- 10 November, 2026
PALAI, November 10, 2026: The Xavier Board of Higher Education in India (XBHEI) marked its 75th anniversary with a three-day national gathering in Kerala, bringing together educationists, Church leaders, policymakers and representatives of Catholic institutions to reflect on the future of higher education.
The Platinum Jubilee celebrations, held alongside the Board’s Annual General Body Meeting from November 4 to 6 at St Joseph’s College of Engineering and Technology (SJCET), Palai, focused on academic excellence, innovation, ethical leadership and the role of Catholic institutions in nation-building.
The formal inauguration on November 6 was attended by Anthony Cardinal Poola, Archbishop of Hyderabad and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), and Roji M. John, Kerala Minister for Higher Education, as chief guests. Fr Praveen Martis SJ, President of XBHEI, delivered the presidential address.
A major highlight was the release of the Xavier Board History Book, Platinum Jubilee Souvenir and Xavier Board Directory, documenting the organisation’s 75-year journey and its contribution to Catholic higher education in the country.
Archbishop Elias Gonsalves of Nagpur, Chairperson of the CBCI Office for Education and Culture, imparted the Jubilee Blessing, while Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangatt of Palai delivered the benedictory address. Former presidents and secretary generals of the Xavier Board were honoured for their contributions. Msgr Joseph Thadathil, Vicar General of the Eparchy of Palai and Chairman of SJCET, was also felicitated.
The academic sessions examined emerging trends and challenges in higher education. Srijan Pal Singh of the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Centre delivered the keynote address on *Reimagining Higher Education*, highlighting the potential of artificial intelligence, quantum technology and entrepreneurship in transforming educational institutions.
Other speakers included A. H. Sagar, Fr Thomas C. Mathew, former Vice-Chancellor of Christ University, and T. K. Jose, Chairman of the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission. Their presentations addressed changing educational priorities and the need to prepare institutions for emerging technological and social challenges.
The Xavier Board National Excellence Awards 2026 recognised institutions and individuals for their contributions to education. Awards were also presented to outstanding institutions, faculty members and winners of the national student essay competition. A cultural programme by students formed part of the celebrations.
The concluding day began with Holy Mass presided over by Archbishop Elias Gonsalves, followed by discussions on the Board’s future priorities and initiatives.
Hundreds of delegates, including college principals, faculty members and educational administrators from across the country, participated in the national gathering.
The Platinum Jubilee provided an occasion to review the Xavier Board’s contribution to Catholic higher education over seven and a half decades while renewing its commitment to academic standards, technological innovation, ethical leadership and the holistic development of young people.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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