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AICUF

All India Catholic University Federation (AICUF) is a University student movement begun in 1924 by the Jesuit fathers. It has its headquarter in Chennai and its state headquarter in St. Xavier's College, Kolkata. It is affiliated to the International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS), Pav Roman. AICUF works through university students who as a team want to do something for their own growth and the welfare of society in which they live. AICUF members draw their inspiration from the life of Jesus Christ. Our motto is : "We are born in an unjust society and we are determined not to leave it as we found it". AICUF is a platform for the young university students to become the leaders of future.

The AICUF has been at work in West Bengal since 1948, organized social service activities, study sessions and seminars, leadership and village exposure camps, survey etc. AICUF also distributes scholarships of Rs.2000 each to the deserving students.

In the year 2007-08, AICUF started its new project "College to village and village to college". AICUF has taken the responsibility to help education of the children of Ghostomat village. We have several educational camps in the village. We also have regular Sunday visits in which college students teach English and Mathematics and the importance of education to the students below class V. This year (2008 - 09) AICUF started Spoken English classes for the Class XI and XII students in St. Paul's School, Raghavpur. This year AICUF organized six camps simultaneously in one months. We first had the Raghavpur Educational Camp, followed by the AICUF Puja Camp, State AYCM (Adivasi Yuva Chetna Manch) - the tribal commission of AICUF Puja Camp. The members who joined this camp were brought face to face with the harsh reality of life which the marginalized people live. Then we had the Santhali Exposure Camp in a Santhal Village. The campers experienced the Santhali culture and their lifestyle. Then the Nepal. It was the first International camp of AICUF. Last but not the least, we had the State Women Commission Camp where the students were shown the difficulties which women face today.

Other than these the West Bengal State AICUF also sends few selected students to the National Level programs organized by the National Team Members in different states. These programs have participation by almost all AICUF states. Noel Francis, last year's State Convener, represented West Bengal AICUF in the International Youth Meet in Australia in the month of July, 2008 where he got a chance to interact with his contemporaries from other countries.

The State Advisor, Father Felix Raj, SJ and the State Animator, Prof. S. M. Gomes guide the state team to organize different countries. And we thank them for their encouragement, help and support whenever we need it.

- Amit Tete
State Full Timer, West Bengal

The AICUF works through University students who as a team want to do something for their growth and the society in which they live. The AICUF members draw their inspiration from the life and person of Jesus Christ.

The AICUF has been at work in West Bengal since 1948, organising social service activities, study sessions and seminars, leadership camps, surveys, retreats, etc. The major activities are the annual state level leadership camp held during the Puja vacation and the AICUF Day.

AICUF has adopted six villages in Malda district as its project after the recent floods. AICUFers visited the flood affected areas and distributed relief materials. 50 houses were built in different villages. At present rehabilitation work is being done by AICUFers through regular visits and work camps in collaboration with local NGOs. AICUF has also established a Scholarship Fund and offers every ayear 12 Scholarships of Rs. 2000/- each. AICUF has published a book on the history of AICUF in Bengal, "Memories of a Movement" available from the office.

There are 22 units in W. Bengal. In Calcutta alone there are 12 units : Seven at St. Xavier's ( Bengali, English, Hindi, Santali, XIA and two H.S.) The West Bengal State Office is situated at St. Xavier's College.

Associate membership may be given to students of other faiths or ideologies who share the ideals of the AICUF as enshrined in its Constitution and West Bengal State Policy Document. For further information, contact the AICUF Office or the State Adviser, Fr. Felix Raj, SJ.