Nostalgia – ‘the yearning for some period of the past’- Oxford enlightens. And when it brings the alumni/ae of St. Xavier’s back to their College campus, where they spent, “the best years of my life” - there’s magic in the air. Sunday 10th February saw about 500 alumni/ae gather for Nostalgia 2008, the Alumni Dinner at the St. Xavier’s College Heritage Quadrangle and Hall, organised by the College and the Xavier Alumni Association. Niloufer Marolia and Nandini Sardesai, President and Vice President of the Association, welcomed the gathering.
There were celebrities and unsung achievers, the young (last year’s batch) and the old (batch of 1939!), freely mixing in an atmosphere of joyful fellowship. “I found it really wonderful to connect with all the previous classmates and former professors” says Sahil, in retrospect. “On facebook.com about 1500 alumni have already registered themselves in three separate but overlapping lists, trying to get in touch with each other”. Allen reported, “We enjoyed ourselves and there was a great bonhomie and networking. The entertainment was also short and sweet”- referring to the programme hosted by the present students and alumnus Kim Cardoz. The bonding across generations was there for all to see. And a splendid dinner made it complete!
St. Xavier’s College is on the threshold of its 140th year and the planning for 2009 has just begun. This was the prelude to the next year’s celebrations. The Principal, Dr. (Fr.) Frazer Mascarenhas S.J. spoke of the move to “academic autonomy” for the College, and outlined three objectives involving alumni/ae: building a database to keep alumni/ae connected with the present happenings; bringing alumni/ae to contribute their time, expertise and finance for the benefit of present students; and hosting events for the continuing enrichment of alumni/ae who come from across the world. With alumni/ae who have built up a formidable reputation for competence and character in every field of human activity, St. Xavier’s has a treasure ready to be tapped.
Four retiring professors were felicitated on the occasion: Prof. Suzie Mascarenhas: English, Prof. Lentin: Physics, Dr. Hoshang Master: Chemistry and Dr. Jungoo Mistry: Physics. All of them had contributed immensely to the life on campus, far beyond their lecture-room teaching – a secret that contributes to making St. Xavier’s a formative experience for all. This has led to the UGC “Potential for excellence” award, the A+ grade for the NAAC re-accreditation and the merit list performers at the University Awards ceremony each year. St. Xavier’s continues to build educational infrastructure, innovate teaching-learning processes and reach out to community in cultural and extension activities – achieving world-class educational standards.
Lots to be nostalgic about… and great dreams to achieve ahead!