From individuals to a network of engaged individuals

www.jaaindia.com
e d i to r @ j a a i n d i a . c o m

Newsletter of Jesuit Alumni Associations of India (JAAI)

Content
From the Editors Desk......................................................................................3
Jesuit Alumni towards Vibrant India...............................................................4
Glimpses from National Congress 2014..........................................................5
Jesuit Alumni: Common Minimum Programme (CMP)...................................6
Meet the New Governing Council.....................................................................7
A chat with Fr Norbert Menezes SJ..................................................................9
Message from Fr.Sunny Jacob SJ..................................................................10
From Nostalgia to Action by Francis Dsilva..................................................11
Jesuit Networking.............................................................................................13
Networks and the Jesuit Mission by Dani Villanueva SJ..............................14
Faces in Our Midst Fr. Dr. Gerard Van Walleghem SJ..............................15
News Snippets from across JAAI...................................................................16

GOT A STORY TO TELL OR NEWS TO SHARE ?

Editor: John Neelankavil
Email: editor@jaaindia.com
Website: www.jaaindia.com
Editorial Office: St.Xavier's College, Room No.5, 30 Park Street, Kolkotta 700016

Voice of JAAI
June 2015

Volume VII Issue #1

From the Editors Desk

Dear Friends,
201 4-1 5 has been a year of change.
Fr.Norbert Menezes, S.J., our National Advisor and Secretary of Jesuit Educational
Association (JEA) has moved on after more than 1 0 years in the position. We had
the opportunity of a chat with him that is carried in this issue. A must read for all who
are serious about building the JAAI organisation to greater heights. On behalf of
JAAI we express our gratitude to him for all the guidance and support over the
years.
Fr. Sunny Jacob, S.J., has taken over the position as the Secretary of JEA and as
the National Advisor of JAAI; a hearty welcome to him. He seems eager to plunge into the thick of things.
We have the benefit of a preview of his crystal-clear-thinking evident in the article (in this newsletter) that
he submitted, promptly, on a telephonic request.
Fr. Edward Mudavassery, S.J. has also handed over the reins of the position of POSA (Provincial Of
South Asia) to Fr. George Pattery, S.J. We are grateful to the outgoing POSA for being a wonderful
ambassador of the Jesuit Alumni movement (a phase borrowed from Shapath Shah). We welcome and
look forward to meeting and interacting with the incoming POSA soon.
The new Governing Council has also been elected as was due, as per the 3 year cycle. The (immediate
past president) Mr.Naresh Gupta has handed over the reins to Mr. Shapath Shah, who is ably assisted
by Anil Chugh as the Secretary and other office bearers and GC members. Refer the page on
the new GC in this newsletter.
This issue of Voice of JAAI has excellent contributions from www.jesuitnetworking.org which will help
increase our exposure to global views. JAAI has also got a new website www.jaaindia.com with news
from all provinces being put up as and when it is reported. The news is still news when uploaded.
Read the news pages in this newsletter, to reminisce some of them. Such prompt website reporting,
allows the reduction in the frequency of this Newsletter. It is indeed humbling to see the fervour and
rigour of some of the activities in the various provinces of JAAI. However there are also many
associations who are not reporting or are not reporting it as frequently. It is a humble request that all
PCAs as well as the Zonal Presidents and Secretaries (as was discussed in the last GC meeting) should
ensure that the reports of activities are sent regularly of all associations. The reports that you send,
inspire others to involve themselves and also take up new activities. Hence it is equally important to
report an activity as much as carrying it out. Once the comprehensive reporting is achieved and the
internet penetration is more widespread, it is our hope that this newsletter as we know it will soon be
obsolete.
We request you to send in your suggestions/new ideas to make the website more interactive and useful
in serving the objective of disseminating the information about JAAI, while attracting more member
associations and individual alumni/alumna into the fold of JAAI. Please also send your suggestions/
reports (short synopsis on activities) to editor@jaaindia.com (or the jaaigc google group email id) along
with one or maximum 2 photos. We look forward to a greater participation and a more vibrant JAAI.
On behalf of the editorial team,
John Neelankavil

Jesuit Alumni towards Vibrant India

by Conrad Gonsalves

JAAI National Congress, Ahmedabad, 4th and 5thJanuary 2014

Keynote speaker Dr Sudershan Iyengar Vice Chancellor of Gujarat Vidhyapeeth focused on

the importance of every person to be the change
The key focus areas of the conference were Sustainable Development by
keynote speaker Mr Kartikey Sarabhai,
Woman Empowerment and Social Responsibility by keynote speakers Ms.
Rita Kothari, Ms. Swati Gautam Fr. Jimmy Dabhi sj and Networking by
keynote speaker Mr Dinesh O Shah.
Delegate deliberated in Zonal Groups on the areas of focus
A large and diverse group like JAAI would have varying priorities. Yet it is
importance for collective efficacy to have a common vision. The presentations and group
discussions point out to the need to prioritize three areas of focus:
The first is our responsibility to Society and the priority that JAAI should commit to is the
Empowerment of Women
The next is our responsibility to the Earth and the Environment. Finally the third is to build
teams and encourage collaboration
METHODOLOGY

These can be achieved through three means:

First, at a personal level, since every person is important and it is important that every person
be the change, individual alumni should commit to sharing time and expertise to address these
areas of priority.
At the JAAI team levels, it is noted that it is important to involve younger members to be part of
this initiative.
Finally it is necessary to use new networking technologies in our work. This will also make it
attractive for younger alumni to participate.

Conrad Gonsalves is an alumnus of St. Stanislaus High School

Bandra. He is cofounder at DLLD Design Learning Living
Direction and Principal at Conrad Gonsalves & Associates

Glimpses from Ahmedabad National Congress 2014

Jesuit Alumni: Common Minimum Programme (CMP)

by Fr.

Norbert Menezes, S.J.

During the Open Forum Session of the West Zone Congress, 1 4-1 5
October 2006 at St. Vincents High School Pune, where apprehensions
about the implementation of plans were strongly articulated, Fr. Norbert
Menezes, S.J., National Advisor, enunciated a Common Minimum
Programme for all the Jesuit Alumni Associations as an antidote for these
apprehensions. They were simple, down to earth, ensuring vibrancy in the
alumni associations. The five points were:
1.

2.
3.
4.

5.

We ensure that our association has its Annual Get-together for its
members. The primary objectives this annual get-together are: Fostering and nurturing
fellowship and friendships among the members; Connectivity between the members
and the current Staff and Jesuits; Sharing and Reporting of the alumni activities; and
Approval of Accounts and Plans.
We strive to organize three batch-wise get-togethers (5-1 0-1 5 years of leaving school)
to promote healthy active involvement of members in the association and build synergy
through the giftedness of the members for the enhancement of their professional and
personal lives.
We plan to conduct one/ two school activities especially for the outgoing batch, so that a
relationship is established between the alumni members and the school students and
Staff.
We chalk a need- based concrete project on Water so that the Jesuit Alumni makes a
positive contribution for the societys better tomorrow in terms of alleviating the
sufferings of the poor and ensuring human survival for the next generations by water
harvesting and
preservation, reuse and recycle of water, and other means for
enhancement of ground level water.
We strategize enrolment of new members in the association so that there is a greater
impact of all the endeavours of the association.

Fr. Norbert also exhorted the members to consider the following suggestions

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Every Jesuit Alumni Association has its own Constitution so that it works as a
responsible, independent, registered body with Jesuit Fathers as Ex-Officio members.
The Association is accountable to the Alma Mater and the general public.
Our Alumni Associations seek ways and means to generate funds to support its projects
and activities. Explore possibilities of some joint activities with the Alma Mater.
Encourage Chapters of the association in towns where there are sizeable number of
members and furnish the list of members of these Chapters to the National Council for
better coordination of Metros Activities.
We make use of modern technology for better communication through dynamic website,
group email Ids, etc.
For better implementation of plans, we network and evolve platforms for public
advocacy on important human issues.

Governing Council: 20142017

Shapath Shah

President

Eugene Herbert

Asst. Secretary

Dr.Devendra Singh

Vice-President

Ravin Roy

Treasurer

George Pattery SJ

Ronald D'costa

Santhosh Rollands

Permanent Invitee

Conrad Gonsalve

Special Invitee

WUJA

Special Invitee

Neel Mani Rangesh

S Chenthil Kumar

Anil Chug

Brijraj Singh

John Neelankavil

Sunny Jacob SJ

Naresh K.Gupta

Krishna Kumar Vijh

Robert Slattery SJ

K. K. Kanoi

Santosh Agarwal

Vice-President

Asst. Treasurer

WUJA

Special Invitee

Vice-President

Editor & Webmaster

WUJA

Secretary

Jesuit Advisor

Special Invitee

Financial Advisor

Central Zone

Rajiv Talwar

Council Member

Fr. Jesu Beni SJ

Province Coordinator

Fr. Pradeep Shail SJ

Fr. Victor Misquith SJ

Province Coordinator

Province Coordinator

Fr.Nabor Lakra SJ

Province Coordinator

Fr. Athnas Lakra SJ

Province Coordinator

North Zone

Gopal P Gupta

Council Member

Fr. Philip Abraham SJ

Province Coordinator

Dr. S.S. Ranawat

Council Member

Fr. Felix Raj SJ

Province Coordinator

Fr. Santy Mathew SJ

Province Coordinator

Fr. Ravi John SJ

Province Coordinator

B. Arockaisamy S.J

Province Coordinator

South Zone

M. Srinivasa Reddy

Council Member

S. Mariadoss SJ

Province Coordinator

Ramaswamy

Council Member

D. Showraiah SJ

Denzil Lobo SJ

Province Coordinator

Province Coordinator

Jose Mathew SJ

Province Coordinator

Fr. J Keneddy SJ

Province Coordinator

West Zone

Colin Savio Coelho

Council Member

Bobby Jacob

Council Member

Evarist Newnes SJ

Province Coordinator

Mario Fernandes SJ

Province Coordinator

Simon D'Mello SJ

Province Coordinator

Fernand Durai SJ

Province Coordinator

A chat with Fr. Norbert Menezes SJ

Fr.Norbert Menezes sj has been the guiding light of JAAI as its National
Advisor since its inception for over 1 0 years now. He has been
instrumental (along with a few other stalwarts) in shaping it from a
fledgling start-up to the now well-structured and active organisation that it
is. He has now handed over the reins of the position of National Advisor
JAAI to Fr.Sunny Jacob sj.
For the Newsletter team, it was an opportune time to hear his thoughts of
the past as well as for the future. In this chat on the side-lines of the GC
meeting at St.Xaviers College, Kolkotta, we covered a lot of ground,
however due to paucity of space, what we have here are the essence of
his views. Here they are, in his words.
My Alumni Compass

Through my interactions, interventions, messages, meetings, etc. I have tried to reinforce

the four pillars of lifelong learning, namely being, knowing, doing and living together. In
doing so, enhance growth in competence.
For me, competence is not merely limited understanding the world and know how to
solve problems and confront challenges, but having the will to transform the world and
the reality we live with an authentic human response.
This has to facilitate various outreach activities of the alumni.
Each of us needs to grow in empathy, to develop a compassionate heart that is able to
feel for people, if possible, to be with people in their pain. In our professional capacity we
manifest compassion through love, reconciliation, forgiveness, fellowship, etc.
Gradually our Jesuit alumni endeavour is shifting to get the community/world to be more
humane, more just, more equitable, more transparent, and more environmentally
friendly.

Way Forward: (A distilled ActionPlan)

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Our GC and local associations need to have periodic formation programmes on

Jesuit legacy so that we can redefine and deepen our purpose as Jesuit alumni.
Our Zonal Executive Bodies need strengthening to promote growth in the provinces
and zone. Hence there is a need for frequent virtual meetings and Action-TakenReports (ATRs).
Greater interactions between the PCA and the Executive Body of local alumni
association.
Richer associations should twin and develop poorer associations within the province.
Each association should develop more tangible connections with out-going students
of their alma-mater.
An aggressive drive should be launched to publish e-directory of every alumni
association.
Ensure younger members are involved as office bearers and/or active committee
members at the local/zonal/national level.
Encouraging, show-casing pro-bono services of alumni members so that
communities of different expertise can serve the poor and society.
Every alumnus/alumna periodically read the book, Staying Connected & Being
Radiant and develops strategies to contribute and network at the national and global
level.
9

Message from Fr Sunny Jacob SJ

Dear Esteemed Alumini,
Warm greetings to all!
I am extremely glad to associate with Jesuit Alumni Association. I am a teacher,
that too a Jesuit teacher. We, Jesuits, always try to translate the vision and
Mission of the Society of Jesus in and through our teaching profession and
through the running of our schools and colleges. And I am glad that I have an
opportunity to associate with the products of such Jesuit schools all over India
Jesuit Advisor through JAAI. I am sure together we can make it better for the nation and the
world at large.
at JAAI
The recently concluded SIPEI meeting in Spain upheld the objective of Jesuit Education as
making men and women of Conscience, Competence, Compassion and Commitment. In fact Fr.
Arrupe in 1 973 expressed this idea in his exhortation. He said our aim is to make Men and
women for others and with others. Fr. Kolvenbach in his letter in 1 993 said, our aim is to form
men and women of conscience, competence, and compassionate commitment. Later on the
Present General, Fr. Adolfo Nicholas has unpacked the meaning of the four Cs and their
contribution to the vision of the human excellence we offer to our students.*
Conscience, because in addition to knowing themselves, thanks to developing their ability to
internalize and cultivate a spiritual life, they have a consistent knowledge and experience of
society and its imbalances.*
Competent, professionally speaking, because they have an academic background that exposes
them to advances in science and technology.
Compassionate, because they are able to open their hearts to be in solidarity with and assume
the suffering of others.
Committed, because, being compassionate, they honestly strive toward faith, and through
peaceful means, work for social and political transformation of their countries and social
structures to achieve justice.*
In the Global arena and in our South Asian context these four Cs are more relevant than before.
As persons of Conscience we must look at the world, with the eyes of our Creator, to discover
the goodness and beauty of all. By doing so, the existence of ours will be justified. By being
persons of Competence in our times we can understand and using our knowledge and skills, can
transform the context. By being Compassionate persons we can move from charity to a sense of
justice and solidarity with people who unjustly suffer. By being Committed persons we can work
more and more as a global network to respond to challenge that is really global in its roots,
impact and solution.*
I wish if we can lead by examples of the 4 Cs, that will be a great contribution. Ours is a big
network, a global force, in fact. Let us pledge that we will imbibe the true spirit of Jesuit
Education and impart them, in turn, to all. *
Wish you all the best! May God Bless you all!
Sunny Jacob SJ
JEA Secretary South Asia
National Advisor of JAAI
10

From Nostalgia to Action

by Francis Dsilva

From individuals in an association to a network of engaged individuals

Most of us knows what a bank does, or a car manufacturer or a telecom

operator - more or less. But what does an alumni association do? Why does
it exist?
Some years ago, while building stanislites.org we asked this question. I
scanned websites of alumni associations in India and abroad. I found a
pattern of 'remembering the past', 'growing the network' or "giving back" as
the reason to exist. Almost all alumni associations had some ties to the
school and some annual celebration -- a ball, a reunion dinner or a picnic. The ties to the
school varied in extent and depth; some provided newsletters, some sold memorabilia, while
some raised funds for projects and one even had an angel investor program. Few acted as an
extension of the institution - working with management to drive the vision of the institution.
In a world of 24/7 activities and an unending stream of responsibilities vying for personal
attention, I believe alumni will participate in reunions and celebrations S up to a point. After
having indulged in back-slapping, table-pounding reunions, the network will have to grow
through meaningful activities. Without such activities, rekindled friendships will continue 'offline'
without the alumni association; others may focus on batch-wise groups on Whatsapp or
Google and a lot will be forgotten.
So, what should an alumni association be? I

see it as an extension of the school; working

closely with the other extension - the Parent-Teacher Association. These are similar
associations with different focus - ex-students driven by nostalgia and a long term perspective;
parents with a focus on the duration of their childrens term in school and an operative
perspective on the now and near future.
In the age of social networks, crowdsourcing and crowdfunding, the Jesuit alumni and their
global reach have a unique opportunity to transform education to drive learning and
understanding at all arenas of society.

Here are some thoughts on what an alumni association could do: Run a mentorship
programme that supports deserving students particularly those who are economically
challenged. Such a mentorship programme could include a scholarship programme that can
start by guiding students preparing for graduation. And then link to mentors in other institutions
and even ally with professional networks. Run a social engagement programme that
engages students, staff and the local community into taking a more active role in exploring and
understanding society. Applying what one learns to practical use. Working with other forums
and association - and evolve the mentorship programme into a venture programme for social
businesses? Run a faculty development programme that provides teaching and nonteaching staff with insights from other work settings. Working together to improve their
pedagogical and managerial skills. Alumni who are in the education industry themselves could
help create a knowledge-exchange network. Teaching new skills from personal time
management to business management; from science and engineering to politics and
governance.
11

From Nostalgia to Action

by Francis Dsilva

Support an infrastructure programme that creates

and implements ideas (in the institution)

that create a better learning and working environment. Particularly leveraging digital
technologies and global programmes like Internet.org to help institutions reach a wider
audience - while actually increasing the quality of education and enriching the learning
experience.
First, it is important to clarify that an alumni assocaition can only support the institution, it
cannot run such initiatives on its own. Ultimately the instituion must decide how alumni can
help - be it in an advisory capacity, fund-raising or even project execution.
These initiatives are large containers for individual ideas - ideas that alumni can shape with
their alma mater and reach out to other associations for inspiration and collaboration. It is very
likely one will find other alumni who share similar ideas. Ideas that can be a source for
Kickstarter-like projects.
Not many commercial educational institutions can match the human capital of the Jesuit
alumni network. In such a network, ideas are copy/pastable. The key is sincere collaboration
and a transparent mode of operations. The Jesuit alumni network is far-reaching and diverse and a great way to create value from nostalgia and contribute to transforming our societies.
JAAI can make a unique value contribution to spearhead equitable and quality education for
all. And ultimately, transform education and learning to drive growth across the breadth and
length of India. We start with baby steps and then take strides.
Francis D'Silva is an alumnus of St Stanislaus High School and St
Xaviers College in Mumbai. He is a Senior Principal with Accenture
Digital (Nordics). He lives in Oslo, Norway with his wife and two
sons. Twitter: @francisds

12

Jesuit Networking

COMMUNICATE | RESEARCH | COLLABORATE

Jesuit Networking is an international initiative to support the
emergence of collaborative bottomup innovation for the universal
Mission within the Jesuit apostolic body. We focus on the promotion

and fostering of international connections and projects among individuals

and institutions in order to:
1.

Promote the topic of collaboration through networking among individual Jesuits,

institutions, and collaborators, systematizing related information and advancing network
thinking within the Jesuit apostolic body.

2.

Accompany and foster initiatives of Jesuit international networking, recruiting pioneers,

promoting initiatives and researching current experiences.
The project started after the 1 st international conference on Jesuit International
Networking held at Boston College on April 201 2. You can see here the history of Jesuit
Networking and download the main documents on the topic.

Our Vision is

to be the referent for international networking initiatives within the Jesuit world.
Anyone interested in global collaborative initiatives will find the latest information,
documentation, systematization, research, and potential offers for international joint ventures
on our platform and channels. Jesuit Networking will expand and offer general topics and also
give access to communities of practice with specific apostolic horizons where one can learn
and discuss new possibilities for wider apostolic missions.
We develop this project through three main lines of action
1.
Communicate. To mainstream the topic of collaboration through networking using social
media channels, papers and publications, generating common references for Jesuit
network thinking.
2.

Research. We are launching an academic team to study, systematize and accompany

current experiences of Jesuit international networking through research and
documentation.

3.

Collaborate. A digital collaborative platform is being developed in order to recruit Jesuit

network weavers, so new ideas and current initiatives could be gathered in a Jesuit
hub which will be open to new actors.

Learn more at http://jesuitnetworking.org

Promoting collaboration through networking

13

Networks and the Jesuit Mission

by Dani Villanueva SJ
Some believe that networks are only operational organizational
structures, but for us, they are above all opportunities to channel a new
culture of collaboration and collective action that help us grow towards
greater achievements in our shared mission. This is precisely the
greatest strategic challenge facing the Jesuits since 2008. After the last
General Congregation, we have strongly promoted the connection
between mission and structures, with the priority being the mission, after
which our structures and modes of action must be designed from a
perspective of reaching greater universality. Jesuit Networking is an initiative trying to prove
that networks are, without a doubt, an interesting answer to our search for structures that work
in service of the universal mission.
And the thing is that once we accept our call to universality and are aware of the
internationality and diversity of our apostolic body, our Ignatian criteria help to transform
organizational structures into a key variable of discernment for the mission. Criteria such as
the urgency or complexity of the problem are valid in and of themselves, but especially the
search for the universal good or the absence of other actors (Constitutions 622-623) point
directly to our dilemma: does the Society of Jesus have the structures necessary to carry out
the mission to which it is called in this new globalized context? This is why collaborative
organizational development and the adaptation of our mission structures are increasingly
critical issues for our apostolic future.
While our concept of mission has increasingly evolved in a more corporate and universal
manner, the structures to implement this mission have not been developed at the same pace.
Since the mid-90s, inter- and supra provincial collaboration and networking are the
organizational challenge through we are trying to bring apostolic structures up to date with the
concept of mission. Therefore, the Jesuit networks can only be understood as a structural
consequence of being a mission-oriented body, and can only be thought of as innovative ways
to respond to new apostolic challenges. If its still not clear: the Jesuits only develop networks
for the good of the mission, and the increased level of networking is the result of our ongoing
apostolic discernment and our primary vocation to universality.
Original Link :

http://jesuitnetworking.org/networks-and-the-jesuit-mission/

Dani Villanueva is a Jesuit in love with technology and networks as

tools for change. Executive Director at Entreculturas - Fe y Alegria
Foundation. Coordinator of the Jesuit Networking Project.
http://danivillanueva.wordpress.com/about-me/

14

The Faces in Our Midst Fr. Dr. Gerard Van Walleghem SJ

A young man who was only 24 when he first came to India, has now spent 63
years in India - arriving in 1 952 - most of it in Darjeeling. He left a luxurious life
in Canada behind, and chose to come and serve people in India, his fate and
our good fortune crossed path, rest as they say is history. This is a simple story
of an extraordinary individual our beloved Fr. Van whose love for Darjeeling
and its people is unmatched.
EARLY CALLING

Born in 1 927 as the 7th son of Mr. Jules and Mrs. Eliza Van Walleghem, into a Belgian family in
Winnipeg, Canada. After schooling there in St. Pauls, in 1 944 he decided to join the Society of Jesus
(SJ). After graduating from the University of Montreal, he dedicated his life to helping the
disadvantaged, by volunteering for service here in Darjeeling.
HIS WORKS

St. Josephs College in North Point - As a teacher, counselor, headmaster, vice-rector, and rector. St.
Alphonsus High School in Kurseong - Head Master.
1 968 Devastating Landslide - Worked tirelessly towards providing relief and rehabilitation. Later formed
one of Darjeelings most iconic social-work organization the Hayden Hall.
1 971 India Pakistan War - Relief efforts in the refugee camps.
1 986-1 989 Gorkhaland Andolan - Provided help, counseling, relief and assisted in provisioning
rehabilitation to thousands.
In 2006, started to build St. Josephs School at Mungpoo - using a very old and traditional building
material Bamboo. The school apart from regular subjects also had courses in beekeeping, bioorganic
farming, planting mushrooms and many more vocations.
Planters Hospital - For the past few years, has been giving spiritual and psychological support to
patients and their families.
He also served as Novice Master as well as PCF and Coordinator for JAAI.
ONE REGRET

At the age of 87 his only regret was that of not being an Indian citizen. It is not that he had not applied,
but every time he did (a total of 1 0 times), it has been rejected. It is a shame that despite his
unmatched love for India and its people, the Govt of India has repeatedly let him down.
HONOURS

In 2002 - University of Manitoba awarded him degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD) honoris causa.
In 2009, the St. Josephs AA felicitated the long and dedicated services of Fr. Van and Fr. Burns.
PRAYERS AND WISHES

Indeed Fr. Van and his love for Darjeeling are second to none. He is the true embodiment of the
Darjeeling Spirit. His selfless service to our community, love, care, compassion and tolerance and his
deep faith in God has helped bring about real change in our lives, for which Darjeeling and its people
will always remain grateful to this humble Son of DarjeelingS
His Janma-bhoomi... might have been CanadaS but he made Darjeeling his Karma-bhoomi
He is a true blue Darjeeling Icon!!
R.I.P. Rev. Fr Dr. Walleghem Gerard Van SJ passed away on 1 st of June, around 07.45am. May the
good Lord grant him eternal rest.
Sursum Corda!!
[Courtesy: Darjeeling Chronicle Excerpts]

15

News Snippets from across JAAI

Activities of Loyola Alumni Association, Jamshedpur
Loyola Alumni Association, Jamshedpurconducts
various programs like Saturday Free Clinic Total nos.
of patients - 4801 in 52 weeks. Medical Camp at
Bamni School, Patamda on 1 4th September 201 4
1 91 patients benefited. LAA has partnered with Tribal
Research Training Centre (TRTC), Chaibasa for
training for underprivileged Tribal students in
Hospitality Management, Automobile Mechanism,
Computer Hardware and plan to add more vocational
training programs. LAA has launched a Medical
Benefit Fund for needy Teachers and Students
Province: Jamshedpur

Hazaribagh Old Xaverians (HOXA) Blood Donation Camp

The Alumni of St Xavier's School Doranda (DOX)
organized a Blood Donation Camp at the School
Premises in collaboration with the Blood Bank of
Guru Nanak Hospital & Research Centre and Anurag
Singh Charitable Trust on Sunday, 1 5th March 201 5.
As many as 80 donors enrolled for donating Blood.
An amazing commitment was shown by Rev. Fr. Ajit
Kumar Xess SJ, Principal, St. Xavier's School,
Doranda, the Vice Principal Rev. Fr. Sanjay Kerketta
SJ, Sister Jyoti, Mrs. Anita Singh and our very own
DOX Members and their friends.
Province: Ranchi

Convergence and Synergy Meet

DORANDA OLD XAVERIANS (DOX), in collaboration
with SPIC-MACAY (The Society for Promotion of
Indian Classical Music, Art and Culture Amongst
Youth) organized a One-Hour Show Titled "DRUMS
OF MANIPUR", followed by the informal
"Convergence and Synergy Meet". This event
showcased the vigorous-yet-classical Manipuri Dance
Form, led by the Ustad Bismillah Khan National
Classical Cultural Awardee "SINAM BASU SINGH"
and his troupe of eight performers.
Province: Ranchi

16

News Snippets from across JAAI

Hosting Belgian youth exchange team members
DOX Members and their families hosted the Youth
Exchange Team members and their Mentor Teachers
at their homes while at Ranchi, during their two-week
trip to India. Dr. Devendra Singh hosted two teachers
Mr. Xavier and Mr. Laurens; while Gaurav
Maheshwari, Mr. Panjwani and Mr. Jasmeet Kalsi, Mr.
Modi and Mr. Chaudhury hosted two students each.
Likewise three more Doranda Old Xaverians hosted
another six Belgian guests.
Province: Ranchi

Doranda Old Xaverians Blood Donation Camp 2015

The Alumni of St Xavier's School Doranda (DOX)
organized a Blood Donation Camp at the School
Premises in collaboration with the Blood Bank of
Guru Nanak Hospital & Research Centre and Anurag
Singh Charitable Trust on Sunday, 1 5th March 201 5.
As many as 80 donors enrolled for donating Blood.
An amazing commitment was shown by Rev. Fr. Ajit
Kumar Xess SJ, Principal, St. Xavier's School,
Doranda, the Vice Principal Rev. Fr. Sanjay Kerketta
SJ, Sister Jyoti, Mrs. Anita Singh and our very own
DOX Members and their friends.
Province: Ranchi

VOBA Blood Donation Drive 2015

VOBA, VINCA and the PTA of St.Vincent's jointly
conducted a very successful Blood Donation drive with
the support of the KEM Hospital Blood Bank. We had
1 02 donors who donated blood.Special thanks to the
PTA and VINCA for their whole hearted support and
participation and VOBA committee members for
helping in organizing the event.
Province: Pune

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News Snippets from across JAAI

APX Republic Day 2015

The Association of Past Xavierites ( APX ), the

alumni/ae association of the St.Xavier's High School,
played a cricket match versus the alumni/ae
association of a leading college in Ahmedabad, on
26th January, after the Flag Hoisting, on the
St.Xavier's High School grounds. This is an annual
event organized jointly by the 2 associations, one year
the match is played on the St.Xavier's grounds, and
the following year on the other Institute's grounds.
Province: Gujarat

Doranda Old Xaverians InterSchool Carnival 2015

The Inter-School Cultural Festival-cum-Carnival 201 5
was held at St. Xavier's School, Doranda, Ranchi on
25 January 201 5 under the joint aegis of the
Management of SXD and the Doranda Old Xaverians
(DOX Alumni Association). 47 Inmates of Loyola High
School, Khunti, a school of the Jesuits located in a
semi-rural locale were provided a Bus Transport
Facility and brought to Ranchi for an EXPOSURECUM-EXCURSION VISIT" on the day of the Carnival.
The Blood Donation Camp was organized parallel to
the Carnival.
Province: Ranchi

8th annual Britto's O.B.A Xmas Dance

The 8th annual Britto's O.B.A Xmas Dance at ALVA
MAR, Parra, with FOREFRONT led by Seby Pinto
and VENTURES led by Malcolm Sequeira was a
grand success. A record 1 24 members attended the
Dance along with their families and friends.The
Britto's O.B.A invests ALL the FUNDS raised at the
annual Xmas Dance into STUDENT WELFARE
through infrastructure and events at St. Britto High
School, Mapusa-Goa, for the benefit of students from
other schools, too
Province: Goa

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News Snippets from across JAAI

Campion Bhopal Golden Jubilee Celebrations
Campion School Bhopal began its Golden Jubilee
celebrations on December 1 , 201 4. Celebration
commenced with a Holy Eucharistic Mass followed by
installation and blessings of the statues of St. Edmund
Campion, S.J., patron saint of the school by Arch
Bishop of Bhopal diocese, Dr. Leo Cornelio, SVD.The
highlight of the day was an impressive Torch Relay the theme was "RUN" FOR GREATER GLORY. 450
young campionites ran with the flaming torch.The Chief
Guest and the Guest of Honour released a
documentary and the Golden Jubilee Anthem.
Province: Madhya Pradesh

APX participates in 80th School Sports Day

The St.Xavier's High School Loyola Hall ( Ahmedabad
) celebrated and held its 80th Sports Day on Sunday,
30th November. Alumni took part in the march past, a
contingent of the members marched alongside the
school dens, and also took part in the cycle race and
1 00 mts. dash, kept aside specially for the alumni/ae
members. Members also join in the practice sessions
along with the school students, almost for a week
before the event in the early mornings. Some
members also were invited to give away prizes.
Province: Gujarat

Don Bosco Panaji wins Goa interschool football

Don Bosco HS, Panaji beat one Jesuit school
[Loyola HS, Margao] via a tie-breaker after a spirited
semi-final match ended in a goal-less draw ...and
beat St. Britto HS, Mapusa, the other Jesuit school
and co-organizer of the tournament named after a
former Superior General of the "Society of Jesus" Fr.
Pedro Arrupe SJ" in a thrilling final by a single goal.
Province: Goa

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News Snippets from across JAAI

Shantiniketan Exstudents Association (SEA) blood donation camp
Shantiniketan Ex-students Association (SEA) also
organized a blood donation camp, a JAAI initiative on
the Shantiniketan High School campus on 2nd October
201 4, 35 units of blood were collected.

Province: Gujarat

Navratri Mahotsav at TEXAS Surat

Over 2000 alumni, students, parents and friends
participated in the NavratriMahotsav organized by The
Ex Xavierites Alumni Association of Surat (TEXAS) at
St. Xavier's High School, Surat on October 1 st and 2nd
201 4. Several competitions were held in various
categories. Organizing an event on such a scale is
very expensive and we are grateful to our alumni who
donated Rs 8 lakhs towards the conducting of the
event. The Chief Guest for the event was the Collector
of Surat. Several dignitaries from the Police, Judiciary,
Education and Municipality also attended the event.
Province: Gujarat

APX Garba Program 2014

The Association of Past Xavierites (APX), the alumni

association of the St.Xavier's High School Loyola hall
Ahmedabad along with the School management
hosted the annual GARBA on the school grounds on
Saturday, September 27th 201 4. Over 11 ,000 revellers
including students, alumni/ae, staff, management and
guests enjoyed this annual event.

Province: Gujarat

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News Snippets from across JAAI

Holy Family High School Porvorim wins QUIZ QUEST 6
Holy Family High School, Porvorim/Soccoro, won the
Valerio Carvalho Memorial Trophy at the QUIZ QUEST
-6 of Britto's O.B.A while Bhatikar Model HS, Margao
was the first Runner-up and St. Britto High School,
Mapusa was the second runner up. The three school
teams can be seen along with the fourth finalists,
Loyola HS, Margao that was the second runner up in
201 3
The Britto's O.B.A Old Boys' Association and St. Britto
High School organized GK Quiz on Goa QUIZ QUEST6 Coordinator Miguel Braganza, Britto's OBA President
Cesar Cabral Principal & HM Fr. Cedric Fernandes SJ
and Vice-Principal Fr. Anand D'Souza SJ.
Province: Goa

The DOX Free Mega Health CheckUp Camp

DORANDA OLD XAVERIANS (DOX)the Alumni
Association of St Xavier's School, Doranda, Ranchi
organized the Free Mega Health Check-up Camp at
the School premises on Sunday, 07.09.201 4 from 9.00
am to 4.00 pm.

Province: Ranchi

The Camp is an Annual Event of DOX, which targets

services to the Outreach Students of the
School(Approximately 600 children from 5 locations,
including the Main Campus of the School), their
parents, family members and neighbours. The
objective of the camp is to create awareness on
Sanitation, Cleanliness and Health.

Loyola Alumni Association gifts school with The School Archive

On the occasion of Teachers Day, Loyola Alumni
Association gifted Loyola School with The School
Archive in the Knowledge Centre and Chronology of
Principals of Loyola since inception i.e since 1 947.
The Archive was inaugurated by Fr. C. L. George SJ,

Province: Jamshedpur

Rector at Loyola School, Jamshedpur The Chronology

of Principals was un veiled by Principal Fr. Sebastian
Puthenpura SJ, Loyola School. Both programs was
attended by Vice Principals Fr. Jason Joshua SJ (Sr.
School), Vice Principal Mrs. Pinky Midha(Jr. School),
Teachers, Sr. Alumni members and the Executive
Committee of Loyola Alumni Association.
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News Snippets from across JAAI

St. Marys SSC win SSESA Independence Day Football 2014
Nine teams from five Jesuit institutions from across the
Jesuit Bombay Province assembled on 1 5th August
201 4 to celebrate Independence Day at St. Stanislaus
High School, Bandra. Flag hoisting and singing of the
national anthem began at 7.30am sharp.
Two teams each from Holy Family, Andheri, St. Marys
SSC, St. Marys ICSE and host St. Stanislaus along
with a team from St. Xaviers College, Mumbai played
in a round robin Independence Day football league.
Five teams played in the A Division and four in the B Division.
Province: Bombay

APX alumni celebrate Independence and Environment day

The Association of Past Xavierites( APX ), the alumni
association of St.Xavier's High School Loyola Hall (
Ahmedabad ) carried out and participated in 2 events.
The tree plantation drive and environment day was
celebrated by the school on 9th Aug, and APX members
participated in this. Students gave a strong eco-social
message through skits and songs. A lecture was delivered
on the importance of this event by the dignitaries present
and saplings were planted. many saplings and trees were
brought to the campus to be planted, generously given by
students, parents, staff and alumnus.
On 1 5th Aug, APX members were present along with the
students, staff and management and guests for the Flag hoisting. After this and the patriotic songs sung
by the students, the annual APX vs the school team football match was staged on the school grounds
Province: Gujarat

BangaBibhusan award to Rev. Fr. Felix Raj

The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee
called up Jesuit Father Felix Raj today who is in New
York to address the Alumni of St. Xavier's and
requested him to return by May 20 to receive the
State's highest award, BANGA BIBHUSAN. The WB
Government decided on Thursday, May 1 5 in a
Cabinet meeting to confer the prestigious award on
Father Felix Raj in recognition of his enormous
contribution to education. The award will be conferred
on May 20th at a public State function in the Science
City auditorium, Kolkata.
Province: Calcutta

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News Snippets from across JAAI

St. Xavier's College Mumbai awarded College of Excellence by the UGC

St. Xavier's College (Autonomous) Mumbai has been awarded the College of Excellence (CE) by
the University Grants Commission for the period April
201 4 to March 201 9. Excellence of an academic
institution involves reaching outstanding levels of
performance in teaching, research and related
academic pursuits and attaining peerless position in
the areas offered for study and research. The College
of Excellence status was awarded based on a score of
more than 3.5 Cumulative Grade Point Average
(CGPA) awarded by the National Assessment and
Accreditation Council.
Province: Bombay

Vocational Training ProgLoyola Alumni Association, Jamshedpur

Nineteen students from TRTC (Tribal Research Training Centre, Chaibasa) on Saturday 8th of
February. These students are from remote villages
undergoing Hospitality training session at TRTC. The
students were given exposure to the working inside
Boulevard Hotel (Courtesy Rony).
They were divided into 3 groups and were taken
around various departments of Boulevard Hotel. It was
a full day session. As discussed with Fr. Ranjit Kindu of
TRTC Chaibasa, we will have students from TRTC who
are undergoing training for Mechanic & Driver. We will
provide them hands on experience at the Service
Centre of our Committee Member Mr. Rajiv Singh.
This program is scheduled for mid-March. Province:
Jamshedpur

C.M Mamta Banerjee lays foundation of new campus

The Chief Minister of West Bengal along with the
Archbishop of Calcutta, Thomas D'Souza, Jesuit
Provincial and the Principal of the College, Father Felix
Raj, laid the foundation for the second campus of St.
Xavier's College and the proposed Unversity of St.
Xavier's Kolkata.

"We never got the opportunity to study in a good

school or college. So what? We have worked hard and
come up to where we are. I still managed to work my
way through Calcutta University, law college and BEd.
But I feel for it (the need for quality education)," the chief minister said with characteristic
candour at the second campus at Rajarhat, New Town.
Province: Calcutta

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Published for and on behalf of Jesuit Alumni Associations of India

a regd body under Sec1 2A of the IT Act 61 , DIT (E)/S-25-BE-236/02-03 dated 29-05-03
by Mr.Shapath Shah - President
Administrative Office of: St.Xavier's College, Room No.5, 30 Park Street, Kolkotta 70001 6
Published at : Mumbai, India
E-mail: editor@jaaindia.com
Not for Commercial Sale. For distribution to Members only

The views expressed in articles in Voice of JAAI are those of contributors and do not
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