Fr. Mervyn Carapiet Memorial Lecture Highlights Vision Beyond Academic Excellence

Kolkata, August 18, 2025 – The Archdiocese of Calcutta hosted the 2025 Father Mervyn Carapiet Memorial Lecture at the Church of Christ the King, Park Circus on August 17. This year’s distinguished speaker, Dr. Dominic Savio SJ, Principal of St. Xavier's College (Autonomous), Kolkata, addressed the theme “Reimagining Education in the 21st Century: A Paradigm Shift Towards Inclusiveness and Transformation.”

Fr. Savio described education as “the cornerstone of progress, the catalyst for both individual and collective transformation.” He emphasised the importance of students feeling valued and empowered throughout their educational journey. At the same time, he acknowledged that many remain deprived of quality education due to lack of opportunities. “We need to correct such anomalies so that everyone can get a chance to educate themselves for a better tomorrow,” he urged.

While calling for broader access, Fr. Savio stressed that education must remain sensitive to cultural diversity so that it is meaningful and purposeful. He also highlighted the growing challenge of student mental health, calling it a chronic concern in today’s highly competitive world.

During the interactive session, Fr. Savio responded to a question by reflecting on the mission of Catholic institutions. He noted that while academic excellence is desirable, the true goal should be to provide “something more than academic excellence, which others cannot offer; otherwise, we are working for naught.”

Adding her perspective, Sr. Marisa Robert, the respected foundress of Marian Education Centre, contributed valuable insights to the discussion.

The lecture drew an engaged audience, including veteran filmmaker Firdausal Hassan, Kolkata Press Club president Snehashish Sur, school principals, teachers, clergy, nuns, and distinguished alumni from Catholic institutions across the city. Attendees listened attentively as Fr. Savio outlined his vision for inclusive and transformative education.

In a symbolic gesture of honour, Vicar General Fr. Dominic Gomes crowned Fr. Savio with a golden laurel diadem, recognising the wisdom and scholarship he shared. The event concluded with closing prayers led by the Vicar General, followed by light refreshments.

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