As we approach November, we come closer to 10th of November, one of the most special days in the ALSOC annual calendar – ALSOC DAY.
As we have in the past few years, this year we will be marking the occasion in two ways:
1. On 8th of November, ALSOC will address a special assembly of the SXCS students. We will speak about the uniqueness of the Xaverian culture and ethos and how it has impacted us throughout our life.
The assembly will start at 8 am sharp and will be followed by breakfast.
2. On the 10th of November, there will be the traditional ALSOC delegation to Dhyan Ashram.
All ALSOC members are requested to join us at both the occasions.
Here are the messages from our event co-convenors Mr. Siddhartha Parasampuria and Mr. Anindya Tarafder
ALSOC DAY Assembly with School Students on 8th November 2019
ALSOC DAY is celebrated every year to pay homage to Rev. Fr. Camille Bouche and other Rev Fathers. Old Boys observe his birth anniversary on the 10th of November every year as ALSOC DAY.
Rev. Fr. Camille Bouche landed at St. Xavier’s in 1948. He became a Jesuit Priest in 1955 and has since been teaching at the School. Rev. Fr. Bouche had been Father Prefect at the School from 1960 to 1986 before becoming the Headmaster of the School for 5 years. He loved his students and his students loved him. Countless Xaverians fondly remember his as a guiding force during their formative years. He was known as “an institution within an institution.”
Under the guidance and with the support of our Rev. Fathers, ALSOC Day will be celebrated this year on the 8th of November with the Senior School Assembly including all Teachers, Students, Rev. Fathers and ALSOC members.
7.45 am – Students gather on the School Grounds
8.00 am – Special School Assembly for ALSOC Day.
8.20am – Fellowship Breakfast
Dhyan Ashram Visit on ALSOC DAY 10th November 2019
Dhyanashram – the Jesuit retreat situated at Poilan near Joka on Diamond Harbour Road about 20 kms from SXCS in South 24 Parganas is an oasis of peace and tranquillity – a Jesuit centre for spiritual learning and meditation. It houses the residence of the Jesuits Novitiate & Juniorate and also the resting place of the Jesuit Fathers who have left for their heavenly abode.
St Xavier’s has a glorious past and tradition which challenges the present to deliver world class leaders and personalities; to stand out and bring about change within & to the outside world. As part of this tradition, our nurturing years are carved out by the selfless contribution of the Jesuit Fathers who are the back bone on which our institution rests. ALSOC exists to fulfil this commitment to serve without counting the costs and to be a support group for the fraternity.
Alsoc Day was conceived on a visit on 5th March 2002 – the day Fr Bouche’ passed away – to the hallowed grounds of Dhyanashram to ensure a link and an understanding of the values and ethos of the Jesuit monastic life. The sacred ground is worshipped by Xaverians across the globe for the dear Fathers who dedicated the lives for generations of Xaverians, lie in peace at Dhyanashram.
Since 2007, on 10th November ( birth day of Fr Camille Bouche’, one of the most venerated and loved Jesuit priest who served St Xavier’s for over 30 years ) every year Alsoc members visit Dhyanashram in the early morning hours to pay their homage and respect to the many Jesuit priests who lie in eternal peace at Dhyanashram by lighting candles, offering flowers and garlands, singing & reciting prayers and songs of illustrious poet alumnus Rabindranath Tagore!
This year’s programme is as follows:
Assembly at 30 Park Street Gate – 7.30 am
Departure by cars (pooled within our resources and contacts) 8.00 am
Homage to the Fathers at Dhyanashram – 9.30 am- 10.30 am
Tea & snacks at the Canteen at Dhyanashram with the resident Fathers.
11 am – we leave Dhyanashram for the city .
Address : Dhyanashram, Diamond Harbour Road, Konchowki , Bishnupur , South 24 Parganas Pin code: 743503