Inauguration of New Academic Session of PGDM of batch 2026-28
Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS), Ranchi welcomed the PGDM Batch of 2026–28 in an Inaugural Ceremony held on 15 June 2026 at Fr Michael Van den Bogaert Auditorium.
The inaugural session was graced by Chief Guest, Dr Manish Ranjan, IAS, Director General, SKIPA Jharkhand, along with Fr Ajit Kumar Xess SJ, Chairman, GB-XISS; Dr Joseph Marianus Kujur SJ, Director, XISS; Mr Salil Lal, Executive Officer & CHRO, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd.; Mrs Suparna Prasad Dev, Director, Ministry of Defence, GoI; Dr Pradeep Kerketta SJ, Assistant Director; and Dr Amar Eron Tigga, Dean Academics, XISS. The event witnessed the participation of Programme Heads, faculty members, and over 300 students from the Human Resource Management, Rural Management, Financial Management, and Marketing Management programmes.
The programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. The dignitaries were welcomed by the Director with a shawl and sapling, following which the Assistant Director led a prayer and shared the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus.
Addressing the students, Chief Guest Dr Manish Ranjan, IAS, described their entry into XISS as a significant 'rite of passage'- a transition from one phase of life to another. Use this opportunity to understand yourself better, your strengths, motivations, values, and purpose, because true success begins with self-awareness and the willingness to grow, he said. Emphasizing that management education is not only about acquiring professional skills but also about developing self-awareness and character, Dr Ranjan called upon the students to embrace change, learn with an open mind, and prepare themselves to become responsible leaders of the future.
Earlier, Director, Dr Kujur, welcomed the newly admitted students and said that the world today is not merely looking for successful managers; it is searching for leaders who combine competence with compassion, excellence with integrity, and ambition with purpose. As you begin this transformative journey at XISS, remember that your worth will not be defined by your designation or salary, but by the difference you make in the lives of others. At XISS, we strive to nurture professionals who are socially conscious, ethically grounded, and committed to creating a positive impact on society, he concluded. Thereafter, he introduced the faculty members and non-teaching staff members to the audience present.
During the inaugural session, Fr Xess, Chairman, GB-XISS, drew on the imagery of a ship, a lighthouse, and a cocoon, as he reminded the students that growth lies beyond comfort zones and that true education is not merely about acquiring knowledge but about becoming ethical leaders and responsible citizens. At XISS, we aspire to nurture not only successful professionals but ethical leaders who have the courage to venture beyond comfort, the wisdom to guide others, and the commitment to create a meaningful impact on society, he concluded.
The inaugural session was conducted by Dr Madhumita Singha and Dr Arana and concluded with the singing of the national anthem. Later, in the afternoon session, the parents of the newly admitted students interacted with the Director, Dean Academics, and Heads of all the four programmes.
Three students awarded the Maruti Suzuki XISS Awanish Kumar Dev Memorial Scholarship
The Maruti Suzuki–XISS Awanish Kumar Dev Memorial Scholarship is a tribute to Late Mr Awanish Kumar Dev, an eminent XISS alumnus (PGDM PM & IR, 1982–84) and former GM Plant HR at Maruti Suzuki India Ltd.
Established jointly by XISS and Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., the scholarship preserves his enduring legacy of leadership, professionalism, and commitment to the field of Human Resources following his tragic demise during the Manesar plant unrest in 2012. Aimed to promote academic excellence and leadership among PGDM-HRM students, the scholarship recognises the top three first-year performers each year with a cash award of ₹1 lakh each.
During the inaugural session, Ms Ladli Kumari, DGM-HR, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, read out the criteria on which the students are awarded with the scholarship. Ms Suparna Dev, wife of Late Awanish Kumar Dev and Mr Salil Lal, CHRO & Executive Director, MSIL declared the names of the students. Ms Kaushiki Upadhyay, Ms Sarika Chourasiya, and Ms Rashmi Agarwalla of HRM Programme of batch 2025-27 were awarded the scholarship.
DAY 2
On 16 June 2026, Day 2 of the Orientation-cum-Induction Programme for Batch 2026–28 at XISS, Ranchi, commenced with an inspiring address by Dr Joseph Marianus Kujur SJ, (Director), followed by a session on Jesuit Education by Dr Pradeep Kerketta SJ (Assistant Director). Financial procedures at XISS were explained by Fr Ashok Kandulna SJ (Finance Officer) along with Dr Amar Eron Tigga, (Dean Academics).
Students were introduced to key institutional committees including Internal Complaints Committee, Anti-Ragging Committee, Counselling Services, and Students’ Grievance Redressal Committee by Dr Madhumita Singha, Dr Niranjan Sahoo, Dr Anant Kumar, and Dr Ratnesh Chaturvedi respectively.
The session on SWAYAM courses, conducted by Dr Madhumita Singha along with programme coordinators, highlighted the importance of digital learning and skill enhancement through platforms like NPTEL. This was followed by the library session led by Ms Shamida Lakra, (Library In-Charge) and Dr Arana Kausar, who familiarized students with the Library’s resources, e-databases, and platforms like Knimbus and NDLI.
It was a day dedicated to academic orientation, digital learning, and institutional support systems.
DAY 3
On 17 June 2026, Day 3 of the Orientation-cum-Induction Programme for Batch 2026–28 at XISS, Ranchi, began with an insightful session on the Constitution of India by Dr Saumya Maniny Sinha (St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi), followed by an address on the academic manual, examination system, and scholarship provisions by Dr Pradeep Kerketta SJ (Assistant Director). Students were familiarized with the trimester system, evaluation and grading structure, academic regulations, and opportunities for financial support.
The day also included a session on hostel policies by Dr Indrani Ghatak and team, ensuring students’ understanding of residential guidelines and discipline.
A day focused on academic clarity, institutional regulations, and student welfare.
DAY 4
18 June 2026, Day 4 of the Orientation-cum-Induction Programme for Batch 2026–28 at XISS, Ranchi, began with a rejuvenating session on Yoga, Health, and Meditation conducted by Mr Rahul Poddar. This day was organised to commemorate International Yoga Day to be celebrated on 21 June 2026 on the theme, "Yoga for Healthy Ageing."
The session emphasized the importance of physical well-being, mental balance, and mindfulness in managing academic stress and maintaining overall wellness. Students actively participated and were encouraged to incorporate these practices into their daily routine for a healthier and more focused academic journey.
A day dedicated to well-being, mindfulness, and holistic development.
DAY 5
19 June 2026, Day 5 of the Orientation-cum-Induction Programme for Batch 2026–28 at XISS, Ranchi, was dedicated to programme-specific sessions. These sessions provided students with deeper insights into their respective specializations, academic structure, and expectations, helping them align their learning goals with programme requirements. Sessions by alumni and industry experts provided students with insights into current market expectations and industry requirements.
A day focused on specialization, academic clarity, and programme orientation.
DAY 6
22 June 2026, Day 6 of the Orientation-cum-Induction Programme for Batch 2026–28 at XISS, Ranchi, featured an insightful session on Environment and Sustainability by Dr Nitish Priyadarshi (Ranchi University), who emphasized the urgency of ecological balance, responsible living, and the long-term impact of human activities on climate change.
This was followed by an engaging Alumni Interaction session organized by the Alumni Association of XISS (AAXISS), led by Mr Jasbir Singh Khurana (Vice Chairman, AAXISS), along with alumni representatives Mr Abhishek Victor (Azim Premji Foundation), Mr Himalay Indraprastha (Dy. Manager, Central Coalfields Limited), Mr Gunweet Singh Khurana (Tata Steel), Mr Rahul Jain (Axis Bank), Ms Reema Roy (ICICI Prudential), Ms Arpita M. (Medica Hospital), Mr Ajay Kumar Singh (Mahindra & Mahindra), and Ms Manisha Poddar (Marketing Professional).
In his address, Dr Joseph Marianus Kujur SJ (Director, XISS) highlighted that alumni are the backbone of the institution and encouraged students to actively engage with them as mentors. Mr Jasbir Khurana emphasized that XISS is not just an institution but a lifelong network, urging students to build meaningful professional relationships.
Alumni shared valuable insights, focusing on integrity, adaptability, continuous learning, networking, and building long-term careers rather than short-term jobs, while encouraging students to make the most of their two-year journey at XISS.
A day dedicated to sustainability awareness, alumni engagement, and career insights.
DAY 7
23 June 2026, Day 7 of the Orientation-cum-Induction Programme for Batch 2026–28 at XISS, Ranchi, was dedicated to an insightful session on Universal Human Values, encouraging students to explore ethical living, personal growth, happiness, prosperity, and responsible leadership.
Swami Bhaveshananda Ji Maharaj, guided students through meditation and reflections on inner peace and character; Dr K.K. Bhagat, spoke on personality development, motivation, leadership, and resilience; Dr Tina Murarka, explored the meaning of happiness and prosperity; and Dr Shyamal Gomes, inspired students to transform ethical inspiration into meaningful aspirations.
Concluding the programme, Director, XISS, emphasized the importance of balancing professional success with values, purpose, and spirituality.
A day focused on building not just successful professionals, but responsible and value-driven leaders.
DAY 8
24 June 2026, Day 8 of the Orientation-cum-Induction Programme for Batch 2026–28 at XISS, Ranchi, saw engaging sessions focused on personal growth, digital readiness, and campus engagement.
Dr Pradeep Kerketta SJ, Assistant Director, highlighted that management education goes beyond academics and emphasized the importance of holistic development encompassing physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Mr Akash Bhuiyan, Assistant Project Officer, Department of Research and Planning, familiarized students with the ERP system and digital services that support academic and administrative activities throughout their journey at XISS.
The day concluded with a session by Ms Shruti Sahay, Assistant Officer, Media Cell and Students’ Club Coordinator, who introduced students to the vibrant club ecosystem, XISS Website and its utilisation, and co-curricular opportunities available on campus.
A meaningful day dedicated to empowering students with the tools, opportunities, and experiences needed for a well-rounded and enriching journey at XISS.