The 3^rd Governing Council Meeting of the Jesuit Alumni Associations of India (JAAI) was held on 1^st November, 2014 at the Conference Hall (Room No. 15) of St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata hosted by Calcutta Jesuit Province and St. Xavier’s College (Calcutta) Alumni Association (SXCCAA).

Dignitaries on the dais :

The meeting started with opening remarks by Mr. Snehasis Sur, Vice President of SXCCAA welcoming the Province Coordinators, the Jesuit Fathers, the G.C. members of JAAI, members of the alumni/ae associations of Calcutta Province and the G. C. members of SXCCAA. The dignitaries on the dais were greeted with flower bouquet by the Secretary of SXCCAA, Mr. Firdausul Hasan. Rev. Fr. Norbert Menezes sj offered prayer requesting the Almighty for the success of the meeting. A minutes silence was observed to offer condolence to father of Rev. Fr. S. Mariadoss sj, PCA of Madurai province who passed away and to all who had left for their heavenly abode.

Thereafter, Rev. Fr. Felix Raj sj extended a warm welcome to everyone present and in his inaugural speech highlighted the importance and role of JAAI and spoke elaborately on the alumni movement in Jesuit institutions in India and across the world.

The rest of the agenda points were taken up for discussion by Mr. Eugine Herbert in the absence of Mr. Anil Chugh who was not present due to ill health alongwith Mr. Shapath Shah. After deliberations by the members present, the minutes of the 2^nd G. C. meeting was approved and passed by the house. Mr. Shapath Shah welcomed the gathering and presented a brief on the activities of JAAI. Mr. John Neelankavil, Editor & Web Master presented a detailed analysis on the new website of JAAI. Mr. Naresh Gupta discussed about the WUJA activities. Mr. Ravin Roy presented the accounting matters and membership dues ably assisted by Mr. Santosh Agarwal, Financial Advisor of JAAI. Release of payment towards printing of JAAI magazine which was due for a long time was unanimously approved.  All the agenda points were taken up for discussion and was elaborately discussed and covered with due deliberation from the members. The meeting ended with vote of thanks by Mr. G. P. Gupta, G. C. member of JAAI and Vice President of SXCCAA.

Rev. Fr. Jesu Benjamin sj, PCA of Dumka-Raigunj Province could not attend the second session of the meeting as he had leave for home, after he received the message of his father’s demise.

After high tea, the group reconvened to greet and interact with Rev. Fr. Lisbert D’Souza sj, Regional Assistant for Southern Asia and Rev. Fr. Daniel Huang sj, Regional Assistant for Asia Pacific, both Counselors of Rev. Fr. Superior General. The interactive session was very successful and productive with lot of pertinent questions coming up for discussion from both sides.  A PPT presentation on JAAI was well presented by Mr. Naresh Gupta briefing on AEP and Student Exchange Programme and WUJA. The full house had an enriching experience.

Rev. Fr. Bob Slattery sj was as usual with his great inputs and guidance for the betterment of JAAI.

A sumptuous dinner for everyone was organized by SXCCAA wherein the environment turned for great fellowship among the known and unknown members of JAAI, SXCCAA and the Calcutta Province.

The eventful journey ended with joy and happiness and memories to cherish to be carried forward to the next meeting of JAAI.

Presented By : G. P. Gupta., G.C. Member, JAAI.