The Alumni Community Comes Together

St. Xavier's College, Mumbai hosted its Annual Alumni Dinner on 20th December 2025, bringing together alumni and faculty from across all years and disciplines. It was an evening that gave an opportunity to relive the Xavierite spirit and strengthen bonds within the college’s vibrant alumni community.

The celebrations were filled with music, featuring performances by alumni singers. Acclaimed alumna Ms. Manasi Parekh Gohil, an alumnus of the Department of Literature and an accomplished actor, singer, and producer with over two decades of experience, captivated the audience with song renditions, including a traditional Gujarati song. She was also recognised for her outstanding contribution to Gujarati cinema, including producing one of the highest-grossing Gujarati films and the nationally acclaimed “Kutch,” which won three National Awards. Mr. Shrey Jadav, a budding singer-songwriter and an alumnus of the Department of Mass Media, also enthralled the audience with his captivating voice.

A felicitation ceremony was held to honour distinguished alumni and contributors. Those felicitated included Ms. Rashmi Menezes, MD of Wallace Pharmaceuticals, who has played a key role in the installation of solar panels on several of our campus rooftops; Dr. Ajay Bhatnagar, a senior scientist from the 1958 batch known for his work in discovering a breast cancer drug; Dr. Aadil Chagla, a renowned neurosurgeon and faculty member at the Maharashtra Institute of Neurosurgery; and Fr. Gordon Daniells SJ, who was celebrated on the occasion of his triple jubilee: 50 years as a priest, 60 years as a Jesuit and 90 years of life.

In his address, the Rector, Dr. Fr. Keith D’Souza described alumni as the College’s greatest asset, expressing gratitude to the teaching and non-teaching staff, and acknowledged the institution’s diverse and vibrant student community. The Principal, Prof. Dr. Karuna Gokarn reflected on St. Xavier’s College’s 156-year legacy, shaped by generations of Xavierites, and shared how the introduction of new programmes continues to enhance academic growth.

The evening also honoured Silver Jubilee alumni (Batch of 2000), who were invited on stage for a special recognition. The celebration concluded with the college anthem followed by a special musical performance by the student choir and a formal vote of thanks, bringing the memorable evening to a close.

Written by Yeshaa D’souza