Director
Bembala – St. Joseph’s Outreach
Bangalore Jesuit Educational Society - BJES
The essence of Jesuit education lies not merely in the accumulation of knowledge, but in the profound transformation of individuals into persons of solidarity.
Individuals who embody solidarity do not emerge from “Institutional Greenhouses” where information flows abundantly but empathy and a commitment to service
lies dormant. These stagnant, closed systems produce graduates afflicted with “intellectual Bulimia,” characterized by excessive self-focus and minimal
inclination to dedicate their efforts towards social change.
The real persons of solidarity are formed through direct contact with the hard realities and challenges of life. Fr. Peter Hans Kolvenbach SJ – the former Superior General of the Society of Jesus beautifully articulates that, “the true formation of persons of solidarity emerges from the direct engagement with the realities and challenges of life. It is in the face of innocent suffering and injustice others suffer, that our hearts are stirred, leading to intellectual inquiry and moral reflection.
Keeping these thoughts in mind, Bembala – St Joseph’s Outreach Centre was established in 2015 to help students to get in touch with social realities and to inspire them to become agents of social change. I am proud to state that during its 9 years of existence, Bembala has transformed the lives of thousands of our students, inspiring them to become persons of solidarity and empathy. As educators committed to the Jesuit tradition, let us continue to create spaces where our students not only absorb knowledge but also encounter the world’s complexities first hand. May their encounters with the poor and the oppressed inspire them to act with compassion and solidarity.