Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Ahmedabad (Agenzia Fides) - St. Xavier’s College in Ahmedabad, appreciated by Catholics and non for quality education, is marking its 50th anniversary this year. Moreover St. Xavier’s is listed among 50 “excellent schools” in India and the only one listed in Gujarat State. The award is recognition of excellent, serious and competent work.
St. Xavier’s College, a Jesuit school, is one of two Catholic schools in Gujarat the other one is run by Carmelite Sisters of Mary Immaculate is at Rajikot.
St. Xavier’s headmaster Fr Francis Pramar said in this 50th anniversary year the College intends to extend its premises and also to broaden its curriculum to keep up with the times and a continually changing culture.
St. Xavier’s College has received praised by the press in Gujarat often critical of the Catholic Church in a state where extremist Hindu movements often use violence against Christians and Christan institutions.
Since it opened the goal of St. Xavier’s College has been to provide quality education by means of competent teaching staff, specialisation, modern didactic systems and equipment, maximum respect for basic values.
The local Church is well aware that education is important to build a country which is open, tolerant, peaceful, respectful of human rights and minority rights. Faithful to their identity, Catholic schools must aim to earn the trust of the people and the civil institutions.
Catholic education in India aims to promote social and cultural development, and respect for the fundamental values of democracy. (Agenzia Fides 8/6/2006 righe 26 parole 261
