The first post pandemic gathering of the West Zone was at the 6th JAAI West Zone Congress that was held on 19th and 20th November, 2022 at St. Xavier’s High School, Surat. Major Alumni associations and their institutions of Gujarat Province contributed to make this Congress a success.

Post the pandemic the delegates of the west zone participated with enthusiasm and in great numbers. The Congress theme was “Together Towards Tomorrow”. The topics covered ranged from education, importance of alumni in the society and importance of ethics and culture in the success of collaborative success.

The Congress also was venue of the final GC meeting of the JAAI GC for which delegates of JAAI also participated in the West Zone Congress. Along with the Delegates of the various institutions of Gujarat, Pune, Bombay and Goa Province, Provincial of Gujarat, Past Provincial of Gujarat, PCAs and GC members of the west zone institutions, the occasion was graced by The President of JAAI, Vice President JAAI, Secretary JAAI, JAAI representative to WUJA as well as Past President of JAAI. The networking at the West Zone Congress was hence, fruitful and a step forward in the Alumni Movement.

The students and staff of St. Xavier’s Primary School, Surat worked extremely hard and their efforts bore fruit in the immensely successful Congress in terms of organization, facilities and flow of the congress. The plethora of inspiring speakers and interesting interactions studded the congress throughout. Keynote Address was delivered by Fr. Francis Parmar, S.J. The past provincial of Gujarat and an academician par excellence who set the tone of the congress.

Mr. Govind Dholakia a leading diamantaire of Surat spoke on the  ‘IMPACT OF ETHICAL AND VALUE BASED LIVING IN CURRENT TIMES’. Mr. Anthony Stephen, well-known professor from Madras University shed light on ‘SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP’ emphasizing the need of being united, to make a difference to the society. Prof. Persi Engineer – The Principal of The Sarvajanik Engineering College talked on ‘FUTURE OF EDUCATION’. His interactive session, covered various problems and solutions pertaining  to  the  current  education  system.  Dr. Prashant Naik, who is an ex-Xavierite of St Xavier’s Surat and Dr. Mukul Petrolwala elucidated on ‘TOGETHER TOWARDS TOMORROW – CULTURE OF COLLABORATION’. Dr. Prashant, in his own style, cherished his school time memories. He talked to the audience and guided how could one be helpful to the society.

Mr. Anand Bakshi, again an alumni from St Xavier’s Surat and a famous architect talked about the ‘IMPORTANCE OF ALMA MATER IN GROOMING THE STUDENTS’. He cherished his school memories and expressed his gratitude to our school for the values and education he had acquired from here. Later, he focused on how schooling in Xavier’s made a big difference in his life. He appreciated the Jesuit Institutions for teaching Value  Education  or  Moral  Science  in  the  school. The congress was livened up by a CULTURAL PROGRAMME where students from various schools from Anand, Baroda, Zankhvav various dance performances and entertained all. The Gala Dinner served as a networking amid local delicacies.

To top it all the JAAG GC and JAAI GC meetings were held at the venue.

The West Zone Congress brought to fore the Jesuit Values and provided food for thought that will contribute immensely to the Alumni Movement.