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!