By Mattersindia reporter
New Delhi: Jesuit Father Francis Xavier has been appointed as the Vice President for Academics and Research for Jesuit Worldwide Learning (JWL), said Dr. Z. Devasagaya Raj, secretary, of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) Office for SC/BC (Dalits and Backward classes), New Delhi.
“We are happy to know that Fr. Xavier of Madurai Province, Tamil Nadu, South India would be taking an assignment as the Vice President for Academics and Research for JWL with Head Office in Geneva, Switzerland,” he added.
JWL aims at imparting online education to those, especially migrants, marginalized and poor, who cannot afford to go to universities. Fr. Xavier might be moving over to Geneva in Jan 2017.
Fr. Xavier was the first director of the Engineering College in Loyola, Chennai. He also served as the provincial for Madurai Jesuit province. He is a scientist and internationally renowned professor of science. He holds a doctorate in science and has written many books and articles. He is one of the delegates from India who participated in the 36th Jesuit General Congregation held in Rome and where they elected the 31st General of the Society of Jesus Father Arturo Sosa SJ from Venezuela.
Fr. Xavier born in a Dalit family, proved his ability and talents making use of the opportunities given to him. The society of Jesus recognising his achievements in the field of education and service to the poor and the marginalised especially the Dalits, appointed him as the Vice President of JWL the first Dalit to hold this position in the International level.