Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 17: St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, is hosting the XXV Triennial Conference 2025 of the Xavier Board of Higher Education in India on the theme “Empowering minds, embracing change: Reimagining higher education for a global tomorrow,” from October 18 to 21, in LCRI Hall.
This significant event will bring together heads of Catholic Higher Educational Institutions, academic leaders, and delegates from across India to deliberate on the evolving landscape of higher education.
The Xavier Board of Higher Education in India, established in 1951, unites Catholic higher education institutions across the country and serves as a national platform for dialogue, reflection, and collaboration. Over its 74-year journey, the Board has promoted excellence and social commitment through annual and triennial conferences that build networks and leadership across India’s Catholic universities and colleges.
Hosting the Triennial 2025 is a proud milestone for St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), a Jesuit institution founded in 1880, renowned for its 145-year legacy of transformative education. The University, accredited with A++ Grade by NAAC (CGPA 3.67/4) and ranked 58th in NIRF 2024, continues its mission of forming individuals who are intellectually competent, ethically grounded, and socially responsible. With the motto “Lucet et Ardet” (“Shine to Enkindle”), the University stands as part of a global Jesuit educational network spanning over 105 countries.
The conference seeks to reimagine Catholic higher education in the face of rapid transformation and global interdependence, calling institutions to foster critical thinking, creativity, and global citizenship. It emphasizes the integration of faith and innovation in building institutions that are spiritually grounded, intellectually dynamic, and socially inclusive.
The Xavier Board Triennial Conference 2025, will be inaugurated by Dr M C Sudhakar Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education, Government of Karnataka, Armstrong Pame IAS, Joint
Secretary, Department of Higher Education (DOHE), Ministry of Education, Government of India, will grace the occasion as chief guest.
The inaugural Eucharistic Celebration will be held at 4:00 pm on October 18th, led by Dr Elias Gonsalves Archbishop of Nagpur and Chairperson, CBCI Commission for Education and Culture.
On October 19th, the Holy Mass will be celebrated by Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop Emeritus of the diocese of Mangalore.
The main sponsor for this prestigious conference is Dr Ronald Colaco, distinguished philanthropist and entrepreneur, whose generous support has made this national-level academic and spiritual gathering possible.
The keynote address on “Innovating for inclusion: Higher education at the threshold of global leadership” will be delivered by Dr Cynthia Menezes Former Acting Vice Chancellor, Bangalore University.
The conference will feature distinguished speakers, including:
• Dr Fr Praveen Martis SJ Vice Chancellor, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru
• Dr Fr Jose Palely Vice Chancellor, Assam Don Bosco University, Guwahati
• Dr Fr Victor Lobo SJ Vice Chancellor, St Joseph’s University, Bengaluru
• Dr Blanton Feaster Dallas Baptist University, USA
• Nolan Patrick Pinto Deputy Editor, South First
• Sreeja M S Times Network
• Sr M Nirmalini AC President, CRWI
• Dr Sandra Sunitha Lobo Roshni Nilaya, Mangaluru
• Dr Neeta Gerosa Pereira St Joseph’s University, Bengaluru
• Dr Saji Varghese Christ University, Bengaluru
• Kurien Joseph Former Judge, Supreme Court of India
• Dr Charles J A Loyola College, Chennai
The conference will also launch the Global Bridges Initiative—a networking platform promoting collaboration between Indian Catholic institutions and international universities for research, academic exchange, and sustainability initiatives.
This landmark gathering of Catholic educational leaders is set to pave the way for transformative networking, reaffirming the Xavier Board’s commitment to nurturing institutions that educate minds, inspire hearts, and shape men and women for others, embodying the core Jesuit ideal of service and social responsibility.
Members present for the press meet:
• Dr Praveen Martis SJ, vice chancellor, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru
• Dr Fr L Joji Reddy SJ, president, Xavier Board of Higher Education in India
• Fr Gilbert Mascarenhas, SAC, vice president, Xavier Board of Higher Education in India
• Dr Sr Deepthi UFS, secretary general, Xavier Board of Higher Education in India
• Chandrakala, PRO, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru.