St. Xavier's School - Raj Niwas Marg

St. Xavier's School is a Christian minority school under the management of the Society of Jesus, an International Christian Religious Order. Opened on 6th January 1960, the school is recognised by the Directorate of Education, Delhi Administration and is affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education for the All India Secondary School Examination (Class X) and the All India Senior School Certificate Examination (Class XII). The Society of Jesus (popularly known as the Jesuits), founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola in 1540, has been active in the field of education throughout the world since its inception. Today Jesuits number almost 20,000 and comprise the largest single religious order in the Catholic Church. Jesuit priest and brothers are engaged in ministries in 112 nations of six continents. Their work is focused on education and intellectural contributions, primarily at colleges and universities, as well as missionary work and ministry in human rights and social justice. It has its Headquarters in Rome and is headed by the Superior General Fr. Peter Hans Kolvenbach. In India the Jesuits are at present responsible for 38 university colleges, 5 institutes of Business Administration, 22 Technical, 11 Research Centers, 48 Higher Secondary Schools, 100 High Schools, 38 Middle Schools and 72 Primary Schools spread throughout the country. In these institutions more than 250,000 students belonging to every religious, linguistic and socio-economic group, receive their education. In 1958, Patna vice - province of the Society of Jesus wanted to begin a school in Delhi and Fr. Frank Loesch, S.J. was entrusted with the responsibility. He purchased the HOTEL Cecil, 4 Raj Niwas Marg, Delhi-54 and got it converted into a school and built the senior as well as the junior school buildings. He, with his architectural competence, gave the building a new shape where the lives of many students were to be destined. He was the Rector of the school from 21st April, 1960 to 11th December, 1965. He was assisted by Fr. Charles Saldhana S.J. (First Principal From 1st Jan to July 1960), Fr. Rodrigues, Fr. Austin Reinboth and Fr. Thomas Athazhapadam, S.J. in converting the HOTEL campus into a modern public school. Fr. Thomas V. Kunnunkal, S.J (Principal from 18th Dec. 1962 to 31st July 1974 & 1st Sept. 1977 to 3rd Nov. 1979) is the longest serving principal of Xavier’s.