Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 19: The XXV Xavier Board Triennial Conference 2025 was inaugurated with great enthusiasm on October 18 at St Aloysius (Deemed to be University). The conference, themed ‘Empowering Minds, Embracing Change: Reimagining Higher Education for a Global Tomorrow,’ aims to bring together leaders, academicians, and administrators to explore new paradigms in higher education for a rapidly evolving world.
More than 300 participants, including vice chancellors, principals, managers, administrators and senior academicians from Catholic Higher Education Institutions across India are attending this four-day national gathering that celebrates faith, leadership, and educational excellence.
The Xavier Board of Higher Education in India (XBHEI), established in 1951, is the oldest and most respected educational associations in the country and its mission is to foster collaboration, Unity, quality enhancement, and value-based education among Catholic Colleges and universities across India. The Triennial Conference provides a platform for reflection, networking and visionary reform in Catholic Higher Education. It also aims to nurture leadership grounded in Christian values, while fostering academic excellence and a deep sense of social responsibility.
St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, established in 1880, is one of India’s premier Jesuit Institutions of Higher Education. Managed by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), the University has built a legacy of over 145 years in the service of education and society. Guided by its motto ‘Lucet et Ardet’ (Shine to Enkindle), the institution stands as a beacon of enlightenment, compassion, and transformative education.
From its humble beginnings to becoming a globally recognized university, St Aloysius has remained steadfast in promoting innovation, inclusivity, and integrity in education. Its scenic hilltop campus, vibrant student community, and strong emphasis on research and social engagement make it an ideal host for this landmark conference.
The day began with the arrival and registration of delegates from across India and abroad, followed by warm interactions among educators, administrators, and scholars representing Catholic institutions. The entire St Aloysius campus was abuzz with a spirit of unity and renewal as participants gathered to share experiences and collective aspirations for the future of higher education.
The inauguration proceedings commenced with a solemn eucharistic celebration presided over by Dr Elias Gonsalves, archbishop of Nagpur and chairperson, CBCI Commission for Education and Culture. In his homily, he reflected on the integral role of education in humanizing society and urged Catholic institutions to become transformative spaces of faith, learning, and social responsibility.
The inaugural ceremony commenced with the entry of dignitaries accompanied by NCC cadets, followed by a welcome dance and prayer by the university choir and Nrithya team. The event was formally inaugurated with the lighting of the lamp, symbolizing the enlightenment that education brings.
Dr Fr Baiju Antony CM, regional president (Karnataka Region) and joint secretary of the Xavier Board, delivered the welcome address, setting a tone of gratitude and anticipation for the days ahead.
Dr M C Sudhakar, hon’ble minister for Higher Education, Government of Karnataka, in his address, emphasized the importance of reskilling, vocational and entrepreneurial education, and highlighted government initiatives such as the AEDP programme and the Azim Premji Scholarship Scheme and how students can benefit from such initiatives. He encouraged institutions to nurture globally competent and socially responsible graduates, quoting Nelson Mandela: ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’
Armstrong Pame, IAS, popularly known as the ‘Miracle Man of Manipur’, inspired the gathering by sharing his life journey and speaking on the internationalization of Indian higher education, student exchange programmes, and the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan for rural community development.
The ceremony also featured blessings and reflections from Dr Elias Gonsalves, His Grace, emphasized the need to ‘empower minds to think critically, embrace change courageously, and reimagine education creatively’ to keep pace with global transformations in knowledge, technology, and values.
A key highlight of the evening was the release of the Xavier Board Souvenir 2025, an annual publication documenting the Board’s initiatives and achievements. The souvenir was released by the dignitaries on the dais - Fr Gilbert Mascarenhas, vice president; Dr Sr Deepthi UFS, secretary general; Dr Fr Baiju Antony CM, regional president; and Dr Fr Praveen Martis SJ, vice chancellor, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru.
The day concluded with an eloquent keynote address by Dr Cynthia Menezes, former vice chancellor, Bangalore University, on the topic ‘Innovating for Inclusion: Higher Education at the Threshold of Global Leadership.’ Her session resonated deeply with the audience, encouraging institutions to integrate inclusivity, research, and ethical leadership in their educational vision.
The first day ended with a vote of thanks by Fr Gilbert Mascarenhas, SAC, vice president, Xavier Board, acknowledging the contribution of all committees, volunteers, and the host institution for their meticulous organization and warm hospitality.
The evening culminated with a fellowship dinner, providing an opportunity for delegates to interact and build networks that will strengthen collaboration among Catholic Higher Education institutions across India
The inaugural of the XXV Xavier Board Triennial Conference 2025 set a dynamic tone for the days ahead - blending spirituality, scholarship, and service. The conference continues over the next three days with panel discussions, plenary sessions, signing of MOUs, and collaborative research initiatives aimed at reimagining higher education for a global tomorrow.