St. Xavier's College (Autonomous), Tirunelveli

St. Xavier’s College, a sylvan historian narrating a sublime tale of human excellence,endurance and commitment, was established at Palayamkottai in 1923 by Jesuit Fathers with an aim of empowering the marginalized youth of the southern districts of he marginalized youth of the southern districts of Tamil Nadu with proper education and preparing them for a happy, healthy and harmonious life. The Motto of the collegeis Veritate Lumen et Vita (Light and Life through Truth). It is a grant–in–aid institution recognized by the UGC Act under sections 2(f) and 12(B). The Madras University recognized St. Xavier’s College as the First Grade College in 1925 on the basis of its academic achievement. The college was affiliated to the Madurai Kamaraj University in 1966. In recognition of its service and excellence, the college was granted autonomy in 1987. The college was affiliated to the Manonmaniam Sundaranar University in 1990. The UGC conferred the status of College with Potential for Excellence on St. Xavier’s College in September 2004 and extended the status in 2010 and 2014. The Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, selected St. Xavier’s College under “Star College Scheme” in 2014 and for the second time in 2017. Acclaimed as a premier institution for higher learning, the college offers 20 UG programmes, 15 PG programmes, and 12 Research programmes to students. Besides these programme options, 127 extra credit /add-on courses are offered. In order to keep pace with the developments in the fast changing global scenario, ICT-enabled pedagogic strategies have been introduced, enriching the learning experiences of students. The Placement Cell conducts training programmes for students and arranges job fair in collaboration with industries. INDECO, an inter-departmental cultural competition which promotes team work, is a great source of inspiration for students. Academic Festival, an inter-collegiate competition, is organized every year by all the departments. The College has got a long tradition of extending counselling to students. There are four counsellors in the College to offer personal guidance to students in the cultivation of emotional, moral and social virtues. We have already implemented Breakfast Scheme and Mid-Day Meals Scheme for the financially disadvantaged students. The Department of Human Excellence, which consists of 52 teachers from various disciplines, ensures holistic education. Student Training and Action for Neighbourhood Development (STAND), an outreach programme specially designed by the college, and other Service Organizations take the fruits of higher education to villages, facilitating “Lab to Land” activity. Our intention is to help the students become a sensitive and responsible youth force with academic excellence, social commitment and humanism. The alumni of St. Xavier’s College such as Former Justice S. Ratnavel Pandian, Former Justice S. S. Sundar, Justice S. M. Subramaniam, Prof. K. R. Srinivasa Iyengar, Former Vice- Chancellor of Andhra University, Dr. W. Selvamurthy, Chancellor of Amity University, Dr. K. P. Aravanan, Former Vice-Chancellor of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Dr. K. Pitchumani, Former Vice-Chancellor of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Dr. P. Manisankar, Former Vice-Chancellor of Bharathidasan University, Dr. Jebamalai Vinanciarachi, Former Advisor, UNIDO, Mr. Vaiko, MP, Mr. Su. Thirunavukarasar, MP, Mr. S. Peter Alphonse, Chairman of State Monorities Commission, Tamil Nadu, Mr. Valampuri John, Former MP, Mr. M. Arunachalam, Former Union Minister, Rev. Bro. A. Victordass, Former Superior General, Brothers of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Rev Bro. M. Velankanni, Superior General, Brothers of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mr. M. Malik Feroz Khan, Former State Election Commissioner of Tamil Nadu, Mr. D. Prakash, ADGP of Police, Uttar Pradesh, Mr. Gunasingh Chelladurai, Managing Director of Bell Pins Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Thomas Antony, Managing Director of Nova Carbons, and Mr. Vijay Antony, Actor-Music Director, have brought laurels to our institution.