Kolkata: In a proud moment for Indian academia, Fr. John Felix Raj, Vice-Chancellor of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK), has been honoured with the prestigious Tagore Award in the United Kingdom, recognising his lifelong commitment to education, leadership, and Jesuit ideals of service and excellence.
The honour was conferred on October 10 at the historic House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, London, during the Thought Leadership Summit organised by the Global Collaboration Forum, Indi Setu. The Tagore Award, named after Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941), celebrates individuals who embody Tagore’s timeless vision of harmony between intellect, culture, and humanity.
Fr. Raj received the award from Dr. Amit Ghose, Founder-Director of Indi Setu, and Manik Dey of London, amidst an august gathering of international dignitaries, academicians, and British parliamentarians. The event highlighted the enduring cultural and intellectual ties between India and the UK, echoing Tagore’s philosophy of global dialogue and shared learning.
In his acceptance address, Fr. Raj expressed deep gratitude, saying, “I accept this award as a recognition of the good work being done and an acknowledgement of the goodwill that exists among people.” Reflecting on his educational journey, he added, “Every dream, despite opposition, can become a reality with the support and participation of those around us. We simply need to take bold steps forward.”
During his ongoing visit to the United Kingdom, Fr. Raj is scheduled to visit the University of Sussex on October 13, where he will explore new academic collaborations and research partnerships aimed at enriching higher education opportunities between St. Xavier’s University and global institutions.
At 71, Fr. John Felix Raj stands as one of India’s most respected Jesuit educationists, authors, and economists. As the founding Vice-Chancellor of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata, he has been instrumental in establishing the university’s academic identity and global outreach. His visionary leadership has also guided St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, where he previously served as Rector, Vice-Principal, and Principal, steering the institution through significant academic and infrastructural expansion.
The Tagore Award conferred upon Fr. Raj not only honours his individual contributions but also underscores the growing international recognition of Indian higher education inspired by Tagore’s ideals of enlightenment, inclusivity, and cultural exchange. His recognition reaffirms the transformative power of education rooted in faith, service, and intellectual freedom values that continue to shape the Jesuit educational mission worldwide.