WE MAKE YOUR LIFE BETTER
Who We Are
The Society of Jesus was founded in 1540 by Saint Ignatius Loyola and his companions with the approval of Pope Paul III. The Jesuit mission is a mission of reconciliation, working so that women and men can be reconciled with God, with themselves, with each other and with God’s creation. Ignatius Loyola had gathered around him an energetic band of well-educated men who desired nothing more than to help others find God in their lives. It was Ignatius’ original plan that the Jesuits be travelling missionaries who would preach and administer the sacraments wherever there was the hope of accomplishing the greater good. Since its foundation the Order has grown from the original ten to more than 16,000 Jesuits worldwide.
A society wherein love, peace, justice, gender equality and a sustainable environment
prevails, upholding human dignity and social values.
To build by means of every endeavour, a fuller expression of Justice and Love into the
structures of human life in common.
Objectives
- To be an intellectual force sensitising people on wholistic transformation.
- To be a creative force among the rural and the urbanised marginalised poor.
- To be a protest force in collaboration with other NGOs.
Universal Apostolic Preference
- To show the way to God through the Spiritual Exercises and
discernment; - To walk with the poor, the outcasts of the world, those whose dignity
has been violated, in a mission of reconciliation and justice; - To accompany young people in the creation of a hope-filled future;
- To collaborate in the care of our Common Home.
HOW WE GOT TO WHERE WE ARE TODAY
Explore Our Milestones And See How
It All Began
HOW IT ALL STARTED
March
The Beginning
Udayani began its journey in 1978 as an off-shoot of the Extension Service of St. Xavier’s College reaching out to villages through Adult Education Programme (AEP). Youth movements, especially All India Catholic University Federation (AICUF) and Young Christian Students’ Movements (YCSM) contributed much in this regard. Jesuits also reached out to Bangladeshi refugees in the 70s and responded to people affected by natural disasters providing humanitarian assistance.
June
Renamed as ‘Udayani Social Center
AEP was renamed as ‘Udayani Social Centre’ and through the centre Adult Education Literacy and Post Literacy Training Programmes were organized in 24 Parganas (s) and Midnapore districts. It closely worked with Seva Kendra Calcutta (SKC).
January
Director of Udayani
Fr Xavier Jeyaraj took over the works as part-time coordinator of AEP and later became the full-time Director of Udayani in 1998
April
Officially Registered
Udayani was registered under West Bengal Societies Registration Act, 1961 and acquired the new name “Udayani Social Action Forum” (USAF). During this phase Udayani expanded its works with a clear vision and mission to organize and mobilize the tribals, dalits, rural and urban poor.
May
The Successor
Fr. Irudaya Jothi became the Director of Udayani. In line with his predecessors’ plans he continued to take forward the engagements especially focusing on women empowerment. He started the work of Right to Food in Udayani. He continued to make the federations into five different movements.
June
The Success Story
Fr. John Kerketta took over the works as the new Director of Udayani Social Action Forum. He is carrying on the works of Udayani focusing on the women movements to make them independent NGO in their own locality.
OUR SPECIALISTS
Our Executive Team Member
We are here for you!
Seven Jesuits of Calcutta Province are the Executive Committee members. The provincial is
the president of the organisation.
Fr. Raphael Joseph Hyde, S.J
President
Fr. Jerome Francis, S.J.
Vice– President
Fr. John Kerketta, S.J.
Secretary
Fr. Joseph C Desouza, S.J.
Treasurer
Fr. Julian Sahayadas, S.J.
Member
Fr. Anburaj Manuel, S.J.
Member
Fr. Probal Gomes, S.J.
Member