Change is inevitable!

Well, following the same principle, the Department of Journalism at St. Xavier’s College Mapusa-Goa introduces its new blog www.xaviersjournalism.wordpress.com

The change has been initiated to facilitate better interaction between the department and the various public(s) – students, parents, colleges, universities and many more.

The new blog will be used for all further official communication about the department as well as college activities.

1000+ Runners participate in Xavierathon

Over 1000 athletes and fitness enthusiasts participated in Xavierathon 2012 – a 6km marathon organized by St. Xavier’s College Mapusa in association with SK Promotions, on the auspicious occasion of Goa Liberation Day.

St. Xavier’s College has organized this kind of an event for the first time as a part of their Golden Jubilee celebrations. The race was flagged-off by Ms. Alina Saldanha, Minister for Environment & Forest and also an alumna of the college. Earlier in her address to the participants, Ms. Saldanha urged the runners to overcome the six kilometre test. “This run will be a test of endurance, perseverance and focus. Overcome it and feel the sense of achievement and victory. It’s not about finishing first, but it’s more important to complete the race,” she stated.

The race flagged-off from the college premises. The runners followed a route that led them towards the Mapusa court, Remanso Hospital, Milagres Church and across the highway, straight to Fransalian Institute, Bastora which is the old campus of St. Xavier’s College. The route back was similar beside a small bifurcation near the Milagres Church.

Runners from all age groups participated with a lot of zeal as all the participants completed the race. The event and the public in general also witnessed a 78-year old woman Mrs. Maria Imelda De Souza, participate in the marathon and also completed the race. Similarly, a 4-year boy Sarthak Vijay Bhike also completed the race in style.

From among the numerous runners, Jeovito Fernandes of St. Xavier’s College completed the race first as he emerged champion in the men’s open category.

Winners in different categories:

Men's Open Category:

1st Place: Jeovito Fernandes (St. Xavier's College, Mapusa)

2nd Place: Ajay Vishwakarma (St. Anthony's HS, Duler)

3rd Place: Anthony Carvalho (St. Xavier's College, Mapusa)

Women's Open Category:

1st Place: Prachita Naik (St. Xavier's HSS)

2nd Place: Siddhi Chavan (St. Anthony's HS, Duler)

3rd Place: Rosaria Rebello

School & HSS Boy's Category:

1st Place: Mangesh Kadam (ITI Pernem)

2nd Place: Arun Gobicha (Sacred Heart HS, Parra)

School & HSS Girl's Category:

1st Place: Geeta Mutugur (Sacred Heart HS, Parra)

2nd Place: Seema Karatta (Sacred Heart HS, Parra)

Oldest Runner

Mrs. Maria Imelda De Souza (Age: 78 years)

Mr. Bhiku Azgaonkar (Age: 63 years)

Youngest Runner

Sarthak Vijay Bhike (Age: 4 years, Divine Mercy HS)

The prize distribution ceremony was clubbed along with the flag hoisting ceremony in the college campus. Chief Guest alumnus of the college, Adv. Ramakant Khalap, Former Union Minister for Law & Judiciary hoisted the flag. On the occasion, students of the college put up various programmes like group song, street play, and monologue.

Adv. Khalap in his speech brought back his memories of the college and ignited students to be better citizens. “Use this institute as a platform to be better human beings who can serve the nation better,” he encouraged the students of the college.

Mr. Saif Ullah Khan, Councillor, Mormugao Municipal Council, Mr. Santosh Redkar, Social Worker and Mr. Vijay Bhike, treasurer of the Alumni Association of St. Xavier’s College, also graced the occasion with their presence.

Cultural Inaugural at St. Xavier’s College

By Carol D'Mello & Flexcia D'souza

St. Xavier’s College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Mapusa, held its annual Cultural inaugural programme on Saturday in the college seminar hall. Archbishop Emeritus Raul Gonsalves was the chief guest for the programme. College alumnus Mr. Sandeep Jacques, Director, Municipal Administrations, was the guest of honour.

Principal of the college, Dr. (Fr.) Walter de Sa, in his address, welcomed the eminent personalities. “This is a proud moment and a moment of great joy as the college is celebrating its 50th year, the year of the Golden Jubilee,” Fr. Walter said in his opening speech. “There is no substitute to education. Education is the key instrument, and the only instrument of change. St. Xavier’s, going by its motto, formation for transformation, has since its inception tried to provide a holistic and value-based education to all those who enter into the portals of this institution of higher learning,” he added.

The programme was inaugurated by lighting the traditional lamp at the hands of the chief guest, guest of honour and newly appointed general secretary of the college.

Mr. Sandeep Jacques in his address to the students said, “I am proud to be a product of this institution and one should always set high goals and never give up. The youth are the building blocks of the state, and college is the place for them to be groomed. It is important to excel in academics but most important to be an all-rounder by being involved in co-curricular activities.

The college felicitated meritorious students, who secured distinction in the final year, at the hands of the chief guest and guest of honour. Appreciating the meritorious students, Archbishop Emeritus Raul Gonsalves said, “I congratulate the students for their excellence in academics. We should emulate the good students to perform better. Through my observation I have noticed the girls are more in number as compared to the boys. Hence, the boys should overcome or emulate the girls. None should go down, all should do better. One should value excellence, and intelligence has to go with character, use knowledge for the good of the society.”

The youthful students of the college put up a cultural programme that included an invocation dance, Marathi skit, mime, dance and choral piece. The stage performances were collectively presented by the various clubs and associations of the college.

Welcome to the New Academic Year!

By Varsha Nair, SYBA Journalism


After the summer break St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa is back in the groove of activities. This time round the activities are expected to have an extra dose of quality and enthusiasm as the college enters into its Golden Jubilee year. This historic moment will be marked and commemorated with a special programme on June 27, 2012.

Today, the First Year Bachelor of Arts (FYBA) students had an orientation programme in the college seminar hall. Rev. Dr. Walter De Sa, Principal of the college, welcomed the students and also a few parents those were in attendance. “Discipline and dedication is important and if you want a good future, you will have to work hard,” Fr. Walter said in his message to the students.

Later, the students were enlightened about the history of the college, the facilities and infrastructure that it provides. Various departments under BA introduced their course/subject/paper to the students and also enlightened them on the future prospects in the same field of study.

This year, there's good news for Mass Communication and Journalism students. From this academic year onward, first year Mass Communication and Journalism students will not need to opt of other subjects besides the ones related to Mass Comm. & Journalism. BA in Mass Comm. & BA in Journalism are now full-fledged courses that offer papers right from the first year itself. The students do not have to take up other subjects from the regular elective group.

The college is also a home to numerous clubs and associations that are active round the year. Students are encouraged to be part of such clubs; associations and sports teams to ensure all-round growth of the students.