By Fr Saju George, SJ
The Raghabpur Jesuit Mission in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, stands as a living testament to nearly 150 years of devoted service to the poor. Rooted in Jesuit values, the mission flourishes through four pillars: St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish, St. Paul’s High School, St. Xavier’s College, and Kalāhṛdaya – The Universal Home of Art and Culture. Together, they advance pastoral care, education, social welfare, and cultural preservation.
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
Founded 135 years ago, St. Joseph’s is the oldest and second-largest parish in the Catholic Diocese of Baruipur, serving over 2,100 Catholic families across seven sub-stations. The church has become a symbol of faith and communal harmony, fostering understanding among Hindus, Muslims, and Christians.
St. Paul’s High School
Established in 1877 as St. Paul’s Middle Vernacular School, this was the first Bengali-medium coeducational school in the district. Today, St. Paul’s High School operates as a government-aided Jesuit-managed Higher Secondary School, offering Arts, Commerce, and Science streams to approximately 1,500 students. St. Joseph’s Church, built nearby in 1891, became the spiritual heart of a growing Catholic community that eventually gave rise to five additional parishes.
Kalāhṛdaya – The Heart of Art
Kalāhṛdaya, meaning “The Heart of Art”, is a vibrant centre dedicated to preserving and promoting cultural and performing arts. It embraces Indian classical, folk, tribal, and contemporary dance, along with theatre, music, painting, sculpture, martial arts, yoga, language training, and personal development. Its guiding principle is inclusive growth – bringing arts and education to the economically and culturally marginalized, particularly girls. Nearly 90% of its students come from Dalit communities.
The institution’s motto, Satyam Vada, Dharmam Cara (“Speak Truth and Pursue Righteousness”), reflects its deep moral foundation. Founded by Fr Saju George, SJ, in 2001 at Satya Nilayam Jesuit Philosophate in Chennai, Kalāhṛdaya relocated to Haridevpur, Kolkata, before settling in Bakeswar village in 2010. Since January 2025, it has operated as a Registered Public Charitable Trust, serving around 300 children and youth, with plans to introduce university-level programs in arts and culture.
St. Xavier’s College, Raghabpur Campus
Established in July 2014 by St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Kolkata, under Fr John Felix Raj, SJ, this campus was founded to bring quality higher education to rural youth in South 24 Parganas. Initially offering Bengali-medium courses with English support, the college fosters excellence through academic rigor, leadership development, and active participation in National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), and cultural programs.
The college offers undergraduate courses in Bengali (Honours and General) and Commerce, alongside postgraduate and doctoral programs in Bengali, History, and Political Science. Career-oriented certificate courses and industry partnerships – such as a hospitality management program with the Chowman restaurant chain – enhance employability. Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) training for civil service aspirants, future programs in digital humanities and cybersecurity, and centres for Gender Studies and Indian Knowledge Systems further enrich its academic offerings.
Sports, music, and community outreach through NSS and NCC units contribute to students’ holistic formation. The annual mega health camp, supported by the alumni association, exemplifies the Jesuit commitment to compassion and service. Infrastructure improvements, including a new motorway and proposed hostels, have enhanced accessibility and encouraged many young women to pursue higher education.
As the first college in this rural region, St. Xavier’s Raghabpur has transformed lives – especially for first-generation learners. Students receive financial assistance when needed and enjoy the same academic and extracurricular opportunities as those at the Park Street main campus. Arts graduates often become teachers, while Commerce students secure positions in corporate, retail, and banking sectors.
Over the past 15 years, the Raghabpur Jesuit Mission has brought visible and lasting transformation to the region. It remains a beacon of faith, education, and empowerment – an enduring symbol of hope for the rural poor and a shining example of Jesuit dedication to holistic human development.
Father General’s Visit to St. Xavier’s College, Raghabpur
Continuing his visit to the Calcutta Jesuit Province, Fr General Arturo Sosa visited the Raghabpur campus of the prestigious St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata. Located about 17 kilometres from the historic Park Street campus, Raghabpur was originally established to extend higher education to women and to respond to the growing need for inclusive learning spaces.
During his visit, Fr General inaugurated two newly constructed academic blocks, marking a significant step in the expansion of the institution’s mission. The occasion was one of joy and gratitude for the entire Xavier’s community, as it reaffirmed the Society of Jesus’ enduring commitment to “forming men and women for and with others”.
Addressing the gathering, Fr General reminded everyone that “Jesuit education is not merely about academic excellence, but about shaping consciences, nurturing compassion, and building a more just and humane world.” His words resonated deeply with students, faculty, and staff, inspiring them to continue their pursuit of holistic formation.
This milestone stands as a testament to the vision of inclusive and transformative education. It strengthens the legacy of St. Xavier’s College as a centre of excellence, service, and hope, responding creatively to the needs of our time.