By Krish Singhal
Bengaluru, September 8, 2026: The Jesuit‑run St Joseph’s University (SJU) in Bengaluru inaugurated a new campus, underscoring its commitment to the poor, pursuit of excellence, and dedication to fostering innovation and relationships.
The inauguration of the university’s new B‑Block campus at Kalena Agrahara on Bannerghatta Road coincided with National Teachers’ Day September 5 and drew senior state officials, Catholic clergy, and faculty members.
Karnataka Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Ramalinga Reddy, serving as Chief Guest, praised SJU’s emphasis on discipline and moral dignity, calling them vital for shaping citizens alongside academics.
Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore led the blessing prayer, commending the university’s commitment to the poor and pursuit of excellence.
Jesuit Provincial and Chancellor Father Dionysius Vaz highlighted empathy and servant‑leadership as guiding values. Vice Chancellor Father Victor Lobo welcomed guests, noting the block’s role in fostering innovation and relationships. The event featured a lamp‑lighting and unveiling of the foundation stone.
The expansion follows SJU’s 2021 elevation to university status under the RUSA 2.0 framework. The Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) is a central government program in India that gives strategic funding to state higher education institutions.
St Joseph’s University was founded in 1882 by the Paris Foreign Mission fathers and management handed over to the Society of Jesus in 1937.
It has evolved from its early affiliation with Madras University to becoming Karnataka’s first college to offer postgraduate courses in 1986 and establish a research center in 1988.
According to the university’s official website, SJU achieved autonomy in 2005 and was granted university status on July 2, 2022.
The then president Droupadi Murmu inaugurated it as India’s first public‑private university that September.