President Droupadi Murmu inaugurates St Joseph’s University

On : 2022-10-07

St Joseph’s University, Bangalore, a first of its Jesuit university, created by the Act of Karnataka State Legislature under Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), was officially inaugurated on September 27 by Smt Droupadi Murmu, President of India. Thaawarchand Gehlot, Governor of Karnataka, Basavaraj Bommai, Chief Minister of Karnataka, C N Ashwath Narayan, Minister for Higher Education, Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore archdiocese, Fr Dionysius Vaz, Chancellor, NA Harris, MLA, Shantinagar constituency, government officials, media personnel, Jesuits, clergy, religious, dignitaries from other institutions, police officers, among others, were present on the occasion. Around 5000 attendees, including staff, family members, students, and alumni/ae witnessed the inauguration.

Rev Peter Machado, the Archbishop of Bangalore, invoked the blessings of Christ over SJU and the Chancellor Fr Vaz welcomed the honourable guests. Smt Droupadi Murmu, the President of India, addressed the gathering speaking about the responsibility of educational institutions towards students and the role of National Education Policy 2020. She emphasised the importance of out-of-the-box thinking, critical thinking, innovation, and a well-rounded curriculum. The President also heaped praises on Karnataka, Bengaluru and the people while recalling the state's contribution in freedom struggle, spirituality, philosophy, literature, music, art, science and architecture. She expressed confidence that St Joseph’s University would cater to the aspirations of the students through its various specialised schools.

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai in his speech hailed the Institution not just for being a part of the growth of Bengaluru but also that of the whole of Karnataka and for giving excellent students to society who have excelled in all fields. Remembering all the Fathers, teachers and students who had strived for the Institution, he stated that the contribution of the Institution would be remembered for centuries to come. The CM also lauded the Institution for maintaining a high degree of character forming and quality education, along with the strong ethos of Jesuits all around the world, which have led students to seek this Institution to build a good career and a good life.