ONE PINT – A BLOOD DONATION INITIATIVE

Xavier’s College Alumni Association of Burdwan in association with The Telegraph organized a blood donation camp named “ONE PINT – a single pint can save three lives, a single gesture can create a million smiles” held on 11th January 2020 (Saturday) from 10 am onwards at Academic Building, St. Xavier’s College Burdwan. The alumni association of St. Xavier’s College Burdwan always takes initiatives to help the society in many aspects, this was one such event. We all are very much aware of the fact that people in hospitals nowadays face terrible problems because of a lack of blood. Such situations come when blood banks of renowned hospitals suffer from a scarcity of blood. So, in this current scenario, this initiative was really praiseworthy. 

The event was glorified by the presence of two eminent personalities of this field namely Mr. Sanjay Yadav, Secretary of Sanjeevani Aash Welfare Organization and Mrs. Nasima Sultana, an active member of the same organization. The two of the guests gave enlightening lectures on the noble cause of blood donation and how a single effort by a person can save many lives. The audience was astonished after hearing that Mr. Yadav had donated blood 48 times, which is nothing less than an achievement. The President of XCAAB Rev. Fr. Dr. G. Paul Arockiam, S.J. and the Advisor Rev. Fr. Sahaya Jude, S.J. also gave enthralling speeches and expressed his sincere gratitude to the alumni/ae members for taking such initiatives. The active participation of college students, staff, faculties, and outsiders were really noteworthy, almost all the attendees donated blood. This was not only about donating blood but the people who came got their blood pressure and body weight checked as well as the special attraction of the camp was the social awareness session especially to encourage today’s generation youth for the donation fo blood in the future too. A total of 68 units of blood being 350 ml were collected in a one day camp. The Advisor of XCAAB Rev. Fr. Sahaya Jude, S.J. also donated blood and which inspired many others by his generous gesture towards humanity. We arranged some healthy beverages and fruits for all the blood donors and lunch was also arranged for the guests and technicians from Burdwan Medical College & Hospital Blood Bank.

The members had worked with much vigor and enthusiasm throughout a week for the successful execution of the project. A promotion and campaigning were also done throughout the city to make people aware of it. The members who were not able to present in person gave their best wishes and showed their support in the online platforms and social media for this initiative. The faculty members, staffs and other people associated with the college congratulated the alumni members for the successful completion of the generous act.

Numerous technicians along with a medical officer from Burdwan Medical College and Hospital maintained the momentum from the beginning to the end. All the donors were happy and there were some first-time donors who said this experience has made them release all their fear and they are now ready to participate in more and more camps like this. From these statements, we can very well say that this event was a resounding success that paved its way to more such blood donation camps to be organized and helped to eradicate the fear associated with blood donation. Around 14 alumni/ae members were present on the day as per the attendance sheet.

REPORT OF ABHAYA – THE NEW AGE WOMEN

Abhaya – The New Age Woman, an event to increase the social awareness and prevent the atrocities against women was organized on 23rd February 2020. Women are born winners and the indomitable spirit has always made them stand out performers and Abhaya was based on this theme. Abhaya celebrated this embedded power and strength of women. There were 34 Girl children participating in this event from University of Burdwan, Bidyarthi Girls High School, St. Anne’s Convent and St. Xavier’s College, Burdwan. The event was graced by the presence of Reverend Father Sahaya Jude S.J., the Advisor of XCAAB and Vice-principal of St. Xavier’s College, Burdwan. We were also honored by the humble presence of Mr. Prasant Baidya – Vice President, WBSKWA. Ms. Papia Sinha Roy, Beautician and Ms. Paramita Bera, an acid attack survivor and eminent social activist, graced our event. The event was divided into two parts first we had a social awareness session which was led by Mr. Prasanta Baidya and Ms. Papia Sinha Roy. They really inspired us with their valuable insight and motivated us to bring out our humane side. They told that we should care for the people from all stratums of society and take care of the deprived ones. As women of this country are still underprivileged and distressed, we all should come forward and take care of them.

The second part consisted of training session for the girl students on self defence. The girls were thrilled and excited by the training and really enjoyed the session. Then we had a sitting headed by Ms. Paramita Bera on her life journey and about the attack and how she again learned to start a new life. It was really great to hear such inspiring story. Then Mrs. Papia Sinha Roy handed over a token of love to Ms. Paramita Bera. The refreshments were provided for the students who participated in the self-defense program. There were also arrangement for refreshments for the Alumni members. The event was attended by 12 alumni/ae members. The other members who could not attend the event encouraged us to a great extent. XCAAB received great appreciation from all sectors for organizing such an event.  The event ended on a happy note, the members as well as the participants were very delighted and exalted to be a part of such an event and their enthusiasm remained the same as before. This energized us and inspired us to organize much more events like this in future.

REPORT ON THE 1ST ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2019-2020

The Annual General Meeting is an inevitable affair that needs to be conducted annually. The Annual General Meeting aims at the presentation of the report of the works done by the preceding governing council, to pass the audited accounts, the appointment of an audit officer, conducting general elections and several other issues. According to the memorandum of association and rules and regulations of Xavier’s College Alumni Association of Burdwan (XCAAB), one-third of the members are required to be present in person, and the chairman of the meeting shall decide the manner and method of voting at the outset of the meeting. This registered body has been successful in conducting its first Annual General Meeting 2019-2020 on 2nd January 2020 from 02:00 P.M onwards at St. Xavier’s College Burdwan campus.

The chairperson of the meeting was our president Rev. Fr. G. Paul Arockiam S.J, as appointed by the preceding General Council Meeting as per the memorandum as well as the rules and regulations of XCAAB. The Hony. Secretary of XCAAB, Ms. Antara Dey and the Hony. Treasurer of XCAAB, Ms. Dona Bose also presided the annual general meeting along with the chairman. The meeting was moderated by Hony Vice-President of XCAAB, Mr. Debmalya Ganguli as the meeting was of such bigger stature and at the same time being taken place for the very first time since after the inception of the alumni association. Thus he was asked to take this in-charge and to make aware all the general members of its decorum to conduct these meetings in future smoothly. He put forward the reports of the events/projects undertaken by the alumni association with minute details for the FY 2018-2019. According to the provisions laid down under the bylaws of the alumni association, the audit report for the FY 2018-2019 was presented before the general members of the alumni association and the same was unanimously passed by the alumni/ae members. The Annual General Meeting also marked the digital launch of our first-ever Annual Magazine XAVITUDE 2018-2019 as well as the official merchandise T-Shirt of XCAAB by Rev. Fr. President and Rev. Fr. Advisor of XCAAB.

Furthermore, an open forum discussion was held where the members were asked to come forward and put up their views/suggestions for the better functioning and strengthening of the alumni network of St. Xavier’s College Burdwan both nationally and globally. The alumni members proposed the ideas of raising funds for the association, use of technology to bring the members virtually by video conferencing, taking up responsibilities more individually to serve the alumni association rather than depending on the office bearers only throughout the year for any office administrative works, development and different activities undertaken by XCAAB from time to time whereby the alumni members highly appreciated all these discussions keeping in mind the welfare of the Alumni Association. The session was moderated by Rev. Fr. Sahaya Jude, S.J, Advisor of XCAAB, where he put forward his conclusory remarks on the propositions of the alumni/ae members and also highly appreciated the alumni members for their immense zeal, dedication towards the alumni association as well as to their Alma Mater, every time reaching more higher with the passage of time.

On the outset of the 1st A.G. M 2019-2020, the Governing Council election for the term 2020 -2022 was conducted by the formation of an independent election board consisting of Prof. Soumendu Banerjee, Presiding Officer, Mr. Pinaki Bhatttacharya, 1st Polling Officer and Mr. Vishal Maheshwari, 2nd Polling Officer. The election was conducted in two phases through the ballot paper voting system where the members voted according to their preferences towards the nominated candidates for each position in the governing council. The 1st Annual General Meeting 2019-2020 was successfully conducted with the presence of 35 alumni/ae members as per the attendance sheet filed. High tea was arranged for the respected fathers, dear alumni/ae members, election officers and staff as an evening note. 

REPORT ON BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION OF REV. FATHER PRESIDENT

The birthday of our Rev. Fr. President of XCAAB, Fr. Dr. G. Paul Arockiam S.J was celebrated with great enthusiasm and respect. It was a day of great pomp and joy for the XCAAB members as they participated full-fledged in the celebration. The program started at 4:00 pm in the Seminar Hall, SXCB with Alumni/ae members, near about 20 students and members from Blind Trust Academy, Chief Guest was Rev. Fr. Dr. Maria Joseph Savariappan, S.J accompanied by other Jesuit fathers from the community. Ms. Roshni Maji, convener of the program welcomed the gathering. The students of Blind Trust Academy presented colourful cultural programs and speeches. This was followed by felicitation by our Hony. Treasurer, Ms. Dona Bose and all other governing council members of XCAAB felicitated Rev. Fr. President by bouquet and shawl. The students of Blind Trust Academy presented a small token of love and gratitude to Rev. Fr. President on his birthday. XCAAB also observed a philanthropic donation on this auspicious occasion to the Blind Trust Academy Burdwan by donating around 104 numbers of books in their new library of the institution for the benefit of such underprivileged and disabled students to encourage education, moral and social growth. The most amazing aspect of the program was the support that the alumni association had achieved by encouraging the ray of education in the life of those children. There was a beautiful video clip presented before where different members wishing Rev. Fr. President from different parts of the country just to touch his heart that we are forever for our Alma Mater. This was followed by a vote of thanks by our asst. Secretary, Mr. Purnendu Guha. The program concluded with high tea arrangements for all the Alumni members, Fathers and the students from Blind Trust Academy. Around 17 alumni/ae members attended the program.

REPORT ON BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION OF REV. FR. ADVISOR

The Birthday Celebration of Rev. Father Sahaya Jude, S.J., Advisor of Xavier’s College Alumni Association of Burdwan was celebrated with love and affection at the seminar hall of St. Xavier’s College, Burdwan. It was a day of joy and exuberance for the XCAAB members as they waited all over the year to make fathers feel special by celebrating their birthday. The celebration started at 4:00 PM in the seminar hall, SXCB campus with Alumni/ae members. Near about 10 members were present there along with some college students. Although other members were unable to attend the occasion, none of them forgot to send their birthday wishes and regards. The Xaverian alumni network is spread around the globe and all the members are engaged in their regular schedule. In between their schedule, they don’t forget to give different suggestions for the events and in this case too there was no exception. Cultivating the suggestions of the alumni members we tried to make this celebration a grand one. Our Hony. Vice president Mr. Debmalya Ganguli welcomed the members and the dignitaries. The celebration was graced by the presence of Rev. Father Dr. G. Paul Arockiam, S.J., the President of XCAAB, our Hony. Secretary Ms. Antara Dey felicitated the Fathers and Ms. Priya Choudhury marked them with a tilak on their forehead. Sweets were served to the attendees. Rev. Fr. Sahaya Jude S.J., the Advisor of XCAAB and Vice- Principal of St. Xavier’s College, Burdwan along with Rev. Fr. Dr. G. Paul Arockiam S.J. the Hony. President of XCAAB and the Principal of St. Xavier’s College, Burdwan enlightened us with their precious words. In his speech Rev. Fr. Sahaya Jude expressed his overwhelming gratitude towards the alumni members. As this was his first year as the Advisor of XCAAB, he was totally unacquainted that this type of celebration will take place on his birthday. A gift was presented on the behalf of Alumni/ae members as a token of respect towards our Reverend Advisor. Lastly the cake cutting ceremony took place in the presence college students and alumni members which was followed by a small token of love. After this we headed towards the conclusion of the event and concluding remarks were given by the members of XCAAB.

Report on Christmas Dinner 2019 for Reverend Fathers of St. Xavier’s Burdwan Community

Christmas is a time of homecoming and spreading love and joy to each and every corner of the world. It teaches us to keep the spirit of fraternity intact. The Jesuit institutions are well-known to extend this message of love to all corners of society. Xavier’s College Alumni Association of Burdwan feels very privileged to be presided and advised by our Reverend Jesuit Fathers. The alumni association can’t thank enough the fathers for always guiding and supporting us in every situation. Therefore, it is also our duty to show our love and gratefulness to them and that too when the time is the last month of the calendar year. The Alumni members every year celebrate this sacred occasion of Christmas along with our loving Reverend Fathers of St. Xavier’s Burdwan from both the school and college. Like the preceding year the members in this year on December 23rd 2019 (Monday) decided to give a token of love and respect to all the fathers of the St. Xavier’s Burdwan, by sponsoring a dinner to them. Around 12 alumni/ae members gathered on the day and conveyed their wishes to all the Fathers and Brothers of St. Xavier’s Burdwan. The alumni/ae members of XCAAB brought a Christmas cake, as to the people of India Christmas festivities remain incomplete without cake. Our President, Rev. Fr. Dr. G. Paul Arockiam, S.J. and our Advisor, Rev. Fr. Sahaya Jude, S.J. gave some noteworthy speeches regarding the holy festival of Christmas. In their speech they also talked about their good old days, they felt nostalgic by discussing about some particular incidents which took place during their College days and work life. We felt really good that we could make them take a journey down the memory lane. Every year we eagerly wait for this day as it gives us an opportunity for an unofficial meet and greet with the administrative persons. During our time as students in this institution we observed the Reverend Fathers working rigorously throughout the year, making them smile on this occasion is a feeling that can’t be expressed in words. 

Report on Inauguration of Administrative Building of St. Xavier’s College Burdwan & New Alumni Office

St. Xavier’s College Burdwan, has now from its cradle started walking towards the path of his success. St. Xavier’s College with its grand and awe-inspiring success stood out to be an inspiration. With the inception of its fifth year stands tall the administrative building along with the brand new alumni office for Xavier’s College Alumni Association of Burdwan (XCAAB) at its core. The building stands erect with its fabulous beauty and most modern and finest infrastructural facilities among the state of West Bengal. It is really overwhelming both for the college students and as well as the alumni members to not only witness but also to be part of the rapid progress of our Alma Mater. 

St. Xavier’s College Burdwan accompanied its independent child Xavier’s College Alumni Association of Burdwan (XCAAB) throughout these years. XCAAB within this small period of time with its steady movement and its unwavering enthusiasm fins its place in the new administrative building. On 19th December 2019 (Thursday) marks the inauguration of the administrative building along with the new alumni office. This event was graced by humble personalities. The gracious presence of Rev. Fr. Jerome Francis, S.J., Former Provincial of Calcutta Province of the Society of Jesus and Rev. Dr. Fr. Dominic Savio, S.J., Principal of ST. Xavier’s college Kolkata and President of SXCCAA as chief guest enlightened the event. Rev. Dr. Fr. Dominic Savio, S.J., Principal of St. Xavier’s College Kolkata and President of SXCCAA inaugurated the alumni office of XCAAB.

As a newly born alumni office, XCCAB really feels proud to complete its journey from a small office under the staircase in the Academic Building of St. Xavier’s College to such a magnificent office in the new Administrative Building. The office has a front desk reception and a small conference room for its members. The office is well decorated with a wooden paneling decor and sofa, as well as the conference cum members sitting room is also furnished with a conference table for the convenience of the alumni members. The new alumni office is nothing but a gift from our Rev. Fr. Dr. G. Paul Arockiam, S.J., President of XCAAB to the alumni association and its members.

XCCAB has really played a successful role as a link between the students even after leaving college. The 13 alumni members came together to celebrate the inaugural occasion with joy. The vigour and vibrance in their faces stood as proof how happy they were to return to their Alma Mater. This light the hope of many more years of fabulous success and togetherness between the college and alumni association.