By Robancy A Helen
Bengaluru, April 10, 2025: The Karnataka Region Catholic Bishops’ Council has created history by appointing two laypeople to head its commission for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes.
Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore, the council president, on April 7 announced the appointment of Isabella Selvaraj Xavier as the commission’s joint secretary, the first woman to hold the post.
The council has also promoted the current joint secretary Alphonse G Kennedy as the commission secretary.
Kennedy is the first layperson to serve as secretary of the commission.
Father Yagappa, the outgoing secretary, hailed Kennedy’s promotion as a “a significant and well-deserved recognition” of his dedication and commitment.
“We extend our warmest congratulations to him on this important role. We are confident that his expertise and passion will greatly benefit the interests and welfare” of those under the commission.
Xavier, a trailblazer in social service, is the founder of the Sadhana Women and Child Welfare Society and Human Rights Centre in Tejaswi Nagar, Dharwad, Karnataka. Since its establishment in 2001, the organization has focused on issues concerning women and child rights, including child labor, child marriage, trafficking, family counselling, and human rights violations.
The organization also provides shelter and support for girls and women who have suffered from abuse, illiteracy, exploitation, and societal marginalization.
She holds multiple master’s degrees in psychology, Hindi, sociology, and social work from Mangalore University, as well as a doctorate in spirituality and leadership from Washington, D.C.
A passionate human rights advocate, she has received 11 awards since 2005 for her exemplary service to society. Xavier is also a motivational speaker, trainer, and resource person in schools, colleges, and law enforcement training programs across Karnataka.
In 2016, she served as the national president of Dalit Christian Women for Change, an initiative of the Office for Scheduled Caste and Backward Classes under the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India.
Currently, she serves as an executive member of CROSS, Bengaluru and joint secretary of Belgaum diocese’s women’s Commission, and SC/ST/OBC Commission.
Xavier’s appointment marks “a historic first and underscores KRCBC’s commitment to justice, empowerment, and inclusive leadership,” Father Yagappa said.