Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS) welcomed its new batch of PGDM 2020-2022 students in a first ever online inaugural ceremony of the new academic session 2020-2022 on Monday August 10, 2020.
Students have joined XISS across its five programs namely PGDM (Human Resources Management), PGDM (Rural Management), PGDM (Information Technology), PGDM (Finance Management), and PGDM (Marketing Management).
The new students were welcomed through a virtual meeting portal due to the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the country. In a first ever online induction ceremony, the presence of XISS management, Faculty members, Staff members, Alumni, Students from both years and Parents was seen. It was also live streamed on YouTube which was watched by several people.
The inaugural session began with a solemn, inaugural prayer by Fr. Xavier Soreng, SJ, Superior XISS who sought the blessings of the Almighty on each one present during these tough times to sail through. In his prayer, he prayed to the Lord to help XISS realize its Vision and Mission and keep the spirit of knowledge, wisdom and care intact. He congratulated the new batch upon their academic session and wished that they become people of compassion and are content citizens who work for the peace of the nation.
Welcoming the students, Dr. (Fr.) Joseph Marianus Kujur SJ, Director, XISS impressed upon the students the value and importance of upholding XISS’s reputation and its motto of “Nurturing Professionals with a Difference”. He also said: “This COVID-19 pandemic situation is a tough time we all are witnessing and should emerge victorious at the end. XISS welcomes each one of you with open heart and mind and will strive to teach you all the value of team work, compassion and keep the hunger of excellence alive in you”. He also stressed on the importance of the Vision and Mission which has translated into a unique culture at XISS. He also introduced all the program faculty members to the students.
He further added on following the theme of Jesuit Education, ‘MAGIS’, translating to excellence to be the motto of each student. He advised them to not just focus on academics but become change agents for the socio-cultural changes in the society as well. He extended his wishes to the students on becoming a part of XISS and stressed on maintaining their ethical and responsible behavior as they now bear the name of XISS. He stressed on maintaining student’s ethical awareness within the classroom and in their professional conduct.
Fr. Ajit Kumar Xess, SJ, Provincial and Chairman, Governing Body of XISS in his address to the new batch of students, said: “The Vision and Mission of XISS translates itself into a unique culture, which is to nurture professionals with a difference. The Institute has carved its name within a very short time with its academic excellence, learned faculty and the vast alumni network have been the deciding factors”.
Furthermore, he said that the Jesuit Educational Values are focused on developing a student with interpersonal skills, social and cultural knowledge, compassion, peace and reconciliation. He advised the students on keeping a check on their Attitude and Aptitude, to be at the right place for them to be good learners.
Fr. Pradeep Kerketta, SJ, Assistant Director, XISS wished the students for their new academic session in the Institute and advised them to work hard to realize their dreams to come true. He introduced the values and learnings of the Jesuit Educational Society with them and said them to be the best at not just academics but also to be the best version of themselves from today.
Fr. Francis David Kullu SJ, Finance Officer, XISS further in the inaugural session introduced the Chief Guest of the inaugural session, Dr. (Fr.) P. Christie, SJ, Director XLRI. In his address to the students, Fr. Christie said: “Jesuits have been the pioneers in business education in India and XLRI and XISS are the examples to see which were established even before IIMs came in existence. Jesuit Education follows the principles of the Latin word MAGIS, which translates to excellence which means to be the best version of yourself and never be satisfied but be hungry for excellence. Students here will be given an opportunity to understand the professional world in a better light with the faculty members guiding them throughout and they should always work towards bringing good name to their Institute.”
He also advised students to increase their emotional and social quotient and become patient in their lives. He expressed his concern on the rising issues of depression amongst the youth and advised them to become problem solvers. He further stated that XISS has a long history of grooming managers who will serve as catalysts of change and become responsible business leaders of tomorrow. Good ethical practices and professional conduct will be the key for becoming a responsible and good leader for future.
Furthermore, name of winners of the Awanish Kumar Dev Memorial Scholarship were also declared by Mrs. Suparna Dev and senior Alumni Mr. Mussarrat Husain, Head, Leadership and HR Transformation, Maruti Suzuki. Ms. Krishna Roy, Ms. Rashmeet Kaur and Ms. Sakshi Rani Gupta have been chosen as winners of the memorial scholarship being awarded since 2013.
The vote of thanks was given by Dr. Mahua Banerjee, HoP, PGDM (Information Technology) who thanked the Chief Guest of the inaugural session for his kind and encouraging words. She also thanked the Director for motivating the students and the Provincial for beginning the inaugural session on such positive notes. She also thanked Dr. Rajshree Verma the coordinator of the inaugural session and the Faculty members, alumni and staff of the Institute.
After the vote of thanks the induction classes began in their respective program by the faculty members where they explains about the Institute, its vision, mission and all the necessary details to the students which they will need for the proper conduct in the college. The induction program will continue for two days and later the online classes will begin.