Fr. Provincial’s Message

Dear Companions,
South Asian Jesuit Schools’ data for the academic year 2024-25 shows that there are 11,782 students in our Calcutta Jesuit Schools. Among them, 1,272 are Christians. Our schools are the most important apostolic area, the best organised with the best apostolic prospects. Currently majority of leaders, teachers and administrators in our schools are lay persons but we have a long way to go to become true collaborators in mission. The work overload due to limited resources, individualism, careerism and a decrease in apostolic zeal are some of our common challenges. But we ought to be persons with hope—realists—who see the positive and negative sides of the reality and believe in a better world and act accordingly.
Now India’s education system itself stands at crucial crossroads. There is an urgent need for change to relieve the immense mental and emotional tension thrust upon young learners. In this era of rapid societal and technological changes, a significant shift is essential. The focus must move from mechanical rote memorization to a more compassionate and nurturing approach, prioritizing creativity, critical thinking, and the holistic development of students.We must recognize that genuine success surpasses the realm of grades and marks, and the mental and emotional well-being of students should take centre stage in our schools.
It was heartening to learn the students of St. Lawrence High School observed a “Bagless Day” resonating with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It was reported that they expressed their creativity through their colourful drawings and mesmerized the audience through their singing. The funfilled activities of the “Bagless Day” motivated the students and made their learning enjoyable.
Learning can take place only in settings that are loving and happy. If they are fear-filled or marked by suspicion, young people learn to hide and protect themselves. Let us consciously and creatively continue to create environments in our schools to prepare our students to be free, creative, loving men and women for others!

James Arjen Tete, S.J.
Provincial