Life and Events

The Onam celebration held on 14 September was a vibrant cultural event that brought together hostel students in a spirit of unity and festivity. Preparations began well in advance, culminating in a visually stunning pookalam at the hostel entrance, symbolizing joy and prosperity.

The celebration formally commenced under the Banyan Tree, where the story of King Mahabali was narrated, emphasizing values of equality, generosity, and togetherness. The Director’s address further reinforced these ideals, setting a meaningful tone for the day.

Cultural diversity was evident as students from various states participated in traditional attire, highlighting inclusivity. The event featured a series of lively activities, including dance performances, musical chairs, and traditional games such as Uriyadi and Rusk Kadi, which generated enthusiasm and collective participation. The tug-of-war competition added a competitive yet spirited dimension to the celebration.

The highlight of the day was the traditional Onam Sadhya, served on banana leaves, which brought students together in a shared culinary experience. The meal, prepared and served by fellow hostellers, strengthened the sense of community.

On 18 December 2025, St. Joseph’s University Gents Hostel celebrated Christmas with warmth, joy, and a deep sense of togetherness. The celebration brought the hostel community together in a spirit of peace, fellowship, and festive cheer. Students and staff participated enthusiastically, making the occasion both lively and meaningful.

The programme reflected the true essence of Christmas by fostering unity, gratitude, and shared happiness among all present. Beyond the festivities, the celebration served as a reminder of the values of love, compassion, and harmony that lie at the heart of the season, leaving behind cherished memories for the entire hostel community.

The Hostel Orientation Programme, conducted over two days on 28 and 29 June at Loyola Hall, marked a comprehensive and engaging beginning to the academic year, welcoming freshers while reorienting senior students. Fr. Pradeep SJ shared personal experiences that reassured newcomers, followed by the interactive “Bird and the Cages” activity, which fostered teamwork, attentiveness, and participation. A mental health development session by Ms. Estelle and Fr. Joyson John Bardoza emphasized emotional well-being, while the Director outlined key hostel rules, including discipline, curfew, and respectful coexistence, stressing inclusivity and discouraging groupism.

The second day, designed for senior students, shifted towards awareness and responsibility. Fr. Joswin Pereira SJ led engaging activities and a session on digital media, highlighting both its benefits and risks. Mr. Ashwil Lobo complemented this with insights into corporate realities, preparing students for future challenges. The Director addressed important concerns regarding discipline, hygiene, and adherence to hostel norms, reinforcing collective responsibility.

Exubria 2026, the annual hostel fest, was a dynamic blend of sports, culture, and community engagement, beginning with pre-event basketball matches and culminating in a three-day celebration of talent and teamwork. The basketball tournament set a competitive tone, with intense matches and a thrilling final where Nightfall Ninjas emerged victorious.

The formal inauguration featured ceremonial elements such as the lamp lighting, march-past, and oath-taking, reinforcing unity and sportsmanship. Cultural performances, including singing and group dances, added vibrancy to the opening day.

Athletic events such as sprints, relays, shot put, and treasure hunts showcased physical endurance and teamwork, while creative segments like instrumental performances and socially themed skits highlighted artistic expression and awareness. Competitive events including arm wrestling, push-ups, and team-building challenges further intensified participation.

The final day featured tug-of-war, diathlon events, and fun competitions, followed by an elaborate prize distribution ceremony recognizing excellence across sports and cultural categories. Team Berserk emerged as overall champions, closely followed by The Third Battalion. The event concluded with a bonfire, dinner, and celebratory dance, marking a memorable end to Exubria 2026. Overall, the fest successfully fostered unity, talent, and the spirit of healthy competition among hostel residents.

The Hostel Day of St. Joseph’s University Gents’ Hostel was celebrated on 22 March 2026 with great enthusiasm and unity. The event was graced by Professor Melwyn Colaco as the chief guest, along with Father Arun Prashanth D’Souza, who presided over the program, and Vice Chancellor Father Victor Lobo. The celebration fostered a sense of community among students, staff, and administrators, making it a memorable and meaningful occasion for all present.

The programme featured cultural performances, moments of recognition, and expressions of gratitude that reflected the vibrant life of the hostel. It was not merely a festive gathering, but also an occasion to acknowledge the values of friendship, discipline, mutual respect, and collective growth that define hostel life. The celebration stood as a meaningful reminder of the hostel’s role in shaping community, character, and memories.

The spiritual life of the hostel community was enriched through a series of meaningful religious celebrations during the academic year. The Inaugural Eucharistic Mass, celebrated on July, 2nd 2025 by Fr. Jerome along with the Hostel Director, marked the beginning of the academic journey, invoking blessings and guidance for all students. The Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola was observed with reverence, with a Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Joswin SJ on July, 07th 2025, followed by a fellowship breakfast that fostered community bonding and reflection on Ignatian values. The Feast of the Nativity of Mother Mary was preceded on Sept, 8th 2025 by nine days of Novena prayers, culminating in a solemn Eucharistic celebration led by the Director. This occasion provided an opportunity for prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal among students. Additionally, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary was marked by a prayerful Rosary gathering in the Arrupe Nivas Garden October, 7th 2025. The serene setting, illuminated by candles and accompanied by hymns, created a deeply reflective atmosphere. These spiritual activities strengthened faith, unity, and a sense of belonging within the hostel community, nurturing both personal spirituality and collective harmony.