The Annual Meeting of the Province Secretaries for School Education (PSSEs) of the Jesuit Conference of South Asia (JCSA) took place from October 2–4, 2025, at XIM University, Bhubaneswar. The three-day gathering, convened by Fr. John Ravi, SJ, Conference Secretary for School Education, was a time of renewal, discernment, and collaboration among the Jesuit educators shaping the future of school education across South Asia.
The meeting opened with a formal inauguration by Fr. Jerry Cutinha, SJ, Provincial of Jamshedpur, and Fr. Casimir, SJ, Vice-Chancellor of XIM University.Fr. Cutinha offered an insightful presentation on the province’s growth and mission, while Fr. Casimir invited the participants to embrace emerging technologies and innovative pedagogies to meet the aspirations of today’s young learners. In his remarks, the Chancellor emphasized the need for ethical discernment in all educational approaches, reminding the gathering that “every child is a champion.” He added that such a vision is realized only when school leaders become keen observers and attentive listeners to all stakeholders.
Prof. Amar Nayak deepened the reflection on the main theme by highlighting the significance of teamwork. Using a striking metaphor, he noted that in any group, “the slowest member determines the winning pace.” His presentation underlined that only true team spirit can enable Jesuit schools to respond meaningfully to the many challenges of contemporary education.
In a powerful session, Fr. John Ravi, SJ, JEA Secretary, presented twenty-five major challenges confronting Catholic minority schools in India today. His comprehensive analysis called for collective reflection and renewed commitment to the Jesuit educational mission. An online session led by Mr. David Smith and Ms. Ciara on Educate Magis broadened participants’ horizons, encouraging greater networking and collaboration within the global Jesuit education community.
The meeting opened with a formal inauguration by Fr. Jerry Cutinha, SJ, Provincial of Jamshedpur, and Fr. Casimir, SJ, Vice-Chancellor of XIM University.Fr. Cutinha offered an insightful presentation on the province’s growth and mission, while Fr. Casimir invited the participants to embrace emerging technologies and innovative pedagogies to meet the aspirations of today’s young learners. In his remarks, the Chancellor emphasized the need for ethical discernment in all educational approaches, reminding the gathering that “every child is a champion.” He added that such a vision is realized only when school leaders become keen observers and attentive listeners to all stakeholders.
Prof. Amar Nayak deepened the reflection on the main theme by highlighting the significance of teamwork. Using a striking metaphor, he noted that in any group, “the slowest member determines the winning pace.” His presentation underlined that only true team spirit can enable Jesuit schools to respond meaningfully to the many challenges of contemporary education.
In a powerful session, Fr. John Ravi, SJ, JEA Secretary, presented twenty-five major challenges confronting Catholic minority schools in India today. His comprehensive analysis called for collective reflection and renewed commitment to the Jesuit educational mission. An online session led by Mr. David Smith and Ms. Ciara on Educate Magis broadened participants’ horizons, encouraging greater networking and collaboration within the global Jesuit education community.
Fr. Christie, SJ, PCE of Patna Province, led an engaging session on Enhancing Social Emotional Competencies among Teachers and Students . He described two types of teachers – positively charged and emotionally exhausted —and urged the group to cultivate emotional intelligence, resilience, and a culture of wellness in Jesuit institutions.
The second day featured a compelling address by Fr. Stany D’Souza, SJ, POSA, who reaffirmed the identity and mission of Jesuit education in upholding constitutional values and fostering rural transformation. He also underscored the crucial role of PSSEs in ensuring accountability, vision, and vitality in every province, recommending periodic audits of schools to sustain Jesuit presence and excellence.
Fr. John Kennedy, SJ, PCE of Madurai Province, invited participants to renew their ecological consciousness through the JCSA Ecology Policy . He proposed a creative initiative—writing a Letter to Mother Earth —as a symbolic act of gratitude and responsibility toward creation. Four zonal coordinators presented specific challenges and contextual strategies from their respective regions. Their collective input fostered a union of mind, heart, and hand —a hallmark of Jesuit collaboration in mission.
The final day’s business session, led by Fr. John Ravi, SJ, focused on the need for every PSSE to re-vision and re-vitalize Jesuit education in their respective provinces. Participants reflected on concrete ways to make our schools more inclusive, value-centered, and future-ready.
Reported by Fr. A. Elango, SJ (PCCE- Andhra Province)
The second day featured a compelling address by Fr. Stany D’Souza, SJ, POSA, who reaffirmed the identity and mission of Jesuit education in upholding constitutional values and fostering rural transformation. He also underscored the crucial role of PSSEs in ensuring accountability, vision, and vitality in every province, recommending periodic audits of schools to sustain Jesuit presence and excellence.
Fr. John Kennedy, SJ, PCE of Madurai Province, invited participants to renew their ecological consciousness through the JCSA Ecology Policy . He proposed a creative initiative—writing a Letter to Mother Earth —as a symbolic act of gratitude and responsibility toward creation. Four zonal coordinators presented specific challenges and contextual strategies from their respective regions. Their collective input fostered a union of mind, heart, and hand —a hallmark of Jesuit collaboration in mission.
The final day’s business session, led by Fr. John Ravi, SJ, focused on the need for every PSSE to re-vision and re-vitalize Jesuit education in their respective provinces. Participants reflected on concrete ways to make our schools more inclusive, value-centered, and future-ready.
Reported by Fr. A. Elango, SJ (PCCE- Andhra Province)
