(January 17, 2009) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will come to Kolkata January 21
to inaugurate the 150th anniversary celebrations” St Xavier’s college and school,
according to college principal Father College Father P.C. Mathew. He will address
the gathering and will return to New Delhi the same day. The institute has planned
a series of events to mark its 150-year celebration that includes inauguration of
a 16-cubicle state-of-art library, cultural programs and a proposed Rs.3 billion research
centre. St. Xavier's, founded in 1860 by the Society of Jesus, was affiliated to
Calcutta University in 1862. While preference is shown to the educational and cultural
needs of the Christian minority community, admission is open to all irrespective of
caste, creed and nationality. As a Jesuit educational institution, St Xavier’s pursues
a policy that helps social and financial advancement of marginalized groups such as
SC, ST and OBC. Financial assistance in terms of scholarships, direct financial assistance,
book bank etc are generously offered to deserving and talented, irrespective of caste
and creed. Jesuits are considered pioneers of modern English education in India.
The Society is now responsible for 110 High Schools, 23 University Colleges, 14 Technical
Institutes and 5 other Institutes.