar Memorial Trust, organized a community outreach medical camp in Gurap village on November 10. This marks the second consecutive year that this life-changing initiative has been brought to the people of Gurap.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by esteemed guests, including Father Felix Raj, Mr. Rajesh Chirimar, Father Mourlin, Father Joseph Raj, Professor Indra Kanta Maitra, Vatsal Chirimar, and members of the Alumni Association.

Approximately 300 villagers, accompanied by their children, benefited from the medical check-ups and expert consultations provided during the camp.

Thanks to Mr. Chirimar and his team of doctors.

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Faculty of Commerce and Management hosts XHIBIT 2024

Faculty of Commerce and Management organised XHIBIT 2024 for its own undergraduate students of both commerce and management sections on November 5, 2024 at the university campus. The event provided students a unique opportunity to hone their skills in quick thinking, effective communication, and public speaking within a time-constrained environment.

The event witnessed public speaking exercise with an innovative twist, where participants were given cutting-edge products and personas to incorporate into their presentations. Participants applied their theoretical knowledge learned in classrooms to practical scenarios and improved their ability to express ideas clearly and confidently.

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Dept of Mass Comm hosts special lecture

Department of Mass Communication at St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) hosted a special lecture on November 5, 2024 at the university campus. The topic was ‘Environment Journalism and Climate Change.’

Dr. Jayanta Basu, a senior environment journalist was the invited speaker. He addressed the impact of climate change from global frameworks to local actions. He emphasised the critical role of environment journalism and its need for addressing climate change, especially as the COP28 is very near to be held in Baku.

Dr. Basu further discussed about pertinent climate issues and policies, focusing on net-zero targets and climate finance. Drawing on case studies and his own reports, he highlighted how impactful journalism drives policy changes and public awareness.

He also underscored the influence of youth climate activists and digital platforms in amplifying environmental stories, encouraging students to use these tools for climate advocacy. The session served as a call to action for students to raise awareness and drive solutions in the face of environmental crises.

Dr. Reshmi Naskar

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CGNI hosts special lecture on career guidance

The Centre for Global Network and Initiatives (CGNI) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) conducted a special lecture on higher studies and career guidance for all final-year students of SXUK by the United States-India Education Foundation (USIEF) on October 28, 2024 at the university campus.

The speaker was Ms. Sohini Jana, Education USA Adviser. She gave insightful information on how USIEF, the only official and state-sponsored organization, assists Indian students in getting opportunities to pursue higher education in different universities in USA.

She also explained various processes related to visa application and approval, getting part-time work there, how to crack TOEFL and getting scholarships there while studying in US-based universities.

The program ended with an interactive session with the students. Dr. Bidisha Kantha delivered vote of thanks.

Dr. Manali Bhattacharya

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Dept of Mass Communication hosts special lecture

Department of Mass Communication of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised a special lecture on emerging trends in corporate communications, with a special focus on corporate social responsibility (CSR) on October 28, 2024 at the university campus.

The speaker was Mr. Subir Ghosh, an eminent academician and a former senior Public Relations professional. Mr. Ghosh highlighted the growing importance of CSR as an ethical commitment of companies.

Mr. Ghosh also emphasised that companies are expected to actively contribute to societal well-being, whether through environmental initiatives, supporting local communities, or upholding ethical business practices.

He further stressed that modern corporations need to recognise their roles in addressing social challenges, suggesting that their responsibilities extend beyond profit-making to creating a positive impact on society. He advocated that taking genuine steps toward social responsibility not only builds goodwill but also strengthens a company’s brand reputation.

While concluding, Mr. Ghosh underscored that CSR is a core component of corporate communications today. He urged companies to embed social responsibility into their strategies, as these efforts are essential to a sustainable corporate image. Students found the session highly enriching. Dr. Manali Bhattacharya coordinated the entire programme.

Dr. Somak Sen.

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XCMS celebrates X-Verse’24

Xavier’s Commerce and Management Society (XCMS) organised X-Verse’24 in the university campus on 26th October 2024. The theme was ‘Echoes of the Infinite Desert’.

The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, SJ, Vic-Chancellor; Prof. Ashis Mitra, Registrar; Dr. Anupam Mitra, Dean, Faculty of Commerce and Management and other faculty members. Father Felix Raj delivered an inspiring speech that emphasised the event's significance in fostering student growth and collaboration.

This event served as a platform for professional development and intellectual exchange among students. It included events like Best Manager, Finance, PR & Marketing, Sports Management, Strategic Management, and X-Plain. Each event was crafted to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, highlighting participants' leadership and strategic skills.

The closing ceremony witnessed a lively entertainment session featuring Ankit Bharadwaj. Winners of each event received cash rewards worth ₹4000 and ₹2000 for first and second ranks respectively.

Dr. Mili Kar

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XavPsych organises event on mental health awareness

XavPsych, the Psychology Society of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised its first event ‘Fostering mental well-being in the workplace’ on October 22, 2024 at the university campus.

While inaugurating the programme, Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK said, “Good mental health is equally necessary in today’s professional landscape to cope with challenges. We must take care of it. I congratulate XavPsych for conducting this event.”

Dean Prof. Susmita Halder reinforced academia’s role in developing leaders committed to mental health.

Dr. Ratna Sinha, former VP-HRM of Tata Metaliks shared her insights regarding the impact of mental health on productivity and the importance of supportive workplaces.

Ms. Anwesha Banerjee, Assistant Editor of Ei Samay, a noted Bengali daily, shared her personal experience with therapy, advocating for reducing mental health stigma.

Ms. Sunetra Bhattacharya, VP-HR at RS Software, addressed leadership's role in tackling workplace harassment, calling for leaders to show empathy and understanding.

Dr. Priyanka Poddar, a clinical psychologist, wrapped up the presentations, focusing on burnout and self-care, encouraging practices of self-compassion and mindfulness.

The event also showcased creative reels and meme competition entries on mental health topics, adding a lighthearted yet meaningful aspect.

Dr. Soma Pramanik

XUCAS celebrates musical evening

Xavier’s University Cultural and Arts Society (XUCAS) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) celebrated ‘Jalsa ’24: A Soirée with Lata ji’ to commemorate the 95th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar at the university campus.

The event was inaugurated in the grand presence of Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK, Prof. Ashis Mitra, Registrar, Dr. Indra Kanta Moitra, Controller of Examinations, other dignitaries, faculty and non-teaching staff members.

The soirée included various renditions and songs that span over Lata Mangeshkar’s vibrant career of over eight decades. The event marked a confluence of classical and Indian-Western fusion musical renditions that left the audience enthralled.

Audience also enjoyed an impromptu dance celebration along with the solo music of the immortal songs, sung by the great singer. Dr. Antara Ghatak

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XLS organises XavAequitas 2024

Xavier Law School (XLS) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised XavAequitas’24, the first flagship National Moot Court Competition from October 24 to 26, 2024 at the university campus.

26 teams from leading law colleges and universities participated in the event. While inaugurating the event, Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK said, “I congratulate the XLS for organising the event and the participants. This competition will help to sharpen the professional skills in the budding lawyers.”

Advocate D. N. Mitra, Senior Partner at Victor Moses & Co. and Co-Patron of XavAequitas’24 was felicitated as the guest of honour.

The team representing The Heritage Law College emerged victorious and the Department of Law, Calcutta University became the runners-up.

Harshwardhan Meshram of the Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur bagged the awarded of Best Researcher and Best Memorial.

Vishwan Singh representing Kes' Shri Jayantilal H Patel Law College achieved the Best Speaker (Petitioner) award and Anupriya Mukherjee was awarded the Best Speaker (Respondent) prize.

Dr. Rajrupa Sinha Roy
Convener, Moot Court Society

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XLS hosts poster presentation on environmental awareness

Xavier Law School (XLS) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) hosted the poster presentation on environmental awareness on October 22 and 26, 2024 at the university campus.

All the students of undergraduate sections of first semester and the third semester students of XLS participated in this event. The event aimed to showcase artworks and posters based on various topics of environment education to raise awareness among the students.

While inaugurating the event, Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK said, “We must take care of Mother Earth for the sake of ourselves and future generations through our activities. I congratulate the XLS for conducting this event.”

Father Felix Raj awarded the winners of last year and gave each of them a ‘Xaverian Environmentalist’ badge.

The different topics covered in the event were natural resources and environmental sustainability, rising plastic pollution and its impact, economics of climate change, Mysore city as a model of green sustainable urban living, role of media in environment protection, etc. The theme was ‘Environmental Justice’.

Dr. Kaveri Dutta and Dr. Sandip Ghosh were the external experts. Faculty members of other departments visited the exhibition and highly appreciated the artwork.

Prof. Debatri Banerjee

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Dept of Mass Communication hosts Xavtalk

Department of Mass Communication of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised an insightful intra-departmental group discussion, Xavtalk on October 19, 2024 at the university campus. The topic was ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Job Automation.’

The event aims to promote student-led discussions on contemporary issues, furthering their understanding of how technological advancements are transforming industries worldwide.

Swastika Roy of BA in Mass Communication, Semester 3 emerged as the best speaker. She argued that while AI would displace certain jobs, it would still fail to replace human compassion and integrity which are integral parts of carrying out certain other jobs.

The other two rank holders were Aafia Mujtaba Khanam and Sanjana Malhotra, students from third and first semesters respectively. Aafia emphasised lack of soft skills in the functions of AI and Sanjana focused on the history of AI and its long-standing impact on the human psyche and social disparity since the 1800s.

Three other students also participated as speakers in this event. The event concluded with insightful remarks from the judges, Dr. Manali Bhattacharya, Dr. Medha Bhadra Chowdhury, and Dr. Rupa Biswas. Dr. Somak Sen coordinated the entire event.

Deepakshee Ghosh
MA in Mass Communication, Sem 3.

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Dept of Mass Communication hosts special lecture

Department of Mass Communication of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised a special lecture on September 18, 2024 at the university campus.

The resource person was Mr. Joydeep Das Gupta, an acclaimed trainer from the GNI India Training Network. The topic was ‘Fact Checking in Science Journalism and Climate Change.’

The special lecture was aimed at the third semester postgraduate students, who opted for Science Journalism as a special paper. Mr. Das Gupta discussed the best practices for fact checking in science communication. He also shared vivid information on misinformation and disinformation about climate change.

He also delighted students on data authenticity and credible journalism. The lecture ended with an interactive session. Students found the session highly enriching.

Dr. Reshmi Naskar

Dept of Mass Communication hosts guest lecture

Department of Mass Communication of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) conducted a guest lecture on ‘The Psychology behind Film Narrative Structure’ for its students on September 17, 2024 at the university campus.

The resource person was Mr. Somdev Chatterjee, an academician and filmmaker associated with the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata.

Mr. Chatterjee introduced the students to the common elements of a story and justified his argument with plethora of instances. He delineated on the concepts of a protagonist in a story, dilemma in a plotline, ideology of expectation and reality in a film, and provided the students with a psychological perspective of films. Using the quote of Muriel Rukeyser, he explained how the universe is made up of stories and not of atoms.

He elaborated on the various building blocks of a story- sudden reversal of fortune, casual chains connecting events, risks, crises and desires. He also shared examples to explain the various nuances of psychology of storytelling.

The highlights of his lecture were his discussion on the ‘The Door Study’, David Hoffman’s ‘Interface Theory of Perception’ and seductiveness of narratives.

Students of Semester 3 of both undergraduate and postgraduate sections, Dr. Susmita Halder, Dean of Arts and Social Sciences, and other faculty members from the department attended the programme. The programme ended with an interactive session with the students.

Dr. Nitesh Tripathi

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Workshop on “Research Techniques using SPSS”

Fr. Lafont Centre for Excellence in Research and Innovation (LCERI) organised a two-day workshop on “Research Techniques using SPSS” on 7th and 14th September 2024 at the University’s Computer Lab (Room No. 102). Dr. Saugat Ghosh, Assistant Professor at Xavier Business School, served as the resource person for the workshop.

Research Scholars and Faculty Members of SXUK attended the sessions. The workshop introduced the fundamentals of statistical techniques for analysing collected data from various sources using ‘SPSS 24.0’. The workshop significantly benefited the participants by equipping them with practical experience in using the software.

Dr. Soma Sur
Hony. Director, LCERI

XCMS hosts XavUltra Talks 2024

Xavier's Commerce and Management Society (XCMS) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised ‘XavUltra Talks 2024’ on September 13, 2024 at the university campus.

The topic was ‘Why investing in the Stock Market is a must’. A panel discussion on the topic ‘Industry insights for a successful corporate future’ was also held. It aimed at inspiring future professionals and deepening their understanding of corporate dynamics through engaging conversations with industry leaders.

The opening ceremony was graced by Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, SJ, Vice-Chancellor of SXUK; Prof. Ashish Mitra, Registrar; Dr. Anupam Mitra, Dean of Commerce and Management and other faculty members.

The invited speakers were Mr. Vivek Bajaj, Co-founder of StockEdge; Mr. Aswini Bajaj, CEO, Leveraged Growth; Mr. Aadarsh Choudhary, Co-founder of EatVerse; Mr. Harshit Chokhani, COO, EdTech; Ms. Chaitali Das, Director, Rakshak Foundation, and CA Rohit Surana, partner at Tejas Spire LLP.

Mr. Bajaj emphasised the importance of early stock market investments for long-term gains and explained concepts of bull and bear markets and their role in wealth creation. He highlighted emerging trends like tech and sustainability investments, stressing the need for financial literacy among young people. He ended the session by answering audience questions.

Mr. Choudhary discussed Shark Tank challenges and the importance of trust and communication, while Ms. Das highlighted her work with Root to Jute. The panel touched on lifelong learning, mentorship, personal branding, and networking. They advised the audience to seek mentors, stay resilient, build professional networks, and approach tasks creatively.

The discussion concluded by emphasizing lifelong learning, flexibility, unique skills, and building strong connections. The event was a resounding success.

Dr. Mili Kar

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Dept of Mass Communication hosts lecture series

Department of Mass Communication organised special lecture series from September 9 to 12, 2024 at the university campus for its students. The resource person was Prof. Mrinal Chatterjee, Regional Director, Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Eastern India campus.

Prof. Chatterjee took sessions with every semester of the department. He discussed best and quick procedure for writing features, uses of Artificial Intelligence and its uses in writing news stories.

In one of his lecture series, he discussed evolution of comic arts from scrolls to memes, partition films based on various literature and cited various examples.

He also shared ideas of perception management and discussed the role of media. Students found the lecture series highly relevant. The entire programme was coordinated by Prof. Harish Kumar, Head of the department.

Dr. Somak Sen

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Teachers Day Celebration

St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata celebrated Teachers Day on September 5, 2024, to reflect on the immeasurable impact that educators have on students. The programme was graced by Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Rev.Dr.John Felix Raj and other dignitaries.

The Women & Gender Development Cell had hosted earlier an Essay Competition for the undergraduate students entitled “Celebrating the roles and responsibilities of Women Teachers”. under the guidance of Dr. Antara Ghatak. The winners were felicitated by the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor on this day.

Fr.John Felix Raj, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor delivered the key note address on the occasion of teachers day and called upon the teaching community to embrace Ignatian Praxis of context, experience, reflection, action and evaluation to evolve as champions in the field of academics.

Dr.Susmita Haldar, Dr.Tutun Mukherjee and Dr.Souvik Mukherjee shared their insights about the indomitable journey undertaken by them at St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata in preparing young men and women for others as leaders of tomorrow.

The event concluded with a note of gratitude to the teaching fraternity for dedicating their lives in this noble profession. The programme was anchored by Mario Martin Louis.

Mr. Mario Martin Louis

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Research Development Cell (RDC) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) hosted a special lecture on ‘Research from perception to practice’ on September 3, 2024 at the university campus.

The speaker was Dr. Biswajit Ghosh, Vice Chancellor of the Neotia University. A total number of 80 faculty members and Ph.D. research scholars attended the lecture.

While delivering the inaugural speech, Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor of SXUK said, “A researcher should be aware of any potential conflict of interests. Research serves as a foundation for evidence-based decision-making, promoting innovation, and fostering continuous improvement in professional practices.” “This special lecture aims to enrich the system of critical thinking and cognitive skills,” he added.

Dr. Ghosh vividly explained the concept of research. He said, “Research is a systematic process of collecting and analyzing information and data in order to increase one’s understanding of the phenomenon about which he is concerned or interested.” While narrating the criteria for quality research, he emphasized the role of research in decision-making. He also deliberated on detailed analysis of different types of research, skills for conducting good research, and steps for writing thesis.

Dr. Mononita Kundu Das
Director, RDC and Professor, Xavier Law School

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Faculty of Science of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) hosted a five-day international online lecture series, XAVTECH from September 2 to 6, 2024 at the university campus.

The event aimed to explore the latest innovations and dynamic changes in various fields by bringing together experts, thought leaders, and passionate individuals committed to driving change. XAVTECH provided a unique platform for students, researchers, and professionals to engage with renowned experts from diverse disciplines, fostering a deeper understanding of cutting-edge developments.

The series started with a warm welcome address by Dr. Tuhin Utsab Paul, Dean, Faculty of Science. He underscored the importance of the event in connecting experts and innovators across the globe, highlighting how such interactions could inspire participants to drive innovation in their respective fields. His opening remarks set the tone for the week, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and collaboration in today’s rapidly evolving world.

Eminent academicians like Dr. Diptangshu Pandit from Teesside University, UK; Dr. Samiran Sinha from the Texas A&M University, USA, Dr. Debanjan Bhattacharya from the Utah Valley University, USA; Dr. M. Shamim Kaiser from the Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh, Sudhahar T., CEO of Vilimbu LLC, California, USA and Dr. Thippa Reddy Gadekallu, Senior Member of IEEE and Chief Engineer at Zhongda Group, China were the invited speakers.

The lecture details included topics like influence of game development in contemporary society, complexities of statistical analysis, mathematical modeling of population dynamics and its applications in different fields, transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT) and implementation of Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), etc. Students found the sessions highly enriching.

Dr. Mrinmoyee Bhattacharya

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Xavecos hosts debate competition

Xavecos, the Economics society of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata organised an intra- departmental debate competition on August 30, 2024 at the university campus.

Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of SXUK delivered the inaugural speech.

Students from the undergraduate and postgraduate sections of the Department of Economics participated in the event. Each speaker was allotted three minutes to speak on the topic.

Shinjini Banerjee, a postgraduate student of first semester and Sounak Halder, an undergraduate student of third semester emerged as best speakers for the motion and against the motion, respectively.

Srijita Ghosh

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Xavier Law School (XLS) hosted an academic competition on August 30, 2024 at the university campus.

Atleast 150 students from seven distinguished schools, namely Narayana School, Park Circus; St. Xavier's School, Sahibganj; Claret School, Sahanagar; Auxilium Convent School, Barasat; Our Lady Queen of the Mission School, Salt Lake; Ashok Hall Girls' Higher Secondary School, and Sri Chaitanya Techno School, participated in the event.

The event featured a series of competitions including debate, quizzes, and case studies, designed to challenge students' understanding of legal knowledge. The competition provided a platform for students to engage in meaningful discussions, explore different viewpoints, and deepen their understanding of the legal field.

Mr. Ajitesh Prasad

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St. Xavier's University, Kolkata (SXUK) hosted a workshop on decision-making strategies on August 30, 2024 at the university campus.

The topic of the workshop was ‘Navigating Career Choices: Effective Decision-Making Strategies’. It was organised for 28 students of Class XII from St. Xavier's School, Sahibganj, who visited the SXUK campus.

The workshop provided a comprehensive overview of various career opportunities, covering both traditional and emerging fields. Students were guided on how to make informed career decisions, emphasizing self-assessment, research, and the importance of seeking mentorship.

The session concluded with an interactive session where students received personalized advice, helping them gain clarity and confidence in their future career choices.

Mr. Ajitesh Prasad

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Department of Mass Communication of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) hosted the info-cultural meet on August 29, 2024 at the Father Albert Huart Hall in the university campus.

The event took place to foster a spirit of camaraderie among new and old students of the department who also showcased their diverse cultural talents.

Dr. Susmita Halder, Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Studies delivered the inaugural speech. Swastika Moulik, a student of BA, semester 5 of the department, performed the role of anchor. She emphasised the importance of cultural events in creating a vibrant and cohesive academic community.

A panel discussion on the bandwagon effects of social media took place. It was hosted by Debdyuti Sarkar, a student of BA semester 5. The event witnessed spontaneous participation of students from all semesters of the department. Events like musical acts, dance performances and one minute to fame also took place.

The event witnessed the participation of all students of undergraduate section of the department and its faculty members. Dr. Harish Kumar, Head of the Department of Mass Communication, coordinated the event.

Dr. Harish Kumar

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WGDC hosts essay competition

The Women and Gender Development Cell (WGDC) of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised an essay competition on August 23, 2024 at the university campus. The topic was ‘Celebrating roles and responsibilities of women teachers.’

All the undergraduate students of first semester participated in the event. The winners were felicitated by Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, SJ, Vice-Chancellor of SXUK on September 5, 2024 while celebrating the Teachers’ Day.

WGDC aims to understand and progressively engage the students with issues of gender as a social location and create an enabling environment for the stakeholders of the university.

Dr. Antara Ghatak

Department of Social Work of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) celebrated the fifth National Social Work Week 2024 on August 20, 2024 at the university campus. The theme was ‘School Social Work: Opportunities and Challenges.’

The programme started with a discussion on the film namely ‘Tare Zameen Par’ and role of Aamir Khan, the lead actor in that film as an empathetic teacher who was found trying to help a student, his parents, and the school management in understanding the needs of the special child.

The event also witnessed the discussion on the importance of school social workers, its concept and beginning, importance of school social work services, challenges faced, and the effects of the New Education Policy, 2020 (NEP).

Students also presented a skit entitled ‘Thank You Ma'am’ showcasing the necessity of social workers in schools.

Dr. Rupa Biswas

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Department of Mass Communication of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) in association with St. Xavier’s University Kolkata Alumni Association, celebrated World Photography Day on August 19, 2024 at the university campus.

The department also organised a photography workshop and exhibition cum competition on the same day. The events aimed to cultivate the skills of budding photographers, provide them with hands-on experience, and offer a platform to showcase their creative talents. Students of different departments of SXUK and other colleges and universities participated in the event.

The workshop was conducted by Mr. Anindo Basu, an expert from Canon. The workshop covered a wide range of topics, including basics of photography, composition, lighting, framing, and more advanced techniques. The workshop also emphasised the importance of storytelling through images, encouraging participants to think beyond technicalities and focus on the message behind their photographs.

The interactive nature of the workshop allowed students to engage directly with the expert, asking questions and receiving personalized feedback. Practical sessions were also organized where participants could apply the techniques learned and receive guidance on improving their shots.

The photography exhibition cum competition took place in the Hall of Fame of the Arrupe building. The exhibition featured a diverse range of photographs, showcasing the themes of monsoon life, cityscape, and street life at night. At the closing ceremony, the winners of the competition received certificates and mementos.

Asok Dasgupta
Studio Coordinator
Dept of Mass Communication

Philanthropy Day at SXUK

St. Xavier's University Kolkata Alumni Association (SXUKAA) celebrated Philanthropy Day on August 23-24, 2024, marking the 70th birthday of its President, Fr. John Felix Raj, SJ. This annual event was to honor Fr. Felix Raj's dedication to serving humanity.

This year, Fr. Felix Raj shared his special day with the underprivileged children from neighbouring villages. Students of the Centre for Social Outreach Programme (CSOP), under the patronage of the Alumni Association, organised a Blood Donation Camp and Sishu Mela, featuring game stalls, a tattoo corner, magic and puppet shows.

The children from the villages participated in the mela and performed on stage alongside CSOP volunteers. A total of 227 units of blood were collected during the blood donation camp, making it a resounding success.

SXUKAA felicitated Fr. Felix Raj, and the event concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony. In a heartfelt speech, Fr. Felix Raj expressed his joy and sentiments, thanked the SXUKAA, making it a memorable day for the university community.

On August 26, Fr. Felix Raj sponsored a lunch for 130 inmates of the St. Joseph's Old-age home and spent time with the aged people during lunch.

Sweta Banerjee

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St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) inaugurated its Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Cell, funded and supported by Department of Science, Technology and Bio-technology, Government of West Bengal and also organised a one-day workshop on Intellectual Property Rights on August 23, 2024.

The workshop aimed to educate participants on the importance of protecting, managing, and leveraging intellectual property assets effectively, thereby fostering innovation and ensuring legal compliance across various fields.

While delivering the inauguration speech, Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice-Chancellor, SXUK emphasised the crucial role of intellectual property rights in driving innovation, creativity, and economic growth. He highlighted the need to understand and utilize IP assets in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.

The workshop was designed to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and tools to navigate the complexities of IP law, protect their innovations, and maximize their potential.

Dr. Dipanjan Bhattacharya, Special Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of West Bengal provided a comprehensive overview of protecting, managing, and monetizing intellectual assets such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. He discussed the legal frameworks governing IP, strategies for securing rights, and the importance of IP in fostering competitive advantage. The workshop included three technical sessions.

Dr. Mohua Home Chowdhury, Senior Scientist, Nodal Officer at the Patent Information Centre, Government of West Bengal, elaborated on the profound influence of IP knowledge in empowering participants to safeguard and strategically utilize their intellectual assets, thereby fostering sustainable development and competitive advantage in various industries.

In the next session, Dr. Susil Kumar Mitra, former Dy. Controller of Patents and Design, Government of India and Professor of Practice, SXUK discussed how fostering innovation and creativity in academia through IP can empower students and faculty to protect and commercialize their ideas, ultimately enhancing the academic institution's impact on society.

The final session was chaired by Dr. Paramita Saha, Scientist, Nodal Officer at the Patent Information Centre, Government of West Bengal. She explored IPR cases and patentability assessments, discussing the criteria for determining whether an invention qualifies for patent protection.

Dr. Tuhin Utsab Paul

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St. Xavier's University, Kolkata (SXUK) in collaboration with Alliance Alliance Française du Bengale, has commenced the Beginners Level French Course (Level A1.1) classes for its students in the university campus from August 20, 2024.

Fifteen students of this university have enrolled in this course. Eminent and experienced faculty members are taking classes. Proper study materials are being provided to the students besides classroom lectures and demonstrations.

The classes are being held within the university’s working hours. Students will be awarded with certificates on the successful completion of the course.

Dr. Manali Bhattacharya

St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) and Don Bosco International Media Academy, Paris (DBIMA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on August 19, 2024 at the university campus.

Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of SXUK and Fr. John Paul Swaminathan, CEO, DBIMA signed the MoU.

This endeavour will pave the way for running collaborative courses, and organising various academic, cultural and research initiatives between the two institutions.

Dr. Manali Bhattacharya

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Department of Psychology of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) hosted a one-day seminar at the university campus on August 12, 2024. The theme was ‘Mindfulness and Mental Health’.

Dr. Pallavi Banerjee, a consultant psychotherapist and mindfulness practitioner, was the guest speaker in the seminar.

Dr. Banerjee elucidated the study of mindfulness from various perspectives and reflected on the Buddhist view of mindfulness in her lecture. She gave a live demonstration of mindfulness meditation and contemplation for the audience.

A total of 250 students from the department attended the seminar. The programme concluded with an interactive session with the students.

Dr. Soma Pramanik

Xavier Business School, St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, proudly launched its 2-Year MBA (Executive) Programme on August 17, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the university's history. The inauguration ceremony was graced by Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, SJ, Vice-Chancellor of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, along with Prof. Ashis Mitra, Registrar of the University, and Dr. Sitangshu Khatua, Dean of Xavier Business School.

In his welcome address, Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, SJ, expressed his enthusiasm about the launch of this new programme. He stated, "Today is an important day in the history of our university as we launch this MBA (Executive) Programme. This initiative not only broadens our academic offerings but also strengthens our commitment to providing quality education that meets the evolving needs of working professionals. The rich corporate experience that this new batch of executives brings to our campus will also benefit our regular MBA students, creating an enriching environment for all."

The 2-Year MBA (Executive) Programme has been meticulously designed to cater to the needs of working professionals who wish to enhance their careers without compromising their current job responsibilities. The programme offers a flexible schedule with classes held on weekends—Saturdays and Sundays—allowing participants to balance their work and academic commitments effectively.

The launch of the MBA (Executive) Programme is a significant step forward for St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata as it continues to expand its academic portfolio and reinforce its position as a leader in business education.

Prionkur Bose

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St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) celebrated the 78th Independence Day on August 15, 2024 at the university campus in the presence of all Jesuit Fathers, Sisters, faculty members, officers, non-teaching staff members and students.

Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of SXUK hoisted the National Flag while the audience performed the National Anthem collectively.

In his Independence Day speech, Father Raj said, “The 78th Independence Day of India marks the triumph of our nation's struggle for freedom, self-determination, and the ever-alive spirit of our people.”

He continued, “We stand here today, Brothers and Sisters, before the Tiranga and remember the sacrifices of our freedom fighters, who bravely fought against oppression and injustice. We honour their legacy and the values they instilled in us, as represented by the tricolour – truth, courage, resilience, integrity, harmony and unity.”

Father Raj further added, “The voice of freedom calls us to embrace the diversity that makes our nation strong and to stand up against inequality, injustice, and discrimination. Let us be the change-makers, innovators, entrepreneurs, risk-takers, and problem-solvers, our country needs.”

While concluding, Father Raj advised, “Let us recommit ourselves to the principles of justice, equality, and freedom. Let us work together to build a nation where every individual has access to quality education, opportunities, and the chance to succeed.”

The celebration was followed by a high tea. Mr. Mario Martin Louis was the coordinator of the entire programme.

Mario Martin Louis

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Fr. Arrupe Central Library of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata organized the XAVERIAN ACADEMIC BOOKFEST 2024 on August 12 and 13, 2024 in the Hall of Fame of Arrupe Central Library.

Rev. Fr. Dr. John Felix Raj, SJ, Honourable Vice-Chancellor inaugurated the book exhibition. In this bookfest, textbooks and reference books of English literature, Commerce, Management, Economics, Social Work, Mass Communication, Law, Computer Science, Statistics, Psychology, Fiction, Novels, etc were displayed.

All faculty members, research scholars, university staff, and students visited the bookstalls. Twenty-six book distributors/publishers displayed around 15,180 titles in the bookfest.

Dr. Stephen. G
Assistant Librarian and Convener of XABF 2024

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Anti-Ragging Awareness Week is observed annually at St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata, to raise awareness about the harmful effects of ragging and to promote a safe and supportive environment for students. This year, the Anti-Ragging Committee organized a 'Short Essay Competition' and a 'Poster Design Competition' for SXUK students to observe the 'Anti-Ragging Awareness Week' from 12th to 18th August, 2024.

A total of 20 students participated in the 'Short Essay Competition,' and 12 students participated in the 'Poster Design Competition.' The submitted essays and posters were evaluated based on objective criteria by two separate teams of teachers and officers. Participation certificates were awarded to all participants. The best short essay and poster have been sent to the press for publication in the university magazine, (Xaverianum 2024). It has been decided that Rev. Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J, the Honourable Vice-Chancellor of the university, will hand over the cash prizes and certificates to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd position holders of each competition on 8th February, 2025, during the University Foundation Day ceremony.

Dr. Tanmay K. Pal

Department of Mass Communication of the St. Xavier's University, Kolkata (SXUK) conducted a guest lecture on Sports Journalism and its different avenues on August 8, 2024 at the university campus.

The resource person was Mr. Amitabha Das Sharma, an eminent journalist and Senior Assistant Editor at The Hindu, a noted English daily.

Mr. Das Sharma introduced the students to the concept of sports journalism and explained the roles of a sports reporter. He also discussed different media available for sports journalism e.g. print, digital platforms, websites, blogs, and e-papers.

Mr. Das Sharma spoke about the structure and role of sport department in a print media organisation and helped students understand the industrial scenario.

He said, "I have spent 26 years in The Hindu and I am learning every day." He further elaborated, "At the earlier days, there was a separate section of proofreading. Nowadays, reporters write stories and complete the proofreading from their end.”

He also gave light on various international news agencies like Press Trust of India, Reuters, Associated Press, Deutsche Presse-Agentur, and Agence France-Presse and their role in promoting sports journalism. He shared a lot of future opportunities in sports journalism.

An interactive session also took place at the end. Dr. Somak Sen coordinated the entire event.

Anushka Chatterjee
MA Sem 3, Dept of Mass Communication

Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Science of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) organised a guest lecture session on August 7, 2024.

The topic was ‘Unleashing AI in the ICE Age of Software’. The resource person was Dr. Novarun Deb from University of Calgary, Canada.

Dr. Deb focused on the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in software development through the ICE framework— Intents, Contexts, and Emotions. He explained how AI enhances software by figuring out what users want based on their actions, using real time data to provide relevant responses, and recognizing users' emotions to make interactions more personal and effective.

The seminar featured a case study on navigation systems, showcasing AI's profound impact on software functionality and user experience, highlighting the need for its integration in modern software development.

The seminar was concluded by an interactive session. Students found the session highly enriching.

Afsana Zeba Yasmin
M.Sc. in Computer Science
Semester III