Nostalgia’ 26, the Chapter’s 3rd reunion under this branding, recognized outstanding women who embody Shakti across law & order, urban planning, business, media, social impact, adventure & music.
Mumbai: The West Zone Chapter of the St. Xavier’s College (Calcutta) Alumni Association marked 20 years of its existence with the 3rd Nostalgia edition of its alumni reunion, Nostalgia 26, in Mumbai at Taj Santacruz, last Saturday, 3 October 2026. The Reunion was organized under leadership of Chapter Secretary, Dr. Sanjay Goel supported by Mr. Parimal Sheth, Ms. Ananya Maitra, Mrs. Sangita Marda Agarwal, Mrs. Shalini Gupta, Mr. Soumit Das and Mr. Anup Khetan.
This year the reunion was merged with the Naari Shakti Samman 2026, held at the start of Navratri. The Chapter honoured nine women from different walks of life as the Nav Durgas, in celebration of women as the embodiment of Shakti. Mr. Firdausul Hasan, Past President of St Xavier’s College (Cal) Alumni Association at Kolkata presented the awards on behalf of St Xavier’s College (Cal) Alumni Association, Calcutta in Mumbai.
The day brought together alumni, business leaders, civic dignitaries and members of the media to recognise women who have broken barriers, built institutions and driven social change.
The Nav Durga Awardees
1.Dr. Aswati Dorje, IPS, Excellence in Law & Order: A 2000-batch Maharashtra-cadre IPS officer, currently ADGP (Protection of Crime against Women and Children) and a former Director of the Maharashtra Police Academy.
2.Dr. Pratibha Bhadane, Excellence in Urban Planning: The first woman Director of Town Planning, Maharashtra, with over 30 years of experience in urban and regional planning.
3.Madhura DasGupta Sinha, Excellence in Women Empowerment: Founder & CEO of Aspire For Her, working to bring 10 million women into the workforce, who recently led a record-setting women-only GenAI hackathon.
4.Roma Balwani, Excellence in Ethical Leadership: A communications and corporate leader with 40+ years of experience and co-founder of the Roma Balwani Foundation for disability inclusion and women’s empowerment.
5.Revathi Roy, Excellence in Social Entrepreneurship: Founder of ForShe and Hey Deedee, who trains and employs women from low-income communities.
6.Priti Rathi Gupta, Excellence in Fintech: Founder of LXME, which helps women build financial literacy and invest independently, and a former Managing Director at Anand Rathi.
7.Monali Thakur, Excellence in Music: The National Award-winning playback singer behind Moh Moh Ke Dhaage, and herself a Xaverian.Ritika Chopra, Excellence in Journalism: An investigative journalist and Resident Editor, Mumbai, The Indian Express, with nearly 20 years covering politics, governance and education.
8.Ritika Chopra, Excellence in Journalism: An investigative journalist and Resident Editor, Mumbai, The Indian Express, with nearly 20 years covering politics, governance and education.
9. Apeksha Rai (“Bawri Rider”), Excellence in Adventure & Endurance: A Mumbai-based motorcyclist and India Book of Records holder for a 4,000+ km solo ride across 11 states and 2 Union Territories in 12 days.
The Chapter also recognised Ananya Birla, entrepreneur, founder of Svatantra Microfin and mental-health advocate, with the Most Promising Business Leader recognition.
The event was also a celebration of the Chapter’s 20-year journey in connecting Xaverians across Mumbai and western India. Distinguished alumni present included Amit Harlalka (CEO, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India), Robin Banerjee (Chairman- Nucleon Research), Pankaj Tibrewal (Founder & CIO, IKIGAI Asset Manager) and Saurabh Gupta (Deputy Editor, NDTV), and many many more. A Fireside Chat between Pankaj TIbrewal and Saurabh Gupta threw up various upcoming sectors which shall contribute towards India’s growth and economy and lot of financial insights. Mr Robin Banerjee, a veteran finance professional as Keynote Speaker, shared interesting stories on financial frauds in corporate world.
The event was also graced by film personality Ms. Preeti Jhangiani as a special guest. The rejuvenated website of West Zone Chapter, www.sxccaa.org , was launched in her presence.
About the Chapter
The West Zone Chapter of the St. Xavier’s College (Calcutta) Alumni Association brings together Xaverian alumni across Mumbai and western India through reunions, networking and community initiatives. St. Xavier’s College Calcutta Alumni Association (SXCCAA): registered in 1985, SXCCAA has a rich 40-year legacy of organizing philanthropic activities, rural development programs, and large-scale disaster relief operations across the country. The West Zone Chapter actively continues this Jesuit legacy of “men and women for others” by fostering social welfare initiatives in Western India.
Media Contact: Shalini Gupta, Committee Member | 9870950099
