Dear Friends,

The way successive generations of students of St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata have maintained their relationship with the alma mater, giving rise to one of the most vibrant and exemplary Alumni movements is indeed commendable. It is indeed a pleasure to be a part of this thriving, growing organisation as it spreads its wings to different parts of the world.

The Alumni is not merely about bringing Xaverians together for a cause. It is also about spreading the light, about bringing into sharper focus the value system that we espouse – men and women for others, living embodiments of the spirit of Nihil Ultra: nothing beyond.

Needless to say, “We Xaverians” – the alumni vanguard – is a key constituent of this noble effort of spreading the word. With the world getting increasingly connected and communication attaining the speed of thought, the print media, some feel is becoming increasingly obsolete. Yet the charm of the printed word continues to caste its spell and I am sure that the current issue will not only be an interesting and engrossing read, but will also be equally thought provoking.

These are indeed exciting times for all of us and the Alumni/ae Association has not only grown in size and commitment but has also initiated a series of programmes that are set to transform the face of the college in keeping with the needs of the day. As the mouthpiece of the movement, if We Xaverians is successful in becoming the platform for Xaveriens around the world to communicate and combine their talents and resources for the common good, it would have commendably performed its duties.

The Alumni timeline, which not only records the various past efforts by the alumni but also has lessons for the future is one such effort and I am sure that over time, more and more Xaverians will come forward with their contributions to make the magazine a collector’s item, to be read and preserved.

With warm regards and blessings

Rev. Father Dr. J. Felix Raj, S J

President, SXCCAA

Principal, St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata   

The Healing Balm

– Yogesh Chopra

Philanthropy is the altruistic concern for the less fortunate, a means of reaching out to share their woes and to touch lives. At SXCCAA, we have, since our inception, woven our activities around a philanthropic core, for we pride ourselves as men and women for others.

This year too was no exception and we reached out to a number of areas which we felt needed us. The St.Xavier's school, Gurap, run by Jesuit fathers helped us to provide the children with school uniforms, stationary and other play equipments like two four seater see-saw's, slides, carom boards, badminton sets, footballs, cricket sets etc.

The three extension centers run in collaboration with NSS were provided with steel almirahs for use in their offices. The bonds with the Aila affected village of Bholakhali, adopted by us, was further strengthened when we provided the local school with various sports equipments.

We also presented to the Little Sisters of the Poor a LCD projector for use by the inmates, the old people of the home. This was in addition to the eight wheel chairs provided by us in the last year.

For the Paikhala school, run in collaboration with the NSS, we provided the much needed excise books and other stationary for use by the students.

Prayas, which is a part of the ‘college to village’ initiative, the dream of Rev. Fr. Dr. J.Felix Raj, saw us providing a day's meal to about 450 village children. The other side of the coin, ‘village to college’ also saw enthusiastic participation of members who welcomed the visiting children from Bholakhali and took care of their fooding for a day during their stay in the college.

We are also the proud associates of the NSS and SXC organized “Sishu Mela” for the children of all the centers and villages. Many of our members volunteered and sponsored various items of the goody bags that were given to the children. We are proud of our association and would like to continue the same in the years to come.

We received many pleas for financial help on medical grounds, especially from the college staff and we were happy to meet all of them to the best of our abilities.

The process of handing over the Paikhala School to the Government is on and the statutory compliances are now being met with. Some urgent construction work to save the school building from the vagaries of nature have also be taken up on an urgent basis. The salaries of the school staff have also been raised in keeping with the times. A fresh set of text books will also be provided to the children to replace the existing ones. Distribution of blankets to the needy is also in the agenda. We are also in the process of adding one more class room in the school to meet its growing needs. 

SXCCAA Time Line

1985

125th year Celebration of the College

Formation of St. Xavier's College (Calcutta) Alumni Association

News Letter : WE XAVERIAN started

1986

CREST - Canning Rural Experimental Swimming Training Project launched.

Musical Programme

Songs of the World organised

Nihil Ultra Debate began

1st Reunion Dinner

1987

Fund Raising Programme FUNFEST organised

1988

Scholarship for CREST swimmer

1989

Special Screening of Apu Trilogy 

1990

Annual Dinner & Debate held

1991

Cricket Coaching for students under guidance of Raju Mukherjee & Biswajit Bhowmik

1992

Special Seminar on HIV- AIDS, graced by Mother Teresa, MC

1993

Nihil Ultra Debate also named after Rev. Fr. Paul Joris, SJ

1994

Special debate on contemporary topic held, which became talk of the town

1995

Beyond Barriers – I Fund Raising Cultural Extravaganza started with Ch - I

First Renovation of Room No. 5, SXCCAA Office

1996

Beyond Barriers –II

1997

Sunday Health Check up Programme with Red Cross Clinic started at Sarat Bose Road

X-Quiz-it - First ever Inter Alumni Quiz launched.

1998

Started Dasghara School Project near Tarkeshwar, Hooghly

Beyond Barriers III

1999

Paikhala School Project,  24 Pgs (S) began

SXCCAA’s support towards College Auditorium renovation

2000

Friday Fellowship started -TGIF - Thank God it’s Friday - Weekly Fellowship of the Alumni/ae began

2001

Musical programme  was introduced  at the Annual Reunion dinner with the performance of Usha Uthup 

2002

Paikhala School building at 24 Pgs (S) erected

Beyond Barriers IV

2003

Beyond Barriers -V

Summit of Joy - Third International Conference of Jesuit Alumni/ae

2004

Beyond Barriers- VI

Walk for Tsunami Relief Fund Raising

2005

Beyond Barriers-VII

Launching of Singapore Chapter  

Teachers Day Celebrations began

2006

Beyond Barriers-VIII

Launching of  West Zone Chapter at Mumbai

75 Years Celebrations of Bengali Literary Society

2007

Carrier Fair 

Book Fair

2008

Beyond Barriers-IX

Launching of Bangkok Chapter

Launching of  Delhi Chapter

Fr. Joe D'suja Memorial Cricket Match started

Formation of Women's Forum

2009

Concert for Cyclone Ailah Victims.  Relief  work at Bholakhali village, 24 Pgs. (N)

Launching of Dubai Chapter

Launching of South India Chapter

at Bangalore

Beyond Barriers-X

SXCCAA delegation was the highest in the World Jesuit Alumni/ae Congress held at Burundi, Africa

Opening Ceremony of 150 Yrs celebrations of the College

2010

150 Yrs of SXC

25 Yrs of SXCCAA

Philanthropy Day

Beyond Boundaries-I at Bangkok (1st

Int. Conv. of SXCCAA)

Paikhala School Extension

Film on SXCCAA - Xaverian Always released

Pledging for one floor extension in the Park Street Hostel Building Special scholarship for 1st Generation College goers

2011

Address by  Fr. General to the Alumni/ae

Beyond Boundaries II – Dubai

Beyond Barriers XI

Launching of London Chapter

Publication of Book on Jesuit-Lay Collaboration

Pledging for Twin Tower New Hostel Complex

2nd  Renovation of Room No. 5, SXCCAA Office

2012

Beyond Barriers XII

Inauguration of Bangladesh Chapter

Beyond Boundaries III – Singapore (proposed)

Launching of Theme Song of SXCCAA

Launching of the US Chapter

Our Own Room 5 & Anthony

Dominic Anthony, the man Friday (for more reasons than one) who traces his roots to Andhra Pradesh is a perfect example of everything the alumni stands for. With two sisters married to Muslims, a wife who understands everything but does not rebuke, has his family ties with every possible community (which allows him to celebrate every damn occasion) his life is a perfect example of unity in diversity, we were taught in Xavier's.

An acknowledged singer – legend has it that he and Kumar Shanu started life from the same bar as singers – he regales one and all with his melodious renditions of Rafi Sahaab and Kishore Da's most memorable, given an inebriated chance. He was also a pencil-er in the Calcutta Race Courses, which helps him spot the alumni fore runners with uncanny certainety!

A loving father, an ever willing comrade in arms, Anthony is and will remain a permanent fixture of Room No 5, the Alumni HQ, our Richard Bartron!    

Beyond Boundaries

– Arun Sultania

The world is shrinking at an incredible rate. An increasingly networked, border-less new global order is emerging where actions are literally @ the speed of thought. Can Xaverians let go of this opportunity of embracing the new? Can Xaverians, with presence in all corners of the world, miss out on this chance to network and spread the spirit of Nihil Ultra? From this thought emerged the idea of holding an annual meet of the Global Xaverians – to create a platform for Xaverians from a particular part of the world to congregate, discuss issues of mutual concern, honour the super achievers from within and renew the bonds of fraternity by reaching out to the alma mater.

Thoughts crystallized and Beyond Boundaries was born. The first edition witnessed a strong contingent from Kolkata flying in (with spouses and children in tow) to Bangkok where Harsh Agarwal and his hyper efficient team presented a flawlessly executed event that set the bar. The event was also marked by high voltage performances by a bevy of performing artists who mesmerized the audience with their renditions.

In keeping with the Xaverian spirit, Beyond Boundaries II, had to be bigger and better. What other destination could qualify to host such an event than the miracle city of Dubai, which has the tallest, biggest, largest of everything man made? The Dubai chapter of the SXCCAA rose to the occasion ably led from the front by Navin Agarwal and Pratip Das. The high point of the meet was the pledge taken by assembled Xaverians to buy bricks and help the alma mater build the twin hostels of the college. Apart from some thought provoking discussions on ways and means of taking the alumni movement forward, the event witnessed the conferring of the Global Xaverian Awards to Gautam Mohan Chakravorty, IPS for his dedicated service to the Nation and Pawan Ruia for almost single handedly putting India on the world auto ancillary map.

While the days were spent in intellectual pursuits, the evenings were marked for networking and fellowship highlighted by a series of cultural performances that culminated in a sizzling show in an oasis.

We are now in the process of giving the final touches for the next edition of Beyond Boundaries which will be held in the city state of Singapore. Book the dates in your diaries for we are certain of picking up in Singapore from where we left in Dubai – only to train our eyes on London!   

Beyond All Barriers

– Dharmen Trivedi

SXCCAA has always been a front runner in undertaking various charitable and philanthropic activities thereby challenging its members to pool in their resources and be able to make a purposeful and meaningful contribution towards various causes. The SXCCAA raises funds through various means one of which is the popular musical extravaganza held annually at the SXC ground in the winters christened Beyond Barriers. Over 12000 students, alumni/alumnae, businessmen, corporate executives, industrialists attend this popular event.”Beyond Barriers symbolizes our attempt at moving beyond all barriers of self and greed for power and money,it is the celebration of the spirit of altruism,it is the annual loving tribute of the SXCCAA members to their alma mater.”

Beyond Barriers XII is being organised as the biggest and most spectacular of all times. This edition's highlight will be state of the art lighting and digital sound along with special effects - the kind of which the city has not witnessed. The star performer, Mika who has belted some of the biggest hits of the times is all set to carry the crowd to a frenzy. Xaverians, especially the students of the college are also eagerly awaiting to give him a taste of their participation. Sneha Pant is equally excited to have got the chance to perform before such a responsive crowd. Our own Ram, who has to his credit the distinction of performing the maximum number of times in his home turf, is also promising to belt out numbers that are sure to set the floors on fire.

Come, you have nothing to lose but your inhibitions and a whole new floor to win! Revolution beckons.

SXCCAA Governing Council 2011-12

Rev. Fr Dr. J. Felix Raj, SJ – President

An Economist, an educationist, an able administrator, a life dedicated – there are various facets to his humble and humane nature. He is the guiding spirit, setting the goals and ensuring their achievement, only to raise the bar. If the alumni has come so far, it is because we are fortunate enough to look through the eyes of this visionary.

felixrajsj@gmail.com

G.P.Gupta – Vice President

“GP” as he is fondly known, is associated with the Aviation Industry and is one of the stalwarts of the Kolkata Airport. He is one of the few to possess an all area access pass, which he routinely uses to zap visiting dignitaries to the college. He is also the man behind all the trophies and memento's that we Xaverians so cherish.

gugupta020259@gmail.com

Chandan Roy Chowdhury – Vice President

An old media hand, one half of the “Alumni Twin Towers” he is also the soul of one of the city's popular clubs known for its lush locales. Ever ready to jump into any alumni initiative, he is universally respected for his ability of detailed planning and execution of events.

crcbrccrc@yahoo.com

Arindam Sil – Vice President

An acknowledged film maker and actor, he is one of the most sought after screen personalities for his expressive portrayal and strong directions. An intellectual of the city, he is also acclaimed for his political views acknowledged often as the lone voice of sanity.   

arindamsil@nbcinema.in

Firdausul Hasan – Hon.Secretary

A high networked Individual, he moves seamlessly between leather tanning, event organising and film making, the last being his passion. The big daddy of cool, A Muskil (H)asan, he has the unique distinction of being the Secretary of the College Union and that of the Alumni, such has been his popularity amongst the brethren.

friendscomm_2005@yahoo.com

P.K.Mathur – Assistant Secretary

The taxman's consultant, he has amongst his clients the entire cast of any page 3 of any of the city's dailies. A lawyer and a gentleman with a big heart, he is our man in Wuja – the world body of Jesuit Alumni/ae. A socialite per excellence, he is always the lender of the last resort, wining friends and influencing people by making just a call. He tends the bar when he is not saving others from getting behind it. rajpramo@yahoo.co.in

Vikash Khosla – Assistant Secretary

The "Samrat" of power tillers he is literally the moving spirit the goes beyond barriers and has been associated with various alumni events at various capacities. A team man per excellence, he is the living example of participative management and is acknowledged for his abilities to lead teams achieve, even when odds seem insurmountable.

khoslav@gmail.com

Yogesh Chopra – Assistant Secretary

A fabricator, who thankfully, restricts himself only to Aluminum & Alumni. He is associated with many social associations and spends a good part of his time philanthropically. When not reaching out to touch lives, he plays chess.

cyogi@hotmail.com

Arun Sultania – Treasurer

A strict disciplinarian, he guards the alumni treasures with his life, dedicated to a fault. Such is his love for the work, he spends more time in Room 5, the alumni office than his own, ever ready to sacrifice even his victuals. asultania@hotmail.com

R.R. Modi – Assistant Treasurer

A Chartered Accountant by profession, he is ever busy drawing up the Balance Sheet of life – carefully arranging the assets and the liabilities with a holistic view that transcends everything, including time. Known for his ability to shift the grains from the chaff, he is the quintessential Xaverian who sees nothing beyond (the printed words of the balance sheet!)

rrmodi@gmail.com

Sujata Rampuria – CM

The lone lady member, she is as enigmatic as the sphinx, often the one voice of sanity in the alumni din. An acknowledged designer of costume and fashion jewellery, she is a budding entrepreneur and home maker, mixing and matching the boutique experience with functionality at price points the city's ladies just cannot do withoipsut. 

sujatarampuria@gmail.com

Rajesh Agarwal - Council Member

The world may be going paperless with a vengeance, but rajesh continues to grow and expand in the paper line. The longest serving convener of the President's Birthday (since inception), the paper trail that he has left behind is naturally considerable. Ever ready to do his bit for the alumni, he is another stalwart of the movement, winning friends and influencing Xaverians. creativecorner_2007@yahoo.co.in

Baldev Soni - Council Member

Fondly known as the "jhoom-jhoom" man in alumni circles, Baldev runs a successful business of selling generators (and their spares) and is the spirit that drives the post meeting "fellowships with his inimitable renderings of gazals that mesmerise. 

brjsony@yahoo.com

Joyjeet Biswas – Council Member

Is THE club man of Kolkata, having the rare distinction of being the secretary of DI and IC simultaniously. An insurer by profession, he is a soul dedicated to ensuring that the city dons its best to keep on clubbing in a manner only Calcutta can. Sought after, by all the committees, he is a multiple committee member, wielding his magic wand of managing perfection. He is also a La Marteniere alumnus but like they say, SXC Rules. OK? jayajitbiswas@yahoo.co.in

Chawm Ganguly – Editor

Is a maverick, jaywalking through life.  Poet, dreamer, photographer, writer, corporate communicator – he knows not what his calling is – preferring to flirt from the corporate world to the esoteric in an unending search for excellence. Also known as Suvobrata, prefers remaking Ramayana & Mahabharata with Alumni characters.

editor@corecommunique.com

Prof. Ashish Mitra – Teacher Member

An alumni stalwart himself, he represents the teachers to the alumni - straddling the diverse worlds only to give impetus to the movement. Ever affable and friendly, he is loved by all for his willingness to take part in all alumni initiatives, often guiding us like the teacher that he is.

amitrasxc@gmail.com

Kaushal Nahata – Student Member

The student member in the alumni, Kaushal is the face of the future. He is the general secretary as student's union and is quietly readying to make the move from the college to the movement.

kaushalnahata@gmail.com

Snehasis Sur – Ex Officio (Immediate Past Secretary)

The face of Door Darshan Kolkata, he is one of the most respected names in the world of electronic media. He is dreaded for the prayers through which he takes the alumni / alumnae and is universally loved for his accessibility and respected for the willingness to selflessly serve the cause.

surs@vsnl.com 

Pawan Dalmia  - Ex Officio (Immediate Past Treasurer)

Christened fondly as “chotu”, he is literally the enfant terrible of the movement – and everything he does from the sms' sent out to accounting jugglery, is in bulk. He straddles the software space and hopes to grow up to fill the void left by Steve Jobs.

pawan@nirmalasoftex.com

London Calling

Chandan Roy Chowdhury

The UK Chapter of SXCCAA was inaugurated on the 11th of October, 2011 at the Quilon Restaurant in the posh Buckingham gate area of London. Three of us, present Secretary Hasan, Vice President Moloy and your's truly - Chandan Chowdhury, a founder member of the SXCCAA had the pleasure of accompanying Alumni President our beloved Rev. Fr. Dr. J.Felix Raj,SJ. About a hundred odd Xaverians from the local community, along with their spouses greeted us as the event unveiled, followed by a sumptuous spread.

The chapter was formally inaugurated by the lighting of the Ceremonial Lamp and was graced by fellow Xaverian, Mr. L.N.Mittal, the steel baron and the fifth richest man in the world along with his spouse Mrs. Usha Mittal. True to the spirit of Nihil Ultra, he spent a considerable amount of time freely mixing with his fellow Xaverians and reminisced about the time spent in the college. He promised to extend full support to his alma mater and requested his fellows to do the same with Xaverian Zeal so that the light of knowledge can be spread to all corners of the globe.

The Committee to look into the daily matters of the functioning of the Chapter was formed and the raison d'etre, to bring Xaverians closer to their alma mater was explained.

I will be failing in my duty if I do not put on record the fantastic work done by the members of the chapter especially Mathew, Chiranjeev,Pinaky,Paritosh and Kuntal, without whose selfless dedication the Chapter would not have seen the light of the day. Well begun, they say, is half done - surely the beginning has been regal and I hope that the chapter will grow on to become one of the major flag bearers of the Institution which has helped create all of us. 

Annual Reunion Dinner SANGAM 23 December 2011

Moloy Roy Chowdhury

On 23rd December, 2011, SXCCAA organised its annual re-union dinner 'Sangam' with the theme of 'green benches'. A replica of the same welcomed guests at the entrance, bringing back fond memories. The programme started early evening with the mellifluous saxophone tunes of Mr. S.Khan, a noted player of the instrument. The alumni, adhering to the theme, attended the function suitably attired, adding to the charm of the already alluring ambience of the evening. The opening comments were made by Reverend Fr. Dr. John Felix Raj, Principal of the college and President of the SXCCAA, a motivator par excellence, who called upon the alumni and exhorted them to carry on the legacy of the college. Fr. Provincial – Jayraj Veluswamyand Fr. Rector (George Ponodath) were present to grace the occasion. Distinguished guests like Hon. Minister Mr. M. Mitra, The Sheriff of Kolkata – Dr. Indrajit Chatterjee and eminent police officer Mr. Gautam Mohan Chakraborty were present at the occasion.

The interaction of 1200 people, young and old - from distinguished alumni to past and present professors, created sparks through the exchange of memories and happiness, thus invoking the quintessence of the evening – joyful reminiscences. The all-pervasive atmosphere of joie-de-vivre and particularly, the camaraderie between old pals were hard to miss.

The programme arena was decorated with a Christmas tree and beautiful lights. There was even a Santa Claus for the kids who had a great time enjoying themselves. Dj Harish lifted spirits with his energetic tracks, as old friends dragged one another to the dance floor. The food served by 6, Ballygunge Place was savoured by all, and each one left with a promise, to come back again next year, to the alumni dinner - the confluence of souls, memories and happiness.

AUSTRALIA   AS IT IS

Dr. Arpita Banerjee

This landmass reminds us of  the  land of convicts who landed in Botany Bay, transported by the colonisers in 1788  either for stealing bread or for  any instance of dishonesty. It was then considered to be 'Terra Nullius'   later owned by the colonisers but discovered with the passage of time  that  there were original inhabitants of the land  the Indigenous people ,with their oral story telling techniques,  their heritage , culture and even epics. Through colonisation, invasions, contradictions,  re-locations and sub-alterned state of being the existence began and continued till the current stage of a burgeoning bilateral relationship with India , factored on quantifiable bilateral economic exchanges 

Since  the 18th century Calcutta  has been used as the get-way port to Australia and there are links which focus an extended relationship in the history of both the nations .  At the same time some of the significant  places  of Calcutta were transferred  to Australia. A suburb in  Hobart  Tasmania  is called Howrah, a block of residential  flats  in Wollongong is called Barrackpore and a street overlooking the sea in Melbourne is named Esplanade, a busport in Perth  Western Australia  near the Matilda Bay bears the similar name Esplanade Busport  and even the  first ever shipment of food supplies from India in the Australian vessel 'Sydney Cove' steamed off from the port of Calcutta as far back as 1791. This establishes a close tie between India and Australia. Together with this the cultural exchange and identity encompassed the aspects of life in India and Australia. Thus, to write from a holistic perspective, this relation exists till this day.

My visit to  the five leading  Universities of Australia: University of Western Australia;(Perth), University of South Australia (Adelaide), Australia National University (Canberra), University of New South Wales,( Sydney), and last but not the least, the University of Monash (Melbourne) assisted me to be introduced to researchers, scholars, and the Indigenous faculty of the Universities . I was  awe-struck at the  extent  of the Universities and the  continent and my focus of research in the Universities : “Indigenous studies” opened up the findings that their narratives   have a similar and strong story- telling tradition like that of India, with multiple narrators, universally accessible, mystical as well as intellectual experience that makes the whole cloth of many narrative threads. I emphasize on the story -telling aspect as their  novels have a healing power that has been lost in the modern world.

With an understanding  and on the  basic assumptions about the universe that the Proto-Australians belonged  to a part of undivided India in the Tertiary Age ( prior to  the Continental-Drift Theory) , the North-eastern part of Gondwana land, now Purulia, Northern Orissa, Jharkhand and Northern Chattisgarh which  is still now believed by some of  the   Indigenous Australians to be  an extended  part of the original inhabitants of this country . To recall from human geography, the 'Sabars'  Pastoral nomads of ancient India, a tribal community, about whom  many narratives have been constructed  by Bengali writers like Mahashweta Debi, Pranabesh Chakraborty, Debesh Ray, Nalini Bera, Narayan Sanyal,    in innumerable novels ,  the stories  have cultural  links with the Indigenous community of Australia. With the passage of time, transformation and appropriation, have been made to suite the present need. On the other hand in the works of Judith Wright, Patrick White, Mudrooroo, Kim Scott  the  Australian  novelists , we read the deliberate constructs towards modernization with myth and history. Though they have been re-located, the emerging Australian identity finds the authenticity of landscape. Though Identity is in a state of flux for the Indigenous Australians, their struggle of survival still exists .

The Sans Sounci theatre where our St. Xaviers College stands since 1860, has links with the Russian theatre in Australia (Sans Sounci theatre).The  then plays enacted  aimed at the British Raj and the upper class Hindus with protest  and criticisms. This perceptive and ground-breaking analysis cannot remain undisputed with the contention that there are important differences between Australian and Indian cultures that should never be overlooked or homogenised. Despite its obvious divergence, and fragmentation, particularly in the 21st century, there are also  links with the original inhabitants in Melbourne like the Bunnurong and Woiworung and the Kulins of Central Victoria .  The State Library of Victoria which opened in 1856 with Augustus Tulk preserves an anthology   which tells us about Calcutta and the water supply for Calcutta in the proposed vol. XXXIV (p291).

The survey is unending, thus to conclude with some inferences from James Wolfensohn's speech that India and China will experience a 22 times growth between 2008 and 2050,  when  United States will grow may be two and a half times during the same span of time ,  to quote: “ This is not just a modest statistical change; this is a change in terms of quantum and in terms of importance ,”   we can look forward for a better tomorrow if we can sustain  the relation which the upcoming power of Australia for the combined  energy produced in  the massive amalgamation  would pertain to Asian countries only with India in focus . Though often India has been considered as the “ Other”, the future of India still looks bright  in this context .

Rev. Fr. Joseph Maliyekal, SJ

(1927-2011)

Former Rector and Vice Principal (B. Com. Morning) of St. Xavier's College, Kolkata, Rev. Fr. Joseph Maliyekal, S.J (84) passed away in Kolkata on Sunday, November 6th, 2011. The funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, November 8th, at 10 am at the College Grounds and was attended by the Fathers, Staff, Students, Alumni/ae, his family members and well wishers. His mortal remains was buried at Dhyan Ashram Jesuit cemetery near Kolkata. St. Xavier's College and School remained closed on that day as a mark of respect to the departed Jesuit Priest.

Rev. Fr. Maliyekal, SJ, took over as the Vice Principal of the B. Com Dept. of the college in 1978 from Father Paul Joris, SJ and headed it till 1997 when he handed over the mantle to the present Principal Rev. Fr. Felix Raj, SJ. He shaped thousands of students who came to the Morning B.Com. Dept. ushering strict discipline and ensuring high academic standards. He was also the Rector of St. Xavier' College and School from 2002 to 2007 and also served as the Treasurer of the institutions.

Father Maliyekal was born in Kerala in 1927 and joined the order of the Society of Jesus in 1950 in its Calcutta Province and was ordained as Priest in 1961. He was also associated with the Missionaries of Charity in the areas of spiritual and pastoral guidance to the Mother Teresa Sisters.

FRIDAY Fellowship

–Ravi Saraf

“Thank God it's Friday”, TGIF in short, is a phrase that people utter around the world, for Friday marks the week's end, a little respite between two hectic weeks of work. Some look forward to spending some quality time with the family and friends. Some hit the watering holes of their respective cities, some cherish the time in the pursuit of their hobbies, while some just lie down and relax.

But mention Friday to a Xaverian and chances are that he or she would immediately match the word with “fellowship”. What is this fellowship, which is so close to the Xaverian heart? “It's a weekly pilgrimage to the College – our church of faith, where we hold our mass in Room No. 5” said P.K.Mathur a prominent member of the Alumni and my senior, when I broached the subject.

This religious fervor with which Xaverians take their fellowship activity is what immediately adds a completely new dimension to the whole thing. The bonhomie and camaraderie that is common among all those who partake of this feast, is a joy to behold – a spectacle in itself. One should witness Xaverians, cutting across all barriers of caste, creed, religion or social standing coming together in a spirit that is unique to the institution.

Over samosas and tea, issues ranging from the welfare of the college to the movement of the Sensex are discussed with gay abandon. The meetings (the formal part of it at least), is mostly chaired by our President, Rev. Fr. J.Felix Raj, who shares many of this thoughts with the assembled family members. An unique networking platform, it is also time to catch up with old friends and sometimes even to further business interests.

The fellowship often gets extended with members moving on to the “Cosy Room” of the International Club, which has a steady number of Xaverians in its rooster, apart from being a stone's throw from the college.

Ask a Xaverian, “Are you coming this evening”? And the answer is bound to be “come hell or high weather”, such is the strength of our bonding. For, more than anything else, the “Friday fellowship” is a catharsis, a release for all of us. It is the magic potion that keeps us going. It is the nectar that rejuvenates, help us pick up the pieces and carry on irrespective, secure in the knowledge that our buddies in Room 5 are, and will always be there!

He Dared to Dream

Kathakali Nandi

Poets, politicians, bureaucrats, scientists, sportspersons … the St. Xavier's College, Kolkata has given the world some of her brightest sons and daughters. Achievers, whose exploits are the content of endless tales, of ballads extolling virtues for successive generations to take lessons from. However, the story of an army of Xaverians, who, armed with their B.Com degrees go on the crack Chartered Accountancy to open their own firms and mints have seldom been told. Partly because, Xaverians, who view themselves as men and women for others have an almost nihilistic disdain for those who sell their souls to Mammon, and partly because, innumerable as they are, they did not possess a face to project, a brand ambassador, as it were.

Early Years

Enters Pawan Ruia. Having flown through B.Com with enviable grades, he cracked CA and set up shop at the terrace of 9 Ezra Street, at the heart of the then financial district. Legend has it that it took the young Ruia only six odd months to identify the most lucrative financial service of the day, strip it down and offer the same at a price point that was still then unthinkable. The rest, like they say, is history. And yes, that was the first of the game changers that were to become synonymous with the name Pawan Ruia.

For the next decade he continued to extend his grasp over the financial services sector of the city, quietly throwing a challenge that few of the established firms could meet, thanks to his sheer brilliance with numbers coupled with his ability to burn the midnight oil. “Ye choro bahut dur jaogo” (this boy will go very far) I remember hearing an industry stalwart say, parental affection oozing from his indulgent voice.

But the staid world of Jama-Kharchi did not have enough wherewithals to continue to attract the young Ruia's interest. He was already feeling suffocated and wanted to spread his wings. The year was 2003 and Pawan Ruia the dare devil, pulled on a feat that astounded even the most adventurous in Kolkata's business circles.

Kafka's prodigal son

As the company's website proudly claims “The turning point in the history of the Ruia Group was the acquisition of Jessop & Co Ltd and the successful turnaround initiatives that led to a complete metamorphosis of the heritage Engineering and Infrastructure giant which is now over 224 years old. Jessop is a classic study of a sick heritage company rejuvenating itself in less than a year's time, through good, strategic leadership and sound fiscal discipline.”  

“Pagal ho gayo choro. Bi ko khabor ko ni, bi ki krse. Khud bhi dubogo, bajar ki pisa bhi dubougo” cried the horrified industry elders in unison. (The kid's gone mad. He knows not, what he is upto. He will sink along with the monies raised from the market). To them, a brash chartered accountant taking up the reigns of an engineering behemoth tottering towards oblivion obviously made no sense.

Many years on, face lit with the smile of containment, Pawan Ruia was to explain, “it is all about your ability to spot opportunities – to spot the resources that can be unlocked and your ability to have faith on your judgment, especially on the face of stiff skepticism. I had full faith in the engineering legacy of Jessop. What I found was ailing the giant was the lack of strong, forward looking management. Backed by strict financial discipline (figure juggling claimed detractors then) there was no looking back. It took us less than a year to get Jessop back into reckoning and shut the skeptics for good.”

And this transformed Ruia into the swashbuckling takeover tycoon that he was destined to be. In 2005 he took over the global tyre giant Dunlop, followed by adding the Mysore based Falcon Tyres to his portfolio. In 2007 the cycle completed itself with the acquisition of Monotana Tyres in Thane, Maharashtra giving Ruia a pan India presence, an opportunity to dominate the segment which is yet to bear fruition.

The Global Desi

“The great thing about Pawan Ruia is his ability to expand the horizon of his dreams every time he reaches towards achieving the previous one. The sheer scale may look mind-boggling from where we are, but is well within the realms of possibility to him. Yes, it's scary. Yes, the down side is horrifying. But that is what makes him what he is, to smile at the face of adversity and trudge on regardless” said Anil Goenka, fellow Xaverian and a self confessed Ruia fan.

And true to his self, Ruia took the plunge, this time to reinvent himself again, as a global player. In 2008  the first overseas acquisition was executed seamlessly. The  Ruia Group took over the Coalville (Leicestershire, UK ) plant of the Metzeler Automotive Profile Systems – one of the three internationally acclaimed Tier-1 manufacturers of automotive sealing systems. The acquisition was later rechristened Schlegel Automotive Europe Limited, UK. In 2009,  the Ruia Group consolidated its presence in the international business of automotive sealing systems by acquiring Henniges Grefrath GmbH and later renamed it as Draftex Automotive GmbH. The German company has been in operations since 1958. This was followed by Gumasol, a company founded in 1946 and located in Germersheim, Germany. Gumasol Rubber-Tec GmbH is a leading name in solid tyre and industrial rubber products and produces a wide array of rubber products including rubber mixers, tank wheels, rubber-metal bonded parts etc.

2011 was slated to be another big year for the group and in an asset deal Acument GmbH, controlling 15% of the German automotive fastener market, was taken over by Ruia Global Fasteners AG. The company processes more than 55,000 tons of metal in a year and employs 1300 people in its four plants.

Another big acquisition came later in the year, when the Germany-based Meteor was brought into the fold. With the company's multi-location facilities, the Ruia Group can now access many more markets and many more very specific high-technology platforms. This acquisition also propelled the group to the top rung in the automotive sealings segment in Europe.

The Vision

“Our aim is simple” Ruia is reported to have said to his Commanders “to be within the top three, globally, in any business segment that we are in. We have the legacy, we have to work on them to retain our edge and work on the synergies to continuously upscale to meet our expanding horizons.”

“But aren't you growing too fast? I had asked Ruia in his global head quarter in Kolkata. “isn't this escape velocity attained by you fraught with possibilities of a burnout? Where will all this lead to?” His answer still rings in my ears –“we live in exciting times where we are blessed with opportunities everywhere. Don't just look at me, look at the various other groups that have created enormous amount of wealth in the last two decades or so. As for burnouts and destinations, the answer has been provided by our ancestors – it is not for us to think about the fruits of our labour, we should, and I am content in the knowledge that I have given it my cent percent.”

“How has being a Xaverian helped you in almost single handedly putting India on the global auto ancillary map” I quip?

“St. Xavier's gave me the ability to dream big. To dare, to set your sight at the top. And, to be humble, about your achievements.”

“It is this spirit that sets him apart” said Samir Saraf, management expert and fellow Xaverian. “Note the fact that Pawan Ruia views himself first as a professional and has despite all inklings, steadfastly refused to mould himself as a “babu”, preferring to create a chain of command. Some of his steps may seem audacious to the uninitiated, but careful scrutiny will reveal that there is a method in the madness. He possesses an extraordinarily sharp mind which coupled with his ability to take enormous workloads is sure to make him achieve things you and I will not even dare to dream about. I for one, will expect more outrageous fireworks from him in the future.”

“What's next?” I ask. And Ruia looks you into the eyes, his sharp, penetrating gaze engaging your mind as if accessing the very core of your soul, before he says philosophically, “we believe that every single day is an opportunity to step ahead into a brighter future and work accordingly. We do not merely work, we celebrate life. We add our bit to the process called creation and in doing so seek to touch lives around the world and make them better. Don't belittle it by seeking to put a figure on it!”

Jesuit Education in India

The Society of Jesus, a Christian Religious Order founded by Saint Ignatius of Loyola in 1540, has been active in the field of education throughout the world since its origin. In the world, the Jesuits are responsible for 3,897 Educational Institutions in 90 countries. These Jesuit Educational Institutions engage the efforts of approximately 1,34,303 teachers, educating approximately 29,28,806 students.

In India The Society of Jesus has founded 118 Primary & Middle Schools, 149 High Schools, 41 University Colleges, 22 Technical Institutes and 11 Business Administrations Institutes with 11,225 teachers, educating 3,24,538 students, belonging to every social class, community and linguistic group. This Institutions are part of the Catholic Church's effort to share in the country's educational undertaking.

The Jesuit College aims at the integral, personal formation of youth, to accomplish this, special efforts are made:

l           To help the students to become mature, spiritually-oriented men and women of character;

l           To encourage them continuously to strive after excellence in every field;

l           To value and judiciously use their freedom;

l           To be clear and firm on principals and courageous in action;

l           To be unselfish in the service of their fellowmen; and

l           To become agents of needed social change in their country.

The Jesuit College thus aims at making its own contribution towards a transformation of the present-day social condition so that principles of social justice, equality of opportunity, genuine freedom, and respect for religious and moral values, enshrined in the constitution of India, may prevail, and the possibility of living a fully human existence may be available to all.

 - Jesuit Education Association of India

St. Francis Xavier, Patron of the College

The Indian mission of the Jesuits lies at the very origin of their Order. It is to India that Ignatius of Loyola, the Founder of the Society of Jesus, sent his greatest son, Francis Xavier. Xavier was a zealous “missionary on the move”. He constantly traveled along the Fishery Coast, then west, into Marava country, then to Mylapore (present day Chennai).

 He sailed to Malacca and Japan in 1549 where he spent two and a half years. In April 1552 he sailed to China via Malacca from Goa, never to return alive. He died at Sancian, a small island facing China, on the 2nd of December of the same year. Wherever he went, he plunged himself into charitable and pastoral work preaching the message of God's love to people. He worked in India for ten years, from 1542 to 1552, it is called the Xaverian decade.