Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 15: The extension services of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) inaugurated of the Centre for Peace and Reconciliation on October 9, in a ceremony that gathered distinguished guests, staff coordinators Jennifer Mascarenhas, Preema Tauro, Archana, Mohmmed Thauseef and 70 student volunteers. The event focused on promoting the ideals of peace, collaboration, and reconciliation, crucial elements for fostering harmonious communities in a world increasingly marked by conflict and division.
The event began with a reflective prayer, setting a spiritual tone that emphasized peace as not merely the absence of conflict but as an active approach to resolving disputes and promoting unity. The quote from Mahatma Gandhi, 'An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind', resonated with the gathering, symbolizing the purpose of the centre in nurturing peace and reconciliation.
The event was graced by prominent dignitaries, with Dr Binoy Jacob Pichalakkattu, SJ, director of LIPI, Kochi, as the chief guest. The rector of St Aloysius Institutions, Fr Melwyn Joseph Pinto, SJ, presided over the event, while Roshan Melwyn Lobo, secretary-general of International Young Catholic Students (IYCS), was the guest of honour. Dr Praveen Martis, SJ, vice-chancellor of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), delivered a compelling keynote speech.
Dr Binoy Jacob Pichalakkattu, in his address, highlighted the urgent need for peace and reconciliation in today's world. He spoke about institutions like XLRI Jamshedpur, St Joseph University Bengaluru, and St Xavier's University Kolkata, which have already taken steps in this direction. He outlined different forms of violence direct, structural, and cultural and proposed various activities for promoting peace, such as peace exhibitions, peace picnics, studies on constitutions and democracy, interfaith prayers, social media campaigns, and peace awards. His message was both inspiring and practical, encouraging the audience to work towards peace in everyday life.
Dr Praveen Martis, in his keynote address, emphasized the role educational institutions must play in fostering a culture of peace. He stressed that beyond academic instruction, universities must cultivate empathy, dialogue, and understanding among students, essential components for societal reconciliation. His remarks reflected the university's commitment to creating spaces for peace and dialogue, not only locally but also globally.
The symbolic inauguration of the centre brought all the dignitaries together for the opening, marking a new chapter for the university, dedicated to advancing peace studies and reconciliation efforts. This act was a powerful symbol of hope, one that conveyed the university's dedication to promoting peace through academic and community-based initiatives.
Roshan Melwyn Lobo's address focused on the critical role of youth in shaping a peaceful future. He urged the younger generation to take the lead in advocating for justice and peace, reminding them that their actions can be a powerful force in bridging divides and dismantling prejudices. His message was particularly resonant with the students present, encouraging them to become agents of change.
Fr Melwyn Joseph Pinto, in his presidential address, emphasized that peace requires continuous effort and active engagement. He underlined the importance of commitment in the peace-building process, a sentiment that echoed throughout the event.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks and a lively question-and-answer session, where students actively participated, posing thought-provoking questions to the dignitaries. The answers, particularly those from Dr Binoy Jacob Pichalakkattu, SJ, who stated that "peace begins from our hearts," left the audience satisfied and inspired.
The event concluded with the inauguration standing as a hopeful reminder of the transformative power of peace, dialogue, and collaboration in society.