Xavier institute of Social Research (XISR) an undertaking of Patna Jesuit province was established in 1994, aimed at creating an interface between scholars, academics and social activists, to study Bihar and to create a greater understanding of subaltern communities in the state. Recently, XISR organised one-day seminar on “Education of the Marginalized Communities of Bihar: Exploring Financial Inclusion”. About 120 dalit participants including men and women were present from different districts and villages of Bihar. Padmashri Sr. Sudha Varghese was the chief guest of the seminar. Prof Vinay Kanth gave the key note address and made the participants aware of the poor plight of dalit education. He also inspired them to educate their children, especially the girls. The technical sessions were conducted by XISR’s collaborator researcher Dr. Ashutosh Vishal and the Director,
Fr. Jose Kalapura, both of whom jointly made an earlier study on Dalit Education in Bihar. The programme was organised in collaboration with
Fr. Anto Joseph, Director of Bihar Dalit Vikas Samiti and was held at the BDVS Conference Hall.
XISR conducted the 12th Arrupe Memorial Lecture at Gandhi Museum Hall. The lecture was delivered by eminent historian of Patna University, Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad on the topic “Socio-religious Heritage of Bihar from Medieval Times to the Present Times”. The function was chaired by Prof Emeritus Shamshad Hussain, former Vice-Chancellor of Magadh University and Nalanda Open University.
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