Inaugural Alumni Meeting at St. John Berchman's School

The first official meeting of alumni at St. John Berchman's School, Mundli, Tinpahar, was a momentous occasion, signifying a remarkable milestone in the school's rich history. Established in 1939 as a Hindi medium school nestled in the scenic Rajmahal Hills of Jharkhand, India, the institution has always held a special place in the hearts of its primarily tribal students.

The roots of the school can be traced back to the early 20th century when Jesuit missionaries arrived in the Rajmahal Hills. From its modest beginnings as a mission school, it has grown into one of the district's most esteemed vernacular schools, renowned for its exceptional education.

At the core of St. John Berchman's School lies an unwavering commitment to providing top-notch education to the marginalized. It serves as a beacon of hope and a valuable asset to the community, instilling immense pride in its members and embodying the Jesuit mission's dedication to serving the underprivileged.

During my discussions with Rev. Fr. Alban Minj SJ, the PCA, a realization dawned upon us – the importance of an alumni association for this age-old institution. This realization fueled the momentum to form an alumni association. Under the wise guidance of Rev. Fr. Alban Minj SJ, the PCA of Dumka Raiganj Province, the initiative took shape, and the vision of an empowered alumni community began to materialize. Rev. Sunit Kullu SJ, the current Principal, played a pivotal role in connecting the esteemed alumni members.

An undeniable presence at the meeting was Rev. Fr. Mathias Kisku SJ, an alumnus of the school who now serves as the hostel director. His presence invoked feelings of pride and nostalgia, inspiring the alumni members to embark on this journey of alumni association formation with renewed vigor and enthusiasm.

In this wonderful assembly, I had the privilege to contribute to the discussions and offer guidance to the enthusiastic gathering. Together with Mr. Manish Poddar, JAAI CZ Council Member, we took the time to explain the significance of the Alumni Association - its structure, purpose, and functions. It was truly heartening to witness the shared vision we all have: to foster a close-knit community of alumni, committed to upholding the rich legacy of St. John Berchman's School and supporting the education of future generations.

During the discussions, we were fortunate to have the esteemed presence of Mr. Sebastian Soren (1992), Mr. Michael Marandi (1993), Mr. Sitaram Soren (1989), Mr. Gabriel Marandi (1992), Mr. Sham Soren (1992), and Mr. Paulus Murmu (1992). Their valuable participation enriched the exchange of ideas and perspectives, showcasing the deep commitment and dedication they have towards their alma mater, St. John Berchman's School. Each of them brought their unique experiences and insights, contributing to the collective vision of nurturing a strong and supportive community of alumni, focused on preserving their school's legacy and empowering the future generations through welfare activities. It was a truly humbling experience to have such remarkable individuals come together for this meaningful cause.

SOXA, the Sahibganj Old Xaverians Association, has also made a dedicated pledge to offer comprehensive guidance and support in establishing the Alumni Association at St. John Berchman's School. This commitment exemplifies dedication to fostering a robust and flourishing alumni community that extends throughout the province.

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