'AI must support, not compromise learning'

Established with the vision of expanding the legacy of its namesake college, the St. Xavier's University has grown to offer diverse programmes across business, law, science and technology. In an exclusive conversation with Pritha Roy Choudhury, vice-chancellor Rev Dr J Felix Raj, SJ, shared insights into the university's journey, its ambitious Vision 2050 and its commitment to fostering a dynamic learning environment. Edited excerpts:

- Pritha Roy Choudhury

Q. How did the journey of St. Xavier's University begin?

A. St. Xavier's University has been a blessing. It was part of the expansion plan we envisioned in 2011-2012. St. Xavier's College, already 160 years old at the time, needed to grow to serve more students and communities. That's how the Vision 2020 plan took shape.

Initially, we debated whether to upgrade St. Xavier's College into a university or establish a separate state private university. After much discussion, we decided on the latter, leading to the birth of St. Xavier's University. The turning point came in 2012 when the chief minister attended our convocation as chief guest. She invited us to start a university, and I said, “If you give me land, I'll do it.” She agreed, and that's how we began.

We have completed Vision 2020 and moved ahead with Vision 2025.

Q. What is the roadmap beyond the year 2025?

A. We are now looking ahead to 2050. Instead of setting a short-term goal, we have formulated a long-term strategic plan, mapping out St. Xavier's University's growth till 2050. This plan outlines physical and academic expansion, as well as the facilities we aim to provide. We released the 2050 strategic plan on the university's foundation day.

Q. What are your key targets in the coming years?

A. By 2030, we aim to have at least 8,000 to 10,000 students. For this, we are constructing buildings that can house 100-150 classrooms. Without adequate facilities, we cannot introduce new courses.

We are planning to launch new programmes, including BTech, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and design. We intend to collaborate with premier institutions like IIT Kharagpur and IIT Madras.

Q. What are the new courses and how do they cater to societal needs?