Inaugural of the Jesuit Mentoring Program for IAS aspirants (JMPI)
Sunday, January 29, 2023, marked the inaugural of the Jesuit Mentoring Program for IAS aspirants (JMPI), by the Jesuits of Goa Province. 20 students who have been careful chosen for the mentoring program, from the Entrance Exam and F2F interview. Parents joined the students for the inaugural ceremony.
20 students who have been careful chosen for the mentoring program, from the Entrance Exam and F2F interview.
At this occasion, Mr. Bosco George, Director General of Police, gave the key-note address, on ‘Serving the nation as committed civil service officials’, which enthralled the audience. Thereafter, the Provincial of the Goa Province, Fr. Roland Coelho, gave a brief overview of the program. He encouraged the students to remain focused, to be resilient, and to consistently work on the regular assignments given, so that they can be successful.
Fr. Anthony D’Silva (Director of Xavier Center of Historical Research – XCHR) encouraged the students to grow intellectually in a holistic manner, (i.e.) besides developing their cognitive faculties they need to give importance to their emotional intelligence (EQ) and also take care of their physical well being (PI). He stressed the need for students to embrace a collaborative learning model, so that all can learn together.
Other honorable guests were Fr. Pio Salvador Almeida (Dean of Panjim Deanery), Fr. Walter de Sa (Parish Priest of Panjim church), Professor Denzil Martins (Ex-Principal of Nirmala Institute) and Mr Victor D’Sa (Program Coordinator).
This initiative of mentoring the IAS students, emerged from a talk that was conducted at the Collaborative Learning Café, which is yet another initiative of the Jesuits and Friends of the Jesuits; where life-long learning is encouraged. The talk on becoming an IAS officer was given by Mr. Tino D’Sa, a very famous retired IAS official. ‘Accompanying young people in the creation of a hope-filled future’; is one of the four Universal Apostolic Preferences of the Society of Jesus, which further fueled this initiative.
The JMPI program commenced with a welcome speech by Ms Velma Fernandes (the compere) and lighting of the traditional lamp, along with prayer dance, by students of Spring Valley School. The program concluded with a song and thanksgiving speech.
After the ceremony, the parents left and students attended their first lecture.
Concept note:
Our country needs women and men of character and commitment to serve society. With people of goodwill working together, we can make a significant contribution to the advancement of our country and to the upliftment of all people. In Goa, there is a dire need for IAS cadre.
Jesuit Education aims at integral formation of men and women who will be for and with others in society. A student churned out of a Jesuit educational institution is expected to be socially conscious and committed, intellectually competent and creative, morally and ethically conscientious and effectively compassionate.
The Goa Jesuits and collaborators now mentor a small group of 20 students, who are very seriously aspiring to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Students have been selected for a 2-year training program over 100 Sundays.
Jesuit mentoring will be to help them to help themselves by guiding them, boosting their confidence and potentially opening up new opportunities. Our mentors will share their knowledge, skills and experience with the mentees to help them to progress. With our mentoring program we plan to unlock students ‘potential to maximise their own performance. It will be like helping them to learn rather than teaching or telling them.