Bihar Government Elevates St. Xavier’s College to University Status

Bihar, January 10, 2025: The Bihar Government announced on January 10 that St. Xavier’s College in Patna has been officially established as St. Xavier’s University, marking a historic milestone for the Jesuits in Bihar. Fr. Dr. Martin Poras, principal of St. Xavier’s College, expressed his joy in a written announcement stating, “I am thrilled to share the wonderful news that the Bihar Government has officially approved the establishment of Xavier University Patna. This momentous achievement marks the realization of a long-held dream and a significant milestone in our journey of education and excellence in Bihar.”

Founded in 1988, St. Xavier’s College of Education is an unaided Christian Minority Institution managed by the Patna Province of the Society of Jesus. The Jesuits, an international religious order founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola in 1540, have a rich legacy of contributing to education globally. The institution has upheld the Jesuit tradition of Integral Pedagogy, focusing on personalized and holistic training to produce teachers who are intellectually competent, morally upright, socially committed, and spiritually inspired.

The transition to university status is expected to enhance St. Xavier’s reputation as a center of academic and social excellence. Across India, Jesuit institutions are renowned for their top-tier colleges, management institutes, teacher training centers, and technical institutes, as well as for promoting inter-religious dialogue and social justice. This development further strengthens the Jesuits’ educational impact in Bihar and beyond, empowering young men and women to contribute meaningfully to society.

By Catholic Connect Reporter