Naveen Patnaik, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha inaugurated School of Government and Public Affairs (SGPA) and the newly constructed International Center at Xavier University Bhubaneswar (XUB) on Wednesday, February 05, 2020.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Shri. Arun Kumar Sahoo (Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education, Govt. of Odisha), Dr. Amar Patnaik (Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha), Shri Pradeep Maharathy (Hon’ble Member of the Legislative Assembly, Pipli Constituency), Shri. R. Balakrishnan (IAS and Chief Advisor to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha), Fr. George Fernandes S.J. (Chairman – Board of Governors, XUB), in the presence of Prof. Dr. Fr. Antony R. Uvari S.J. (Vice Chancellor, XUB), Prof. Fr. E.A Augustine S.J. (Registrar, XUB), and other dignitaries, faculty, staff, students, and well-wishers.
Extending a warm welcome on the auspicious occasion Prof. Dr. Fr. Antony R. Uvari stated, “I am thankful to Shri Naveen Patnaik, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha and other dignitaries for taking their time out for the inauguration ceremony”. He then praised the Government of Odisha for pioneering in the field of governance and explained how this was a source of inspiration behind launching SGPA.
The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha expressed his happiness on inaugurating SGPA and the International Center, stating how public affairs and governance is important for sustainable growth and development. He quoted, “Policy makers have to envision policies as per people’s expectation to build an Ambitious India and an Aspirational Odisha”. He concluded his speech by wishing the best and looking forward to a new brand of policy makers and leaders from SGPA.
Fr. George Fernandes, Chairman of Xavier University, thanked everyone who spent sleepless nights and were involved in constructing such a massive structure. Shri. Arun Kumar Sahoo spoke about the Chief Minister’s vision to promote higher education in the field of governance and hoped that SGPA will produce citizen-effective practitioners of public affairs. Dr. Amar Patnaik asked the audience to look no further when it comes to good governance and public policy and looked forward to SGPA bringing in a new era in the public policy arena. Shri Pradeep Maharathy praised the Chief Minister for his commitment towards higher education and expressed his well wishes for the new school. Shri. R. Balakrishnan shared his thoughts on associating with the University and to help build a better future. He expressed the government’s expectation to take the mutual collaboration with Xavier University to new heights.
Prof. Fr. E.A. Augustine delivered the Vote of Thanks. He quoted Astronaut Neil Armstrong “It is a small step for man, but a giant leap for mankind”, thus drawing parallels to how the inauguration and launch of SGPA and the International Center is a small step for the University, but a giant leap for the development of the state and the country. He thanked the Chief Minister, the dignitaries on dais, the people involved in construction of the International Center, faculty members, students, and media for their constant support. The event concluded with the National Anthem.