KRCBC Appoints First-Ever Woman Joint Secretary to India’s Dalit Commission

By Robancy A. Helen, India

In a historic and progressive move, the Karnataka Region Catholic Bishops’ Council (KRCBC) has appointed Dr. Isabella Selvaraj Xavier as the Joint Secretary to the Regional Commission for SC/ST/BC.

Peter Machado, president of the Bishops’ Council and Metropolitan Archbishop of Bangalore, made the appointment, which took effect on April 7, 2025.

Dr. Xavier becomes the first woman to hold this position within the Dalit Commission, marking a significant milestone in the Church’s commitment to inclusivity and representation.

Another noteworthy development is the appointment of Mr. Alphonse G. Kennedy, the outgoing Joint Secretary, as the Regional Secretary for the SC/ST/BC Commission, replacing Father Yagappa.

Mr. Kennedy is also the first layperson to serve as Secretary of the Dalit Commission under the KRCBC.

“This is a significant and well-deserved recognition of Mr. Kennedy’s dedication and commitment. We extend our warmest congratulations to him on this important role. We are confident that his expertise and passion will greatly benefit the interests and welfare of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Classes in our state,” said Father Yagappa, the outgoing Regional Secretary.

A trailblazer in social service, Dr. Isabella Xavier founded the Sadhana Women and Child Welfare Society and Human Rights Centre in Tejaswi Nagar, Dharwad, Karnataka. Since its establishment in 2001, the organization has focused on issues concerning women and child rights, including child labor, child marriage, trafficking, family counseling, and human rights violations.

The institute also provides shelter and support for girls and women who have suffered from abuse, illiteracy, exploitation, and societal marginalization.

Academically accomplished, Dr. Xavier holds multiple master’s degrees in psychology, Hindi, sociology, and social work from Mangalore University, as well as a doctorate in spirituality and leadership from Washington, D.C.

A passionate human rights advocate, she has received 11 prestigious awards since 2005 for her exemplary service to society. Dr. Xavier is also a motivational speaker, trainer, and resource person in schools, colleges, and law enforcement training programs across Karnataka.

In 2016, she served as the National President of Dalit Christian Women for Change, an initiative of the CBCI Office for SC/BC.

Currently, she holds multiple leadership roles, including Executive Member of CROSS, Bengaluru; Joint Secretary of the Women’s Commission, Belagavi Diocese; and Joint Secretary of the SC/ST/OBC Commission, Belagavi Diocese.

The appointment of Dr. Isabella Xavier marks a historic first and underscores KRCBC’s commitment to justice, empowerment, and inclusive leadership.