Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 22: The final day of the XXV Xavier Board Triennial Conference 2025 witnessed reflection, renewal, and forward planning as delegates concluded four days of deliberation, dialogue, and collaboration at St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) Mangaluru.
The day began with a Holy Mass celebrated by Prof Fr L Joji Reddy SJ, Fr Gilbert Mascarenhas SAC and Dr Fr Baiju Antony CM followed by breakfast.
The serene atmosphere set the tone for the Election of the new office bearers of the Xavier Board. The election officer, Fr Martin announced the results with Dr Fr Praveen Martis SJ, vice chancellor, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) Mangaluru being unanimously elected as president and Dr Sr Pearl D’Souza, principal Sophia College Ajmer Rajasthan as vice president. Soon after the first meeting of newly elected office bearers and board members was convened.
During this time, the delegates participated in parallel sessions that were held simultaneously across five thematic tracks:
1. Digital Citizenship & Social Alchemy: Transforming Communities through Tech-driven Extension (DCSATE) - highlighting technology’s role in social outreach and innovation.
2. Fostering Future-Ready Talent: Integrating Technology and Industry Engagement - focusing on employability and industry-academia partnerships.
3. Transforming Teacher Education for Holistic and Future-Ready Educators - addressing innovation and Indian ethos in teacher training.
4. Bridging the Gap in Indian Nursing Education: Policy Imperatives for Quality, Equity, and Scale - emphasizing health education reforms.
Each session brought together presenters and moderators from premier institutions across India, showcasing best practices and successful models of institutional innovation.
The valedictory programme brought the conference to a meaningful close. The ceremony began with a prayer, followed by the presidential speech of Prof Fr L Joji Reddy SJ, who reflected on the fruitful outcomes of the triennial and the shared vision for Catholic higher education in the coming years. The members of 8 regions: Karnataka region, Andhra and Telangana region, East and North Eastern region, Kerala North region, Kerala South region, Northern region, Tamil Nadu region and Western region met regional office bearers.
The Xavier Board National Excellence Award (XBNEA) was presented to outstanding institutions for their contributions to excellence in academics, leadership, and service.
Dr Praveen Martis SJ, the newly elected president of Xavier Board thanked the outgoing president, vice president and executive members for their valuable contributions to the growth of Xavier Board. He felicitated them as a gesture of gratitude and newly elected executive board members were invited to the stage and were introduced to the audience and were felicitated.
Dr Sr Deepthi UFS, secretary general of the Xavier Board, delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the efforts of the host university, committees, volunteers, and participants for making the triennial a memorable success.
The conference concluded with a fellowship lunch and a sightseeing tour to prominent heritage and spiritual landmarks of Mangaluru including Milagres Church, Rosario Cathedral, and local beaches allowing delegates to experience the city’s rich culture and hospitality.
The XXV Xavier Board Triennial Conference 2025 thus ended on a note of gratitude, unity, and renewed purpose, reaffirming the commitment of Catholic higher education institutions to empower minds, embrace change, and reimagine education for a global tomorrow.