Patna, 15th August: As India celebrates her 72nd year of Independence St. Xavier's Colleges, Digha, Patna put up a colourful cultural programme to mark the event. The solemnity of the day saw the unfurling of the tri-colour by the Chief Guest, Mr Sachin Sharma and the singing of the National Anthem. Special Guest for the day was Mr. Anand Mishra, Senior Copy Writer, Prabhat Khabar. Also present was Mrs. Archana Jha, former professor at St. Xavier’s Colleges and the outgoing Chief Editor of the college magazine, ‘Xaverian Waves’. Rector of the Colleges, Fr. Joseph Thadavanaal, SJ, Principal, Fr (Dr) T Nishaant, SJ, Finance Officer, Fr. Alphonse Crasta, SJ, and Administrator, Fr (Dr) Raj Kumar also graced the occasion.

Chief Guest for the occasion, Mr. Sachin Sharma, Resident Editor of Prabhat Khabhar, Patna delivered a motivational speech. He advised the students to explore the meaning of independence for their generation and cautioned them not to be complacent lest they fight over issues that divide the Nation and elect governments that peddles divisive policies. The Chief Guest presented medals to the College Girls’ Throw Ball team for coming up first runner up in the National Championship.

Celebration began with the singing a medley of patriotic songs. Students’ choir, led by Janardhan of final year BBE, sang with great gusto. Drama group, led by Krishna of second year BMC, presented a dance drama based on the life and martyrdom of Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi. Akansha’s (BMC first year student) performance as Rani Laxmibai won many hearts. The drama was part of a series of performances related to the Annual Theme of the Colleges, “Empowered Women, Developed Nation.”

Noopur of BBE first year depicted the life of our National Flag and the freedom that it stands for, through a beautifully rendered narrative-dance. Uniqueness of the presentation enthralled the audience. Ojaswini of BBA first year, gave an impassioned speech about the true spirit of nationhood and freedom.

The newly elected members of the Council of Student Representatives were administered the Oath of Office by the Vice-principal of the Colleges, Fr. (Dr) Martin Poras, SJ. He congratulated students on their election and expressed hope that they serve the vital role of link between the students and the College Management.

‘Xaverian Waves’, the annual college magazine for the academic year 2017-18, was also unveiled on this occasion. Present for this, on stage, were Mrs. Archana Jha, the editor, and the student editorial team.

Celebration ended with a classical dance by students’ group led by Shipra of BA third year. The programme was ably anchored by Isha Phillips of BA second year and Saket of BCA first year. Sonakshi Sinha of BBA third year proposed the vote of thanks.

The event was conceptualised and executed by the Cultural Committee of the Colleges comprising professors Supriya, Joel D’Cruze, Niharika Kumari, Ruchin Chainpuri, Rachna Thakkar, and Prakash Upadhyay under the guidance of Sr. Grace Pamplaniyil, SCSC.