Nirmala College for Women celebrated Xavier Board Week from September 6 to 12, 2026, commemorating the 75-year legacy of the Xavier Board of Higher Education in India.
Founded in 1948, the Xavier Board is a national network of Catholic higher-education institutions committed to promoting value-based education, academic excellence, social responsibility and collaborative development.
With a wide network of Catholic colleges and universities across India, the Board works towards strengthening higher education through shared values and collective action.
The week-long celebration was organised under the leadership of Kulandai Therese, Secretary, and Mary Fabiola, Principal, bringing together the college community through service, sustainability, academic engagement and remembrance.
The celebrations commenced with a Holy Mass, followed by an inaugural ceremony and a Rally around the Race Course area, highlighting the themes of Women’s Higher Education and the Xavier Board.
The flagship initiative, “Nirmala’s 75 Hours of Service,” extended compassionate support to tribal communities, senior citizens, persons with special needs and other vulnerable groups.
Initiatives included distribution of vegetables, stationery, clothes, toys and saplings; provision of tailoring machines to transgender persons for sustainable livelihood; donation of books to prisoners; blood donation; and healthcare support for persons living with HIV/AIDS.
Environmental initiatives marked the celebrations with 375 saplings planted across five community-driven initiatives: 75 saplings at St. Joseph’s Old Age Home by the teaching community; 75 by the Management and non-teaching staff in the college premises; 75 by school students at Orattukuppai Village; 75 by Alumni and Parents in the Xavier Garden set up at the college premises; and 75 by the tribal community of Palamalai Village.
Complementing these efforts, the “Seed Balls of Hope” initiative further promoted ecological conservation and encouraged collective responsibility towards a greener future.
Academic engagement featured an International Seminar on “Value-Based Educational Leadership in the AI Era,” with 905 participants, and a Panel Discussion on “Values for a Virtuous Tomorrow: Catholic Institutions Shaping a Harmonious Society,” which brought together six panel members for an engaging discussion attended by 150 teachers.
A rural outreach programme at St. Joseph’s Girls Higher Secondary School, Somanur, benefited 230 participants.
An Essay-Writing Competition engaged 180 staff members and 400 students, encouraging reflection on the Xavier Board’s legacy and values.
As a symbolic tribute to the 75-year journey, 408 students formed the Xavier Board logo with candles in hand.
A Founders’ Day Candlelight Remembrance honoured the pioneers who shaped the educational mission, while the Heritage Exhibition, showcasing the history and legacy of the Xavier Board, attracted 2,056 visitors.
The celebrations concluded with a valedictory programme, reaffirming Nirmala College’s continued dedication to value-based education, social responsibility, environmental stewardship and meaningful community engagement, while celebrating the Xavier Board’s enduring contribution to Catholic higher education in India.
