Media Release

Mangaluru Aug 19: The Chair in Christianity, Mangalore University, in collaboration with St Joseph’s Inter-Diocesan Seminary, is hosting a National Symposium titled "Christian Thought in India: Context, Culture, and Social Transformation" on Thursday, August 20, at the Centenary Memorial Hall of St Joseph’s Inter-Diocesan Seminary, Jeppu. The day-long academic event will commence at 9:30 am.

The symposium will examine the historical, cultural, and socio-theological evolution of Christianity in India, highlighting its enduring contributions to education, healthcare, social reform, and human dignity. It aims to provide an interdisciplinary scholarly platform for academicians, theologians, and researchers to explore contemporary issues such as social equality, digital culture, indigenous identities, and interreligious dialogue.

Prof P L Dharma, vice-chancellor of Mangalore University, will preside over the inaugural ceremony. Renowned social scientist and former professor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Prof Valerian Rodrigues, alongside Dr Preethi D’Souza, head of the Konkani Adhyayana Peetha at Mangalore University, will grace the occasion as chief guests. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangalore, will deliver the invocation and episcopal blessing. The keynote address will be delivered by Dr Praveen Martis SJ, vice-chancellor of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangalore.

Dr Rajesh Melvin Rosario, rector of St Joseph’s Inter-Diocesan Seminary, will be present as the guest of honour. Dr Sunil George D’Souza, head of the Chair in Christianity at Mangalore University, will deliver the welcome address.

The academic proceedings will feature four technical sessions with ten research paper presentations covering diverse themes, including Christian leadership in social reform, digital culture, indigenous praxis, contextual biblical hermeneutics, and contributions to education and healthcare. Scholars and faculty from institutions such as Mangalore University, St Aloysius University, Roshni Nilaya, Karnataka Theological College, and St Joseph’s Institute of Theology will serve as paper presenters and moderators.

The symposium will conclude in the evening with a cultural extravaganza, "Suranjalia," presented by the seminarians of St Joseph’s Seminary, followed by a performance of Gumta folk music by Gumta Dhaiz, Arva, preceding the valedictory programme and dinner.