The Federation of Jesuit Alumni Associations of India (JAAI), representing an impressive 250,000 ex-students from Jesuit institutions across the country, held its 11th National Congress from February 6–8, 2026. Hosted in Goa for the first time by the Jesuit Alumni Association of Goa (JAAG), the event unfolded on the beautifully designed campus of the V.M. Salgaonkar International Institute for Hospitality Education (VMSIIHE) in Raia. The institute flawlessly accommodated over 250 delegates and speakers, with stellar support from its student volunteers.
For context, JAAI is a dynamic national network of alumni inspired by the Jesuit ethos of forming “men and women for others.” From my close work with Jesuit schools in western India, I’ve seen how a handful of dedicated ex-students—sacrificing time from their jobs and businesses—keep it thriving. They nurture ties with their alma maters and direct efforts and funds toward serving society’s marginalized. Several such contributions were honoured with awards on the Congress’s final day. Learn more about JAAI’s vision and mission at jaaindia.com/about.
The Congress kicked off on February 6 evening with an inauguration by Fr. Pedro Rodrigues, SJ, Provincial of the Goa Jesuit Province. He and other speakers centered on the theme “Mindful Living,” urging delegates to reflect on the awareness, intention, and service instilled during their Jesuit education. This led into the first keynote by Padma Shri Aloysius Prakash Fernandez, the Father of India’s Self-Help Group movement and pioneer of microfinance for the underserved. As the inaugural Chairman of NABARD Financial Services Limited, this renowned economist and social worker drew on decades of experience to probe: “Mindful Living—Is It Even Possible?”
Day 2 packed in the action. It began with a meaningful Eucharist, an inaugural JAAI Inter-Zone Football Tournament, and breakfast, followed by three keynotes and small-group sessions. Rev. Dr. Roy Pereira SJ from the Bombay Jesuit Province—now teaching at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles—delivered a lively talk, “Are You and Your Cell Phone Inseparable? Emerging Addictive Behaviours Among the Young and Young at Heart.” Blending music, singing, and activities, it sparked vibrant audience interaction. Fr. Pedro Rodrigues and Fr. John Ravi then released Dr. Pereira’s latest book, Hacking Ageing for a Lifetime of Vitality.
Next, Rev. Dr. Victor Ferrao, parish priest at St. Francis Xavier Church in Borim and philosophy professor at Rachol Seminary, explored “Artificial Intelligence and Its Ethical Implications.” Author of over ten books on contemporary philosophy, he guided delegates through this timely topic. The day closed with Dr. Amit Dias MD, geriatric medicine specialist and Goa Medical College professor, on “Digital Overload: Building Emotional Strength in a Hyperconnected World,” followed by a cultural program and lavish lawn dinner at VMSIIHE.
Day 3 featured small-group meetings, new JAAI council elections, and a single keynote by this writer (HA)—former principal of Mercedes-Benz International School and medicinal plant conservationist—and his wife, Kavitha Andrade, author, wellness coach, and passionate baker. Their session, “Healing the Planet and Ourselves, Mindfully,” wove real-life stories and practical tips into the Congress theme, showing how intentional living benefits both personal well-being and the environment.
The valedictory function highlighted JAAI Awards to alumni associations for supporting alma maters and aiding the underprivileged. World Union of Jesuit Alumni (WUJA) President Francisco, who flew in from Barcelona and attended every session, was felicitated and extended an invitation to the WUJA Congress in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, this December. The event wrapped with the baton passed to the new JAAI Council for the next three years.
Kudos to the organizing team, led by Dr. Lenny da Costa and backed by Mr. Armindo Gonsalves and Fr. Jimmy Mendes SJ (Goa Province Education Coordinator). This Congress blended enlightening keynotes, fellowship dinners, music, culture, sports, and zone updates to engage 250 attendees from across India. It will linger in memories as a call to live mindfully amid chaos.
—Hector Andrade (Goa Reviews)
