Summary
Xavier’s was among first institutions to announce that it would offer four-year undergraduate courses from 2023-24 at a time there was no clarity yet on whether the programme would be introduced immediately in government and government-aided colleges and universities
St Xavier’s College (Autonomous) wants to emerge as a research-oriented institution because the four-year undergraduate programme that was launched last year focuses on research from the undergraduate level, principal Father Dominic Savio said in his convocation address on Tuesday.
The college held its 17th annual convocation on Tuesday and among the guests was state education minister Bratya Basu.
Father Savio said they were going to launch a BSc course in artificial intelligence next year, given the relevance of AI in today’s world.
St Xavier’s College was among the first institutions to announce that it would offer the four-year undergraduate courses from 2023-24 at a time there was no clarity yet on whether the programme would be introduced immediately in government and government-aided colleges and universities.
In this programme, a student who scores 75 per cent or more in the first six semesters may opt for honours with research in the 4th year.
“Since research is the thrust area from the undergraduate level, we are focusing on research,” Father Savio told The Telegraph.
In his address, he said: “As stated in the guidelines of the UGC, the NEP (National Education Policy) 2020 envisages the promotion of quality research in the higher education system. Research and innovation are important aspects to enhance quality education.”
The principal told this newspaper: “We can draw more bright students by focusing more on research.
We are going to open BSc in artificial intelligence next year. When the new undergraduate classes begin in July, we will also introduce a paper on AI that will be studied by all students even if they are from the humanities and the commerce faculties.”
At the programme on Park Street, Father Savio mentioned the success of the Raghavpur campus in South 24-Parganas.
“In the midst of expansion, we remain a college with a conscience whose mission is to reach the benefits of quality education to the underprivileged, the marginalised and to students from the rural hinterland. I am happy and proud to announce that our Raghavpur campus has successfully bridged the urban-rural divide and has brought about significant changes in the areas it serves.”
Education minister Bratya Basu said in his address: “The excellence of a college is not only about securing higher ranks but also about working towards bridging the divide.”
As many as 2503 students — undergraduate, postgraduate, BEd and PhD put together — received their degrees.
The college conferred the Nihil Ultra Award 2024 on Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Belur. Swami Atmapriyananda, pro-vice-chancellor of the institute, received the award.
Last updated on 17 Jan 2024
