Mangalore: Contributions of Christians Lauded as Univ Diocesan Chair Turns 25

Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (VM)
 
Mangalore, Nov 21: The silver jubilee celebration of the establishment of the Mangalore Diocesan Chair in Christianity at Mangalore University was inaugurated at Milagres Hall here on Wednesday November 21.
 
Professor Dr T C Shivashankara Murthy, vice-chancellor of Mangalore University inaugurated the silver jubilee celebration by lighting the lamp along with other dignitaries, while Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop of Mangalore presided over the programme.

Dr T C Shivashankara Murthy in his address said that the activity of Diocesan Chair in Christianity for the past 25 years was commendable. "They have chosen various interesting topics for their presentations like peace, war and nuclear movement, religion, women empowerment, genetic engineering, geno concept and various others which is appreciable," he said.
 
Speaking about various chairs in the University, he said that there are various unique chairs like those on Mahatma Ganghiji, Buddha, Jawaharlal Nehru, Tulu, Yakshagana, Dr Shivaram Karanth and others, including chair in Christianity. "All are doing a commendable job," he added.
 
Dr Murthy also spoke on the role played by Christian missionaries in the field of education and health. "Wherever Christian missionaries went, they gave prime importance to education and health. It was they who started the first school in South Canara in 1834.

"Catholic institutions' main aim was to enhance human value and eliminate materialism through education. But these days the as industrialists have started opening education institutions, the whole system is getting corrupt. It is high time to clean up all the negative aspects prevailing in education," he said.
 
In his presidential address, Bishop D’Souza said that the years of life are counted based on the contributions made to society. "It is the right moment for the chair in Christianity to celebrate their silver jubilee as they have contributed many things to society," he added.

Speaking about the Catholic institutions, he said their prime goal is to render education to all the sections of the society including the poor by offering them concessions rather than indulging in money making business.
 
Fr Denis Moras Prabhu, vicar general; Fr Joseph Martis, rector of St Joseph Seminary; Fr Swebert D’Silva, principal of St Aloysius College; Fr John Baptist Saldanha, professor and head of chair in Christianity; Fr John Fernandes; Fr Victor Machado, parish priest of Bejai church; Dr Honey Cabral; Sr Marie Prem D’Souza, principal of St Agnes College shared the dais.

As part of the silver jubilee celebration, a workshop based on the theme ‘Contributions of Coastal Karnataka Christians to the Society’ will be held throughout the day, where paper presentation will be made by eminent personalities.
 
Fr John Baptist Saldanha welcomed the gathering, Fr Denis D’Sa, administrator FMMC compered and Sr Marie Prem delivered the vote of thanks.