The Jesuit-run St Xavier’s college in Kolkata city marked its transformation as India’s first Jesuit university when opened its new academic year on July 7, just six months after achieving the new status.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee unveiled the plaque of the new building along with business tycoon Lakshmi Mittal, a former student of St Xavier’s, who funded the building.

The Archbishop Thomas blessed the Marble statue of St Xavier after a short prayer at the entrance marking the opening of first academic session of university.

The 157-year-old institution was allowed to build a university in New Town, a satellite city of Kolkata, last December when state legislature unanimously passed a bill –The St Xavier’s University, Kolkata Bill 2016.

Jesuit Father Felix Raj, vice chancellor of the university, told the gathering that they could not have achieved it but for the support of many people. Welcoming the new students he said: “We shall try the best to form them men and women for others. It is only the beginning and we will slowly grow,” he said.