Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 21: The third day of the XXV Xavier Board Triennial Conference 2025 at St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) Mangaluru, highlighted innovation, entrepreneurship, social justice, and the evolving standards of quality assurance in higher education.
The day began with a Holy Mass celebrated by Dr Fr Maria Charles SDB, executive secretary, CBCI commission for education and culture, followed by breakfast and the morning prayer.
Plenary session: Innovation and entrepreneurship
The session ‘Catalyzing Innovation: Building Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Higher Education’, was chaired by Dr Saji Varghese, associate professor, Christ University, Bengaluru. His pioneering initiative in rural India has led to the creation of the world’s first drinking straws and writing pens made from naturally dried and fallen coconut leaves. This eco-friendly innovation not only provides a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic (SUP) products but also empowers women through entrepreneurship and skill-based livelihoods. His work as a testament to innovation driven by culture, attitude, and imagination, supported by knowledge, habitat, and resources-the very elements represented in the visual model inspired the audience. He also emphasized how indigenous wisdom and modern technology can converge to create sustainable, community-based solutions for global challenges.
Marjorie Aranha Texeira, former senior bank manager and entrepreneur, in her address on ‘Women Entrepreneurship’, shared insights from her 25-year journey, highlighting women’s entrepreneurship as a mission of courage and transformation. She urged the educational institutions to mentor and empower women, promote networking, and integrate entrepreneurship into academic curricula. Emphasizing faith, integrity, and perseverance, she affirmed that women’s leadership uplifts families and communities. The session was ably moderated by Dr Fr Thomas Thenadiyil CMF, principal, St Claret College, (Autonomous) Bengaluru.
Both the panelists, emphasized the importance of fostering creativity in start-ups in academic institutions to prepare youth for an innovation-driven economy.
The business session commenced with the presidential address by Dr Fr Joji Reddy. Following this, the secretary general, Dr Sr Deepthi, presented the triennial report and audited statements (2024–2025). The deliberations reflected transparency, growth, and the Xavier Board’s ongoing initiatives in leadership training and collaboration.
Afternoon sessions: Justice, mission, and quality enhancement
Post-lunch, delegates attended a profound session on ‘Social Justice, Sustainability, and Mission: Walking with the Marginalized’. Justice Kurien Joseph, former judge, Supreme Court of India, delivered a lecture on the moral responsibilities of educational institutions in promoting justice and inclusivity. The session was moderated by Dr A Louis Arockiaraj SJ, principal, Loyola College, Chennai.
The subsequent plenary on 'Reimagining Quality Assurance: The Changing Face of NAAC Accreditation’ was delivered by Dr Charles J A, director of Loyola International Academic Collaboration, Loyola College, Chennai. Dr Sr M Rashmi A C, principal, Patna Women’s College and President, AIACHE, introduced the speaker. He dealt on the new Binary accreditation frameworks and institutional accountability. Further, he explained the shift from CGPA scores and NAAC’s focus on continuous quality enhancement, transferency and innovation.
The day concluded with the academic and professional collaboration session, during which MoU’s were signed between Xavier Board institutions and partner institutions, marking a new phase of national and international academic networking.
The evening ended with dinner and a time for informal exchange among participants, highlighting the spirit of partnership and shared mission in Catholic higher education.