In this 2nd AGM of JAAC, I am delighted to report another year of active engagement and functioning of the Alumnae of our beloved Alma Mater, St. Joseph’s Convent, Chandannagar. We have indeed come a long way since the time of its inception on 22 Mar 1992. The subsequent phases have been spent in planning and organizing of the alumnae’s various engagements based on a common Vision that we have: Bonding to Connect, Serving to Achieve.

Since the last AGM in Mar 21, the Alumnae Association has held six meetings (in the months of April, June & October in 2021 and February, March and April in 2022), all of which were wellrepresented by members of the Governing Body. These meetings included two physical meetings and four via the Zoom online video conferencing platform. The last 2 meetings even had committee members present and actively participating in the meeting.

This year’s programme started with the planning for counselling sessions for students at SJC but owing to the pandemic and its implications, the Association consciously decided to defer the implementation of the plan.

Similarly, assistance in the form of computers was sought by Lavinia House which was also discussed and planned. However, owing to pandemic-induced constraints at Lavinia House itself, the need for Computers no longer remained a requirement.

Today, we would like to share with you some of the engagements that we have been able to achieve that makes us happy and also proud St. Josephite.

JAAC was happy to support Ivan Biswas of St. Joseph’s School, Kanchrapara for his Tuition fees. He is now in Std I.

Several visits to Antaranga, a school for marginalised children in the ages of 3.5yrs to 9yrs located in Shantiniketan was undertaken by members of the Governing body to assess and identify ways to support the school. The school itself was started by Suchorita Seal of 1970 batch. She still remains actively involved in it. JAAC has taken on some structural renovation and arranged for some stationery items. Some individual donations both in cash and kind have also been extended.

Two swings in the Play area have been sponsored by Moushumee Basu Roy, 2 Steel Shelves have been provided by Mrs Mandira Bose, additionally Mrs Rita Saha, Mrs Rupa Sarkar, Mrs Mohua Dasgupta, Mrs. Ravneet Khurana and Anindita Bhattacharya have pledged their support in their individual capacity. Chaitali Chakraborty and Mitali Chakraborty have already assisted in cash and the same is in the JAAC fund currently.

The Statement of Accounts for the financial year 2020 – 21 was duly tabled by the Treasurer and was unanimously approved.

As we look back to the days when the foundation stone was laid on 22 Mar 1992, we feel blessed to have received the blessings and encouragement from Sisters like Sr Andrea, Sr Rosa, Sr Bellarmine, Sr M Cecilia Kenny and Sr Michael and feel happy to have achieved the first milestone of the formation of an Alumnae Association for our Alma Mater.

We used the initial years to institutionalize a recognition and financial assistance to the exemplary performers in specific subjects.

In 2010, with reignited spirits, we super successfully organized the first ever reunion of SJC which was held in Jan 2011.

In 2019, the thinkers and doers again came together to organise a reunion in Dec 2019 and JAAC as a registered entity was brought to the forefront to collectivize past pupils to reconnect, bond and also reach out to those less privileged.

One step led to another, financial aid for students in distress, contribution to afforestation of the Mangrove Delta, post Amphan in the Sunderbans were some of the initiatives undertaken.

We were plagued with the woes of Covid and all plans were undertaken with limited feasibility. At the earliest scope when the pandemic restrictions were temporarily relaxed, JAAC’s Governing body made efforts to conduct its face-to-face meetings following several virtual ones.

Throughout the restriction, such was the motivation and zeal that members used the postal system and mobile pick-up service providers to ensure uninterrupted workflow. Also, updated paperwork and statutory requirements were in place and nothing impeded the functioning of JAAC.

As you can see and hear, yes, we took on the challenge and worked out solutions even through the pandemic! We are a formidable team now, with all your support, that of the Governing Body members and Committee members, and we look forward to better days ahead with renewed energies and commitment.

 

Secretary's Report in Brief
2021 – 2022

JAAC ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING,
2021

Following the ideals of Blessed Anne Marie Javouhey, JAAC was founded on the principles of serving the needy, the underprivileged and the marginalised. After being revived, it held its very first Annual General Meeting (AGM) of JAAC on 21st March, 2021 at Calcutta Rowing Club (CRC) and through Zoom platform, from 3 PM to 5PM.

The AGM highlighted various activities of the group, presented statement of accounts and brainstormed on new initiatives to take this organization even further and make our Alma Matar proud.
The meeting was called to order by Ms. Belinda Gomes followed by the oath of membership by all the members present. The welcome address and the introduction of the governing body was done by Ms. Mandira Bose, President, JAAC.

The new members then introduced themselves, amidst excited attempts to place each other. This was followed by a first look at the webpage, which is, yet to be launched, a truly commendable feat. After this, came the presentation of the Statement of Accounts. The balance sheet was presented by Ms. Moushumee Basu Roy, who gave a detailed sketch of the years’ transactional memorandum to all present.

Ms. Rupa Sarkar, took up the responsibility of announcing the Class/ Batch representatives followed by the announcement of the core committee members by Ms. Ravneet Khurana.

“JAAC is just not an ordinary organisation, meeting once a year and enjoying high tea,” was truly opined by one of its members. What JAAC is doing and what it is looking forward to, was clearly stated by Ms. Chaitali Jain. From sponsoring sick and needy children to the buying of computers for a primary school to make the students tech-savvy are only a small part of the big task JAAC has taken up.

In fact, even during the pandemic year of 2020, JAAC was involved in lending a helping hand to serve the society. This organization has proudly collaborated with Chandannagar Prayas Society, an NGO in Chandannagar, and has contributed to the Sundarban Reforestation Programme. With a lot more in the pipeline, Chaitali spoke rightly of upcoming plans.

However, for these and other such endeavours, funds are required. Dr Srilata De (Saha), Class of 1984, spearheaded the discussion on fund raising and how best to go on with it. Sponsored competitions, Cultural events and ushering in various donors were few suggestions. Hats off to the young members for their brainstorming ideas, many of whom, volunteered their time and services for their Alma Matar.

The meet was taken to a different level by the deeply emotional speech of Ms. Sonali Roy, Class of 1984, who spoke about how JAAC had been instrumental in helping her overcome a most challenging phase of her life, when she had to undergo a critical eye surgery. It was JAAC, who reached out to all its members, where a number of them did their bit to transform Sonali’s life back to normalcy.

A proud moment indeed!

The programme concluded with the Vote of Thanks by Ms. Ravneet Khurana. It was followed by the warm interactions of all members aged and young, new and old over a cup of hot coffee and other sumptuous savouries.

The memorable occasion ended with the school Anthem, a much-awaited moment, when all those present sang the anthem with nostalgia and the hope of reuniting many more alumni to their fold, through meets, events, publications, webpage and social media.

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Serving

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