Chennai Hosts AICUF Centenary, Derek O’Brien Champions Fact-Based Education
Chennai, May 18, 2025 – The Loyola College campus buzzed with youthful energy and intellectual discourse as the All India Catholic University Federation (AICUF) marked its centenary with a national convention. The concluding ceremony saw Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP, Derek O’Brien, engaging with students, emphasizing the crucial role of fact-checking in combating misinformation, particularly in the age of "WhatsApp University." He urged students to delve into the rich history of the AICUF movement and arm themselves with factual knowledge to counteract the spread of false narratives.
O’Brien highlighted the significant contribution of Christian educational institutions in India, stating that they constitute a staggering 54,000 institutions across the country. He underscored the inclusive nature of these institutions, revealing that 70% of the students enrolled are non-Christians, representing a diverse tapestry of religious and philosophical backgrounds, including Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Sikhs, and atheists. This translates to a remarkable seven crore students benefiting from Christian education, demonstrating its far-reaching impact on Indian society. O’Brien encouraged the students to leverage these statistics as powerful tools in their pursuit of knowledge and social justice.
The seasoned parliamentarian lauded the Jesuit tradition of education, emphasizing its focus on the "greater good" and its unwavering commitment to social justice. He exhorted the young audience to cultivate a questioning mind and engage in critical thinking. O’Brien himself fielded questions from the students, although he steered clear of direct political queries, maintaining the focus on the educational and social themes of the convention. As a testament to his commitment to fostering youth engagement in democratic processes, O’Brien selected five students who will be given the unique opportunity to witness the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament in New Delhi.
The AICUF centenary celebration and national convention served as a platform for insightful discussions on the challenges and opportunities facing university students in contemporary India. O’Brien’s address resonated with the audience, highlighting the importance of media literacy, critical thinking, and active participation in shaping a just and equitable society. His gesture of inviting students to witness the parliamentary proceedings firsthand underscored the importance of engaging with the democratic process and fostering informed citizenship.
The event further emphasized the vital role of organizations like AICUF in nurturing young leaders and empowering them to become agents of positive change. By providing a space for dialogue and collaboration, AICUF continues to inspire generations of students to embrace social justice, promote interfaith harmony, and contribute to the betterment of society. The convention served as a reminder of the power of education to transform lives and build a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
The concluding ceremony of the AICUF centenary and national convention, graced by the presence of Derek O’Brien, left a lasting impression on the student community. His message of fact-based education, coupled with the opportunity for select students to witness the workings of Parliament, reinforced the importance of informed citizenship and active participation in the democratic process. The event served as a testament to the enduring legacy of AICUF in shaping young minds and empowering them to become catalysts for positive change in society.