Fellow Xaverians,

It seems like the other day, when in 1985, I had walked like so many of my batch mates, into the hallowed portals of the St. Xavier’s College, Calcutta for the first time in my life. Walk we did, to be herded like sheep to our respective classes by the Lord, the good shepherd that he was, Father Malayekal. Little did I know then, that one day, I was destined to be one of his many pupils, carrying his earthly body as he continued on his heavenly journey. May his soul rest in everlasting peace.

As I write this piece the towering figure of father Malayekal keeps coming back to mind as if a personification of all the Jesuit fathers who have given this institution their all, helping us metamorphose into what we are .The stern disciplinarian who bore a heart of gold. The selflessness, of a life dedicated. The life, that by example lit and ignited so many of our minds. The value system that he helped instill in us, helping become soldiers of the army of righteousness, men and women for others.

I speak of father Malleykal for another reason. To stress on the fact that our association with our alma mater is for life. We may have come here by chance, but we choose to remain here consciously. Each one of us, from those going through this edition of We Xaverian, to those who have tirelessly worked to make this possible to those who are involved in the alumni movement around the world, are each a living breathing embodiment of the ocean of knowledge called St. Xavier’s. We may all have our separate identities, our places in the sun, our respective niches, but above all we are Xaverians. Xaverians, not by default or compulsion, but proud Xaverians by choice. That is why we murmur in concurrence every time we hear the cry, “you can take me out of Xavier’s but you cannot take Xavier’s out of me.”

I would be failing in my duty if I do not thank Rev.Fr. Dr. J.Felix Raj and members of the Governing Council of SXCCAA, for having given me the honour, of serving my institution, as the Editor of We Xaverians. Despite my desire to surpass my abilities to create a piece that will be worth your viewing, if I have failed in any way, I seek your guidance and support for the years ahead, which I am sure you will not deny me.

Thank You.

Suvobrata Ganguly


(Suvobrata Ganguly is the Editor of We Xaverians)