Although India has one of the fastest-growing economies—there are groups being left behind.The caste system in India was formally abolished in 1950, but the effects of a hierarchy that was in place for more than 3,000 years are still evident today. Children from underprivileged communities are not equipped to take advantage of the country's educational and economic progress and are in serious danger of being overlooked.The Telangana Tribal Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society has emerged as a progressive government response to providing equitable education opportunities for members of the Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribal communities, Backward Caste, and other minority communities. The University of Notre Dame’s Global Center for the Development of the Whole Child has launched Project Sampoorna to help these disadvantaged and overlooked children overcome their historic subservient role in society, and enable them to join the formal economy.Learn more: https://go.nd.edu/06e6b7

Student Government is proud to host the 3rd Annual Black Excellence Dinner on Thursday, January 30, from 7:00–9:30 p.m. in the Dahnke Family Ballroom. This black tie formal dinner celebrates Black excellence in all aspects of Notre Dame campus life. The evening will feature a plated dinner, keynote addresses by Alexandra Sejdinaj ‘15 and N. Don Wycliff ‘69, and the recognition of outstanding Black students, staff, and faculty at Notre Dame.

On Monday, January 27, 2025, students, faculty and staff gathered in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart for the Annual Candlelight Prayer Service for Walk the Walk Week.Following the service, which was presided over by University President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., with a keynote reflection from Claire Babeneaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, attendees processed through snowy sidewalks to place candles at the foot of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Statue on God Quad.

Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, delivered a keynote address during the University of Notre Dame's Annual Candelight Prayer Service to kick off Walk the Walk Week 2025.Babineaux-Fontenot spoke on what we owe each other during the service which commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and renews Notre Dame's commitment to building the Beloved Community—embodying God’s love, justice, and mercy for all—on campus and beyond.

Join us for prayer and reflection as we commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and renew our commitment to building the Beloved Community—embodying God’s love, justice, and mercy for all—on campus and beyond.The prayer service will be followed by a candlelight march to the Sacred Heart of Jesus statue and a dessert reception in the Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the LaFortune Student Center. All are welcome!

In this episode of Notre Dame Stories, University President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., and Rev. Hugh R. Page Jr., vice president for institutional transformation and advisor to the president, join host Jenna Liberto to discuss their shared commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all.Together, they explore the University’s mission, the importance of bridging differences, and how faith informs their work in fostering a beloved community on campus and in the world.----- Video Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:13 Fr. Bob Dowd and Rev. Hugh Page share how their faith serves as a foundation for their commitments to the issues of justice, human dignity and love. 02:11 Fr. Bob Dowd talks about his Inaugural Address where he calls on us to be bridge builders. 03:20 Rev. Hugh Page shares the meaning of institutional transformation. 05:04 Fr. Bob Dowd talks about Notre Dame's commitment to inclusivity and promoting a spirit of welcome and belonging on campus. 07:55 Fr. Bob Dowd explains what this year's Forum theme "What do we owe each other?" means to him. 11:38 Rev. Hugh Page shares ways Notre Dame is building a Beloved Community on campus. 14:24 Fr. Bob Dowd and Rev. Hugh Page answer quick-fire questions about their college experience in our lightning round.----- Show links: Episode page (https://stories.nd.edu/podcasts/building-bridges-to-a-beloved-community-at-notre-dame/) We are all Notre Dame (https://diversity.nd.edu/)----- Notre Dame Stories is the official podcast of the University of Notre Dame. It was created by the Office of Public Affairs and Communications and hosted by Jenna Liberto with Executive Producer Andy Fuller. It was produced by Jenna Liberto, Josh Long, and Staci Stickovich. Videography was done by Zach Dudka, Josh Long, Tony Fuller, and Michael Wiens. Original music was provided by Alex Mansour. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.