Jesuits in higher education meet for two-day deliberations; visit Azim Premji University

On : 2025-05-30

Jesuits involved in higher education in Karnataka met for a two-day deliberation in Bangalore on May 30-31. As part of their deliberations, they visited Azim Premji University (APU), Bangalore.

At APU, the university officials spoke to the Jesuits on the thrust areas of the university. Prof. Sarad Sure, Registrar, said that APU had a strong social sciences thrust and wanted to reach out to the social sector. “As part of our thrust areas, we reach out to seven gram panchayats around the university and make a deliberate impact upon the lives of people,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Prof. Keith D’Souza, former professor of management, XLRI, helped the group design a strategic planning based on NEP. Six thrust areas such as holistic development, social concern, critical thinking, academic excellence, transformative leadership, innovativeness and adaptability were listed as important areas going forward.

Former principals Frs Swebert D’Silva and Fr Daniel Fernandes shared about their experiences as principals. They emphasised the need to be fair yet human in dealing with students and staff.

Vice chancellors of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) and St Joseph’s University Frs Praveen Martis and Victor Lobo, spoke on their achievements, challenges and roadmap for the future. Meanwhile, principals of other colleges also shared about their joys and challenges as directors of work.

Provincial Fr Dionysius Vaz, in his address called upon Jesuits in higher education to help in forming students with authentic self. He also challenged them to be ready for the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the whole system of education. “While AI can produce better content, it cannot give a personal touch. Hence, it is important that we teach students how to think,” he said.

He also called upon the Jesuits to develop collaborative leadership style, instead of centralising all affairs of the institution.

During the spiritual conversation that followed, Jesuits shared their joys and struggles as men in higher education. They also listed many suggestions to improve higher education in Karnataka province.

Fr Melwyn D’Cunha handed over the charge of province coordinator for higher education to Fr Melwyn S. Pinto. The deliberations were held on the first day at St Joseph’s Commerce College and on the second day at St Joseph’s University.