Jesuits, known as the schoolmasters of Europe are ready to make their university debut in India with St Xavier's University in Odisha.
The campus for the same will be ready for classes in December this year and the first batch will be admitted from the next academic year which is 2015-2016. The campus is located near the temple city of Puri, 60 km from Bhubaneshwar.
Jesuits are credited with introducing modern education in India during the 16th century. They manage several colleges but under government universities.
The Xavier University bill was passed in the Odisha assembly after a marathon debate on April 5. "This is the first time that a private university will have a reservation for Odisha students," said Higher Education minister of Odisha, Badri Narayan Patra.
"Odisha is a very important destination of higher education for students. This is an engagement and a commitment," said Fr Paul Fernandes, the brain behind the project. He added that the Jesuits plan to expand the university to other places as well.
The committee plans to introduce one or two programs in every phase beginning with the rural management program. The university will not be limited to teaching only business but will have science and humanities school as well. As for the resources, Fr Fernandes says,"We need resources and we seek support openly from alumni, friends, donors and anyone whoever wants to support our venture."
The vision of the Jesuits with regards to the university is very clear: establish the university, make it innovative and of greater quality.
