Udayani Social Action Forum

Udayani Social Action Forum is a Social Action and Animation Centre of the Calcutta Province of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).

Jesuits are known for their educational work through schools, colleges and universities. But in the last 3 decades Jesuits have become the pioneers in the field of Social Justice and Human Rights.

In Calcutta, the direct social apostolate began in the fifties. Initially different parishes started "food for work" project. Rural infrastructure such as construction of roads, digging of canals, ponds etc. were given priority. the idea was to help rural people to get access to new cultivation technology for paddy and vegetables etc.

In 1955, Fr. Julian Henry SJ, endorsed a significant attention. He joined the field through helping the School drop out children in St. Teresa's parish. Children were encouraged to attend non-formal technical school. Thereafter Fr. R. Pillette SJ., started Night School in 1963 for working boys, which still continue to cater to many working boys in Calcutta under St. Xavier's Collegiate School.

Sixties and seventies witnessed a series of socio-economic development oriented projects in the Province. Sherpur Project, started by Fr. Babu Beckers SJ, through St. Xavier's College NSS and AICUF; Green Triangle Project, Socio-Economic Development Project (SEDP) by Fr. J. Henrichs SJ were some of the prominent ones. Fr. Henrichs was also instrumental in founding the "Child In Need Institute" (CINI) and "Shanti T.B. Rehabilitation Centre". Fr. A. Ernst SJ, was instrumental in promoting the Educational and Agricultural Projects in Midnapore District. In 1970, a hostel for tribal students, "Ananda Bhavan" was established in St. Xavier's College, Calcutta.

In 1978, the Adult Education Project (AEP) was started through NSS unit of St. Xavier's College, which continued to work as a separate project till late nineties.