Newsletter of Jesuit Alumni Associations of India (JAAI)

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From individuals to a network of engaged individuals

Content

Voice of JAAIJune 2015

Volume VI I Issue #1

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

From the Editor’s 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 D’silva..................................................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 ?

From the Editor’s DeskDear 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 al l who

are serious about building the JAAI organisation to greater heights. On behalf of

JAAI we express our gratitude to him for al l 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 wil l 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 sti l l news when uploaded.

Read the news pages in this newsletter, to reminisce some of them. Such prompt website reporting,

al lows the reduction in the frequency of this Newsletter. I t 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. I t is a humble request that al l

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 al l 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 wil l 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

3

Jesuit Alumni towards Vibrant Indiaby Conrad Gonsalves

JAAI National Congress, Ahmedabad, 4th and 5thJanuary 2014Keynote 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 Responsibi l ity 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 responsibi l ity to Society and the priority that JAAI should commit to is the

Empowerment of Women

The next is our responsibi l ity to the Earth and the Environment. Final ly the third is to build

teams and encourage collaboration

METHODOLOGYThese 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.

Final ly it is necessary to use new networking technologies in our work. This wil l also make it

attractive for younger alumni to participate.

Conrad Gonsalves is an alumnus of St. Stanislaus High SchoolBandra. He is co­founder at DLLD ­ Design Learning LivingDirection and Principal at Conrad Gonsalves & Associates

4

Glimpses from Ahmedabad National Congress 2014

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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. Vincent’s 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 al l 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 . We ensure that our association has its Annual Get-together for its

members. The primary objectives this annual get-together are: Fostering and nurturing

fel lowship 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.

2. 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 l ives.

3. We plan to conduct one/ two school activities especial ly for the outgoing batch, so that a

relationship is established between the alumni members and the school students and

Staff.

4. We chalk a need- based concrete project on ‘Water’ so that the Jesuit Alumni makes a

positive contribution for the society’s better tomorrow in terms of al leviating 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.

5. We strategize enrolment of new members in the association so that there is a greater

impact of al l the endeavours of the association.

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

1 . 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.

2. Our Alumni Associations seek ways and means to generate funds to support its projects

and activities. Explore possibi l ities of some joint activities with the Alma Mater.

3. Encourage Chapters of the association in towns where there are sizeable number of

members and furnish the l ist of members of these Chapters to the National Council for

better coordination of Metros’ Activities.

4. We make use of modern technology for better communication through dynamic website,

group email Ids, etc.

5. For better implementation of plans, we network and evolve platforms for public

advocacy on important human issues.

6

Governing Council: 2014­2017

Shapath ShahPresident

Dr.Devendra Singh

Vice-President

Neel Mani Rangesh

Vice-President

S Chenthil KumarVice-President

Ravin RoyTreasurer

Brijraj SinghAsst. Treasurer

John NeelankavilEditor & Webmaster

Sunny Jacob SJJesuit Advisor

George Pattery SJPermanent Invitee

Ronald D'costaWUJA

Naresh K.GuptaWUJA

Krishna Kumar Vijh

WUJA

Robert Slattery SJ

Special Invitee

Conrad GonsalvesSpecial Invitee

Santhosh Rollands

Special Invitee

K. K. Kanoi

Special Invitee

Santosh AgarwalFinancial Advisor

Fr. Jesu Beni SJProvince Coordinator

Fr. Pradeep Shail SJ

Province Coordinator

Fr. Athnas Lakra SJ

Province Coordinator

Fr.Nabor Lakra SJProvince Coordinator

Province Coordinator

Rajiv TalwarCouncil Member

Anil ChugSecretary

Asst. Secretary

Eugene Herbert

Central Zone

Fr. Victor Misquith SJ

7

Gopal P Gupta

Council Member

Dr. S.S. RanawatCouncil Member

Fr. Felix Raj SJProvince Coordinator

Fr. Santy Mathew SJ

Province Coordinator

Fr. Ravi John SJProvince Coordinator

Fr. Philip Abraham SJ

Province Coordinator

B. Arockaisamy S.JProvince Coordinator

Colin Savio CoelhoCouncil Member

Bobby JacobCouncil Member

Evarist Newnes SJProvince Coordinator

Simon D'Mello SJProvince Coordinator

Fernand Durai SJProvince Coordinator

Mario Fernandes SJ

Province Coordinator

M. Srinivasa Reddy

Council Member

RamaswamyCouncil Member

D. Showraiah SJ

Province Coordinator

Denzil Lobo SJ

Province Coordinator

Jose Mathew SJProvince Coordinator

S. Mariadoss SJ

Province Coordinator

Fr. J Keneddy SJ

Province Coordinator

North Zone

South Zone

West Zone

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A chat with Fr. Norbert Menezes SJFr.Norbert Menezes sj has been the guiding l ight 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

fledgl ing 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-l ines of the GC

meeting at St.Xavier’s 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 pil lars of l ifelong learning, namely being, knowing, doing and living together. Indoing so, enhance growth in competence.

• For me, competence is not merely l imited understanding the world and know how to

solve problems and confront challenges, but having the wil l to transform the world and

the reality we live with an authentic human response.

This has to facil itate 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, reconcil iation, forgiveness, fel lowship, 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 environmental ly

friendly.

Way Forward: (A distilled Action­Plan)1 . 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.

2. 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-Taken-

Reports (ATRs).

3. Greater interactions between the PCA and the Executive Body of local alumni

association.

4. Richer associations should twin and develop poorer associations within the province.

5. Each association should develop more tangible connections with out-going students

of their alma-mater.

6. An aggressive drive should be launched to publish e-directory of every alumni

association.

7. Ensure younger members are involved as office bearers and/or active committee

members at the local/zonal/national level.

8. Encouraging, show-casing pro-bono services of alumni members so that

communities of different expertise can serve the poor and society.

9. Every alumnus/alumna periodical ly read the book, Staying Connected & Being

Radiant and develops strategies to contribute and network at the national and global

level.

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Message from Fr Sunny Jacob SJDear Esteemed Alumini,

Warm greetings to al l !

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 al l over India

through JAAI . I am sure together we can make it better for the nation and the

world at large.

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 abil ity to

internal ize and cultivate a spiritual l ife, 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 al l . By doing so, the existence of ours wil l be justified. By being

persons of Competence in our times we can understand and using our knowledge and skil ls, 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 real ly global in its roots,

impact and solution.*

I wish if we can lead by examples of the 4 Cs, that wil l be a great contribution. Ours is a big

network, a global force, in fact. Let us pledge that we wil l imbibe the true spirit of Jesuit

Education and impart them, in turn, to al l . *

Wish you all the best! May God Bless you all !

Sunny Jacob SJ

JEA Secretary South Asia

National Advisor of JAAI

Jesuit Advisorat JAAI

1 0

From Nostalgia to Actionby Francis D’si lva

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 stanisl ites.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 al l 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 memorabil ia, 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 responsibi l ities vying for personal

attention, I bel ieve alumni wil l participate in reunions and celebrations S up to a point. After

having indulged in back-slapping, table-pounding reunions, the network wil l have to grow

through meaningful activities. Without such activities, rekindled friendships wil l continue 'offl ine'

without the alumni association; others may focus on batch-wise groups on Whatsapp or

Google and a lot wil l 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 chi ldren’s 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 andunderstanding at all arenas of society.

Here are some thoughts on what an alumni association could do: Run a mentorshipprogramme that supports deserving students particularly those who are economical ly

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 non-

teaching staff with insights from other work settings. Working together to improve their

pedagogical and managerial ski l ls. Alumni who are in the education industry themselves could

help create a knowledge-exchange network. Teaching new skil ls from personal time

management to business management; from science and engineering to politics and

governance.

11

From Nostalgia to Actionby Francis D’si lva

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 actual ly 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. I t is very

l ikely one wil l find other alumni who share similar ideas. Ideas that can be a source for

Kickstarter-l ike 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

al l . 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 StXaviers College in Mumbai. He is a Senior Principal with Accenture

Digital (Nordics). He lives in Oslo, Norway with his wife and twosons. Twitter: @francisds

1 2

Jesuit NetworkingCOMMUNICATE | RESEARCH | COLLABORATE

Jesuit Networking is an international initiative to support theemergence of collaborative bottom­up innovation for the universalMission 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 col laboration through networking among individual Jesuits,

institutions, and collaborators, systematizing related information and advancing network

thinking within the Jesuit apostol ic 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 Apri l 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 col laborative initiatives wil l find the latest information,

documentation, systematization, research, and potential offers for international joint ventures

on our platform and channels. Jesuit Networking wil l expand and offer general topics and also

give access to communities of practice with specific apostol ic horizons where one can learn

and discuss new possibi l ities for wider apostol ic missions.

We develop this project through three main l ines of action

1 . Communicate. To mainstream the topic of col laboration 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 col laborative 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 wil l be open to new actors.

Learn more at http://jesuitnetworking.org

Promoting collaboration through networking

1 3

Networks and the Jesuit Missionby Dani Vil lanueva 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 universal ity. 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 universal ity and are aware of the

internationality and diversity of our apostol ic 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 especial ly the

search for the universal good or the absence of other actors (Constitutions 622-623) point

directly to our di lemma: does the Society of Jesus have the structures necessary to carry out

the mission to which it is cal led in this new globalized context? This is why collaborative

organizational development and the adaptation of our mission structures are increasingly

critical issues for our apostol ic 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 col laboration and networking are the

organizational challenge through we are trying to bring apostol ic 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 apostol ic challenges. I f it’s sti l l 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

apostol ic discernment and our primary vocation to universal ity.

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

Dani Vil lanueva 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: //danivi l lanueva.wordpress.com/about-me/

1 4

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 Darjeel ing. He left a luxurious l ife

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 Darjeel ing

and its people is unmatched.

EARLY CALLINGBorn in 1 927 as the 7th son of Mr. Jules and Mrs. El iza Van Walleghem, into a Belgian family in

Winnipeg, Canada. After schooling there in St. Paul’s, in 1 944 he decided to join the Society of Jesus

(SJ). After graduating from the University of Montreal, he dedicated his l ife to helping the

disadvantaged, by volunteering for service here in Darjeel ing.

HIS WORKSSt. Joseph’s College in North Point - As a teacher, counselor, headmaster, vice-rector, and rector. St.

Alphonsus High School in Kurseong - Head Master.

1 968 Devastating Landsl ide - Worked tirelessly towards providing rel ief and rehabil itation. Later formed

one of Darjeel ing’s 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, rel ief and assisted in provisioning

rehabil itation to thousands.

In 2006, started to build St. Joseph’s School at Mungpoo - using a very old and traditional bui lding

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 famil ies.

He also served as Novice Master as well as PCF and Coordinator for JAAI .

ONE REGRETAt the age of 87 his only regret –was that of not being an Indian citizen. I t is not that he had not applied,

but every time he did (a total of 1 0 times), it has been rejected. I t is a shame that despite his

unmatched love for India and its people, the Govt of India has repeatedly let him down.

HONOURSIn 2002 - University of Manitoba awarded him degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD) honoris causa.

In 2009, the St. Joseph’s AA felicitated the long and dedicated services of Fr. Van and Fr. Burns.

PRAYERS AND WISHESIndeed Fr. Van and his love for Darjeel ing are second to none. He is the true embodiment of the

“Darjeel ing 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 l ives, for which Darjeel ing and its people

wil l always remain grateful to this humble Son of Darjeel ingS

His Janma-bhoomi. . . might have been CanadaS but he made Darjeel ing his Karma-bhoomi

He is a true blue Darjeel ing 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]

1 5

News Snippets from across JAAI

Activities of Loyola Alumni Association, JamshedpurLoyola 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 underprivi leged Tribal students in

Hospital ity 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 enrol led 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 MeetDORANDA OLD XAVERIANS (DOX), in col laboration

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", fol lowed by the informal

"Convergence and Synergy Meet". This event

showcased the vigorous-yet-classical Manipuri Dance

Form, led by the Ustad Bismil lah Khan National

Classical Cultural Awardee "SINAM BASU SINGH"

and his troupe of eight performers.

Province: Ranchi

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News Snippets from across JAAI

Hosting Belgian youth exchange team membersDOX Members and their famil ies 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 enrol led 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 2015VOBA, 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 2015The 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 fol lowing 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

Facil ity and brought to Ranchi for an EXPOSURE-

CUM-EXCURSION VISIT" on the day of the Carnival.

The Blood Donation Camp was organized paral lel to

the Carnival.

Province: Ranchi

8th annual Britto's O.B.A Xmas DanceThe 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 famil ies 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 CelebrationsCampion School Bhopal began its Golden Jubilee

celebrations on December 1 , 201 4. Celebration

commenced with a Holy Eucharistic Mass fol lowed by

instal lation 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

highl ight 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 special ly 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 footballDon 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 thri l l ing final by a single goal.

Province: Goa

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News Snippets from across JAAI

Shantiniketan Ex­students Association (SEA) blood donation campShantiniketan 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 SuratOver 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 Municipal ity also attended the event.

Province: Gujarat

APX Garba Program 2014The 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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Holy Family High School Porvorim wins QUIZ QUEST ­6Holy Family High School, Porvorim/Soccoro, won theValerio Carvalho Memorial Trophy at the QUIZ QUEST-6 of Britto's O.B.A while Bhatikar Model HS, Margaowas the first Runner-up and St. Britto High School,Mapusa was the second runner up. The three schoolteams can be seen along with the fourth final ists,Loyola HS, Margao that was the second runner up in201 3The Britto's O.B.A Old Boys' Association and St. BrittoHigh School organized GK Quiz on Goa QUIZ QUEST-6 Coordinator Miguel Braganza, Britto's OBA PresidentCesar Cabral Principal & HM Fr. Cedric Fernandes SJand Vice-Principal Fr. Anand D'Souza SJ.

Province: Goa

News Snippets from across JAAI

The DOX Free Mega Health Check­Up CampDORANDA OLD XAVERIANS (DOX)the AlumniAssociation of St Xavier's School, Doranda, Ranchiorganized the Free Mega Health Check-up Camp atthe School premises on Sunday, 07.09.201 4 from 9.00am to 4.00 pm.

The Camp is an Annual Event of DOX, which targetsservices to the Outreach Students of theSchool(Approximately 600 children from 5 locations,including the Main Campus of the School), theirparents, family members and neighbours. Theobjective of the camp is to create awareness onSanitation, Cleanliness and Health.

Province: Ranchi

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

Rector at Loyola School, Jamshedpur The Chronologyof Principals was un veiled by Principal Fr. SebastianPuthenpura SJ, Loyola School. Both programs wasattended by Vice Principals Fr. Jason Joshua SJ (Sr.School), Vice Principal Mrs. Pinky Midha(Jr. School),Teachers, Sr. Alumni members and the ExecutiveCommittee of Loyola Alumni Association.

Province: Jamshedpur

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News Snippets from across JAAI

St. Mary’s SSC win SSESA Independence Day Football 2014Nine 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. Mary’s

SSC, St. Mary’s ICSE and host St. Stanislaus along

with a team from St. Xavier’s 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 dayThe Association of Past Xavierites( APX ), the alumniassociation of St.Xavier's High School Loyola Hall (Ahmedabad ) carried out and participated in 2 events.The tree plantation drive and environment day wascelebrated by the school on 9th Aug, and APX membersparticipated in this. Students gave a strong eco-socialmessage through skits and songs. A lecture was deliveredon the importance of this event by the dignitaries presentand saplings were planted. many saplings and trees werebrought to the campus to be planted, generously given bystudents, parents, staff and alumnus.

On 1 5th Aug, APX members were present along with thestudents, staff and management and guests for the Flag hoisting. After this and the patriotic songs sungby 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 RajThe Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjeecalled up Jesuit Father Felix Raj today who is in NewYork to address the Alumni of St. Xavier's andrequested him to return by May 20 to receive theState's highest award, BANGA BIBHUSAN. The WBGovernment decided on Thursday, May 1 5 in aCabinet meeting to confer the prestigious award onFather Felix Raj in recognition of his enormouscontribution to education. The award wil l be conferredon May 20th at a public State function in the ScienceCity auditorium, Kolkata.

Province: Calcutta

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St. Xavier's College Mumbai awarded College of Excellence by the UGCSt. Xavier's College (Autonomous) Mumbai has been awarded the College of Excellence (CE) by

the University Grants Commission for the period Apri l201 4 to March 201 9. Excellence of an academicinstitution involves reaching outstanding levels ofperformance in teaching, research and relatedacademic pursuits and attaining peerless position inthe areas offered for study and research. The Collegeof Excellence status was awarded based on a score ofmore than 3.5 Cumulative Grade Point Average(CGPA) awarded by the National Assessment andAccreditation Council .

Province: Bombay

Vocational Training Prog­Loyola Alumni Association, JamshedpurNineteen students from TRTC (Tribal Research Training Centre, Chaibasa) on Saturday 8th of

February. These students are from remote vil lagesundergoing Hospital ity training session at TRTC. Thestudents were given exposure to the working insideBoulevard Hotel (Courtesy Rony).

They were divided into 3 groups and were taken

around various departments of Boulevard Hotel. I t was

a ful l day session. As discussed with Fr. Ranjit Kindu of

TRTC Chaibasa, we wil l have students from TRTC who

are undergoing training for Mechanic & Driver. We wil l

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 campusThe Chief Minister of West Bengal along with theArchbishop of Calcutta, Thomas D'Souza, JesuitProvincial and the Principal of the College, Father FelixRaj, 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 goodschool or col lege. So what? We have worked hard andcome up to where we are. I sti l l managed to work myway through Calcutta University, law college and BEd.

But I feel for it (the need for quality education), " the chief minister said with characteristiccandour at the second campus at Rajarhat, New Town.

Province: Calcutta

News Snippets from across JAAI

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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 notnecessari ly reflect the views of JAAI