By Matters India Reporter
Kolkata, September 3, 2019: Jesuit Father Felix Raj, vice-chancellor of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata, received the prestigious 2019 Sankalp Award, “Educationist of the Year” from Javed Khan, minister, Government of West Bengal at JW Marriot hotel on September 1, in the presence of Industrialists HP Budhia, Lal Bhatia and others.
The Sankalp Education Forum supported by the David and Goliath and Lions Club selected Father Raj for his contribution in the field of higher education in India particularly in West Bengal.
The Jesuit priest had spent 33 years at St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata as vice-principal, rector and principal. He took over as the founder vice-chancellor of the St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata. He is credited with setting up the university with the support alumni spread all over the world.
“I am not worthy of this award, but I accept it in all humility in the name of my students who made me a teacher and what I am today,” Father Raj said in his acceptance message.
“When US President Ronald Reagan presented the award of freedom to Mother Teresa, he jokingly said that he won’t be surprised if Mother out of love for the poor melts the medal to buy food for them,” Father Raj added.
The award is a gesture of appreciation and recognition. It is a mantra of motivation and encourages you to move forward in your mission, he told Matters India.
One should not work for awards, but when some people recognize your work, it means something and it must be accepted with magnanimity, he said.
Father Raj also received the Mother Teresa Ratna on Mother’s Birthday, on August 26 in Kolkata from the International Mother Teresa Award Committee and Society for weaker sections.