ST. XAVIERS COLLEGE

HISTORY

St. Xavier's College, Simdega,

History

St. Xavier's College, Simdega, established as a beacon of higher education in the district of Simdega in Jharkhand, India, boasts a rich history that reflects the aspirations, challenges, and triumphs of the region. Over the years, the college has not only contributed to academic excellence but also played a pivotal role in the socio-cultural development of the region.
t. Xavier's College was founded in the year 2016, under the auspices of XAVIERS RANCHI a society registered under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860 (Reg. No. 13/1958-59 Bihar, Reg. No 198/2005-2006 Jharkhand), which recognized the need for a premier institution of higher learning in the Simdega district.

The college was named after St. Francis Xavier ???one of the founding members of the Society of Jesus, the patron saint of the College,who is known for his missionary work in India and his commitment to education. Ever since its inception, the college aimed to provide quality education rooted in ethical and moral values.

St. Xavier's College, Simdega,

History

The desire to start a college at Simdega was conceptualized under the leadership of former provincials of Ranchi Province ?? Dr. Fr. Ranjit Pascal Toppo, SJ, and Fr. Xavier Soreng, SJ to cater to the educational needs of the socially and economically marginalized people of the area.

But such a noble desire could be actualized under the leadership of Dr. Fr. Joseph Marianus Kujur SJ, and his team Fr. Sudhir Minj, SJ?? the Socius to the Provincial, and Fr. George Kerketta, SJ, the PDD. The first Principal of the college was Dr. Emmanuel Barla SJ.

St. Xavier's College, Simdega,

History

The college began its journey on the 1st August 2016 in a humble manner with four Jesuit Fathers, thirteen Assistant Professors, four hundred and fifty-three students,and fifteen non-teaching staffs for the academic session 2016-2017. However, the college was officially inaugurated on 9th September, 2016 by the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Ranchi University, Dr. Ramesh Kumar Pandey. The motto of the college was Lucens et Ardens, i.e., ‘spreading light and burning bright’. The college started functioning from its temporary campus at St. John Berchmans’ Apostolic School, Samtoli. The initial infrastructure consisted of a modest academic building and limited resources. The college received both the permissionand affiliation to run Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Commerce courses from Ranchi university and the Department of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Jharkhand from the academic session 2026- 2017.

The subjects that were offered were Honours courses in Commerce, Economics, English, Geography, Hindi, History, and Political Science.The college received good response from students not only from Jharkhand but also from other states of India such as Assam, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh.

St. Xavier's College, Simdega,

History

As the college gained recognition, it attracted students from various parts of India. The curriculum was expanded to offer Masters courses from the academic session 2023-2024, thereby catering to the evolving educational needs of the region. The college's commitment to excellence was reflected in its emphasis on quality teaching, innovative pedagogical approaches, and the incorporation of contemporary subjects. The college's emphasis on research and scholarship has led to numerous contributions in various fields of study. Faculty members and students have engaged in research projects, published papers in reputed journals, and participated in national and international conferences. The college also encourages interdisciplinary studies and collaborations with other institutions to broaden the academic horizons of its students.

In recent years, St. Xavier's College, Simdega, has continued to evolve in response to the changing educational landscape. The college has embraced digital learning platforms, introduced new courses aligned with industry demands, and strengthened its alumni network. These efforts are aimed at providing students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for the challenges of the modern world.