In November 1859 a small band of seven Belgian Jesuits landed in Calcutta and under the leadership of Fr. H. Depelchin, started their educational  activities on 16th January 1860, in a building at 10 Park Street, which since 1840 had been the famous Sana Souci Theatre. These were very humble beginnings,  with  only about 40 students spread over three classes. Two years later in 1862, the college was affiliated to the Calcutta University.

Amongst the many alumni of the early its existence, St. Xavier 's can boast of  some  of  its pupils who became world  famous in later years. Men of great wisdom, intellect and scholarships  have passed through the portals of this college. Notable amongst the luminaries are Rabindranath Tagore & Jagdish Chandra Bose. In his autobiography, Tagore wrote "I shall always retain one memory of St. Xavier's, the memory of its teachers." What Tagore wrote long ago is also true today, the relationship between teachers and students is still something unique.

Jagdish Chandra Bose, found encouragement and guidance for his introduction to science in the person of Fr. E. Lafont, who became Rector of the College in 1871. Fr. Lafont, a remarkable teacher of science, had a knack for popularising science and did much for its spread in the country; so much so, that, he was called 'the father of science in India.' Fr. Lafont's initiative and enthusiasm soon made St. Xavier's famous for its science teaching and experimental work, a tradition which has been maintained upto the present day.

Over the years the college has grown in size. In  the last 25 years  the number  of students has increased  from- 3503 to  5326 of whom  1841 are in school and 3435 are in the  college.  The  college  has  a  total teaching  staff of 187. The school  section starting from  the  Primary,  leads  upto  the Secondary School level The College has four  faculties:  Arts,  Science,  Commerce and Teacher's  Training;  providing  Degree and Honours courses. Importance professional and employment oriented education is  recognised and  the  Department of Commerce with a strength of 2000 students  completes   classes   early in  the morning in order to enable the students to join their work  during the day.  The Teachers  Training  Department  caters  to  the demand  for  trained  teachers  in Bengali, Hindi and English medium schools in the eastern region. The college now has become co-educational in the Honours courses of Arts and Science and in the Teacher's Training department.  This  new  venture has proved quite successful  in raising the overall academic levels of the institution.

St. Xavier's has always been known for its cosmopolitan and all India character. The students, coming as they do from all over India, with diverse backgrounds of language, culture and religion live in complete harmony   and understanding, and learn to look beyond local and group affinities, toward loyalties to the country and  to  the society at large.

To the young scholars entrusted to its care, the college endeavours to impart an education based on the spirit of its founder St. Ignatius (1491-1556). The Ignatian vision of education goes far beyond the  achievement  of academic excellence. It includes a radical  change  of  heart  in the person of the educated and of the educator, turning them from  selfish  concerns to unreserved generosity to God and  to their fellow men; it is characterised by an inner liberation of the  spirit, making him truly free and mature, capable  of  assuming whatever responsibility is imposed on him.

In India's struggle for the establishment of a just society, all educational institutions should aim at making their contribution towards radical transformation  of  present  day  social  conditions,  a transformation  where  principles of  social justice; equality  of  opportunity,  genuine freedom,  respect  for  religious  and  moral values enshrined in the Constitution of India  may  prevail  and  the  possibility  of living  a  fully  human  existence may be open before all.

The Department of Posts is pleased to issue a commemorative stamp on the 125th anniversary of the founding of St. Xavier's College,  a college which  is helping build up a body of youth, at once competent and dedicated to the service of India and their fellowmen-"Ad Majorem Dei Glorian"-to the greater Glory of God."

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India