An abode of love and excellence

St. Ignatius of Loyola believed that a Jesuit is a person called to excel in the mission entrusted to him, giving his best in whatever endeavors he undertakes. It is the same vision which led him to embrace the challenges of his times with a smiling face.

When we look at Vidyaniketan, we cannot but see the spirit in which Ignatius lived throughout his life.

Vidyaniketan is a Jesuit study house where the Jesuit scholastics do their degree studies. It is the third stage of formation during a Jesuit’s journey to priesthood and final profession. It also accommodates scholastics doing their PG studies.

Vidyaniketan stands as a living testimony of friendship, brotherhood as well as academic excellence. This house situated in the city of Dharwad (close to the Karnatak University) constantly strives to become one with the people. The scholastics, who have gone through their formation here, have risen to the expectations of the formators not only in academics but also in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities.

One special feature of Vidyaniketan is the community life. The community is very supportive and encouraging to all of its members. In addition, the senior Jesuits lead an inspiring and pro-active life which helps the scholastics to grow and live harmoniously.

The house also gives the scholastics a taste of the mission of the Society of Jesus through Sunday and weekday ministries, spending the holidays in the mission areas as well as having a few days of memorable stay with the poor people living in the slums of the city. Thus it enables the scholastics to always remember the call they have received from God.

Vidyaniketan is like a mother who cares for her children.
Vidyaniketan is an abode of love and excellence.
A house which forms the bright Jesuits of the future,
And a precious stage in the formation of a Jesuit.
A community which strives towards a harmonious life,
All for the greater glory of God.

The fantastic 6

ARUL: Hails from Metagalli, Mysore. Being a very good artist, he kept himself busy in parishes and neighbouring convents all through his novitiate and Juniorate. Dharwad Kannada doesn’t suit him so he speaks his Mysore Kannada i.e. "Budbudthiya." He tried to get admission at Anjuman's College, in Dharwad. But was mistaken to be a professor of Catholic Liberation Theology.

DON: This ‘over-world’ Don is from the 'metropolitan' Kelarai, Mangalore. Physically appears to be the real DON but in truth he is the CHOTA DON. He is the A R Rahman of Vidyaniketan but his vocal chords are now "under repairs" in our parish priest’s garage.

VINOD: Vinod A J hails from Chamrajpet, Bangalore. He is a man of magis in all that he does. He is a good friend of all. He likes to be cool and make others happy always. He is always jovial, friendly, patient and loving. Now that he is a Zoology student, he has a soft corner for animals.

NITHIN: The Outstanding player of VBA( Vidyaniketan Basketball Association). A man for all seasons, he likes to give a hearty uproar often that shakes all the corridors here. He is fond of music. He is also found collecting bolts, nuts and "Hale kabbina, modka, raddhi, paper." Nithin is a gift to the SJ from K R Nagar, Mysore.

RYAN: Coming from Bajpe, Mangalore, he is the “Loose Maadha” of Vidyaniketan. He is fond of our Parish priest for both speak English with a Portuguese accent which only they understand.He is a man of simple creativity.

JAY PRAKASH: A relative of late Mr Veerapan, Jay hails from Cowdalli, Kollegal. A man of simple yet unbreakable faith, he does everything for the greater glory of God, even gelling his hair and keeping a new beard every week. Generous and supportive, we rarely find him on trees these days since he is engrossed in his books for hours.