ST JOSEPH'S UNIVERSITY, BENGALURU

ST JOSEPH'S UNIVERSITY, BENGALURU

There is a name that has echoed in our country for a century and a half. The name has been associated with lionhearted freedom fighters, distinguished scientists and innovators, administrators, entrepreneurs, engineers, teachers, sportspersons, doctors, and social workers. political activists, actors, writers, journalists, and a host of other vocations. A name synonymous with success with a purpose: that name ST JOSEPH'S UNIVERSITY.

From its founding as St Joseph's College in 1882 to its upgrade to St Joseph's College (Autonomous) in 2005 and now as St Joseph's University in 2022. A new name with new ideas, renewed commitment and a renewed spirit but spearheaded by the same time-tested value system, we are St Joseph's University, the first-of-its-kind Public Private-Partnership University in India upgraded under Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) 2.0 by the former Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) (Now Ministry of Education), Government of India. The University being India's first Public Private-Partnership was inaugurated by the Hon'ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, on September 27, 2022. SJU is the third Jesuit University in India and one of the country's largest Jesuit educational institutions. 

The French Christian priests belonging to the Paris-based Foreign Mission came to Bangalore in 1882 and established St Joseph's College. In 1937, the management of the institution was transferred to the Society of Jesus or the Jesuits and came to be registered under the Bangalore Jesuit Educational Society (BJES). The Society of Jesus is a Catholic religious order established in 1534 by St Ignatius of Loyola, a former Spanish soldier who devoted his life to the service of God and humanity. With a presence in over 112 nations across six continents, the Jesuits operate more than 80 universities and several educational institutions, including colleges and schools. 

During its 142-year history, it has achieved several significant milestones. Initially affiliated with the University of Madras, it later became affiliated with the Mysore and Bangalore universities. In 1986, St Joseph's College became the first affiliated college in Karnataka to offer postgraduate programmes. Two years later, it established the first research centre in the state, and in 2005, it was one of only five colleges in Karnataka to receive academic autonomy. The college was honoured with the College of Excellence title and has undergone four NAAC cycles and was reaccredited A++ by NAAC with a CGPA score of 3.79/4, the highest rating in the country. In February 2021, the Karnataka Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council passed the St Joseph's University Bill. The University is organised into 9 Schools, each with its own Dean in charge of academic affairs. These schools include the School of Information Technology, School of Communication and Media Studies, School of Languages and Literature, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Business, School of Social Work, School of Physical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, and School of Chemical Sciences. Additionally, the Research Centre offers PhD programmes. The University aims to develop individuals who are committed to serving others. 

To this end, apart from voluntary programmes offered through NSS and NCC, it provides opportunities for students to participate in social action programmes and extension activities. The Outreach Programme called "Bembala" is mandatory for all students and is included in the basic curriculum. A three-day programme called "lgnitors" addresses social issues such as injustice and poverty, and is open to all students. The University also organises various initiatives, including visits to old age homes, AIDS hospices, and government schools. The children of graveyard workers are also provided with classes. Over 1,200 students have taught in government schools, and over 1,500 recycled notebooks have been distributed to orphanages. Furthermore, SJU has adopted 10 villages in North Karnataka, and around 500 students every year have pledged to donate their organs. The administration of our university provides scholarships to students at various levels, with amounts of up to one crore given every year. 

In addition, we are able to provide a total of two crore twenty-seven lakhs from other scholarship funds. The student council organises many cultural events in campus. The Placement Cell plays an active role in facilitating campus recruitment for students. Through it, students are notified about job opportunities and internships. In the previous year, 551 undergraduate students were placed with the highest compensation package of Rs. 23,00,000, while 351 postgraduate students were placed with the highest compensation package of Rs. 13,00,000. The student progression moving towards higher education is at 80% in the undergraduates. The University offers international exchange programmes. There are state-of-the-art laboratories and research collaboration laboratories in the campus. Our campus is committed to being eco-friendly and implementing various green practices. During peak hours, we generate 425 KWh of power solely from solar energy, which won us the "Power Award" for being the first in the state to adopt rooftop solar technology. The University Library is one of the best in the state. From its historic inception as a Jesuit institution to becoming India's first Public-Private-Partnership University.

Source is:  The Week, Vol. 42 (2024) 21, Pages 54-55.