Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 20: The 47th annual research conference of the Association of Christian Philosophers of India (ACPI) was officially inaugurated on October 19 at St Joseph’s inter diocesan Seminary, Jeppu, Mangaluru.
The conference, organised by St Joseph’s Institute of Philosophy in collaboration with Mangalore University’s Chair in Christianity, focused on the theme “Hope: Philosophizing from Multi Horizons.”
The event commenced with a prayerful Bharatanatyam dance performed by students of Sandesha, Foundation for Culture and Education, followed by the recitation of the Indian Constitution’s preamble.
Dr Ronald Serrao, rector of St Joseph’s Seminary, extended a warm welcome to all dignitaries and participants. The traditional lighting of the lamp was accompanied by an Upanishadic chant, symbolising the invocation of light and hope.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by eminent dignitaries. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, presided over the event. The inaugural lamp was lit along with other dignitaries by the honourable vice-chancellor of Mangalore University, Prof P L Dharma, who officially inaugurated the conference. The keynote address was delivered by Dr Parinitha, head of the department of English at Mangalore University.
The event featured the release of the 23rd edition of the ACPI Annual Series, titled “Engulfing Presence of Artificial Intelligence: philosophical reflections on its challenges and opportunities.” The book was released by Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha, who handed the first copy to Prof P L Dharma.
Prof P L Dharma, in his inaugural address, spoke on the significance of hope in a multicultural society. He emphasised the need for action, particularly in fostering hope for the younger generation, and urged the audience to amplify unheard voices in democracy. He left the audience with the thought-provoking question, “How can I hope today to live happily tomorrow?”
Dr Peter Paul Saldanha highlighted the importance of hope as a central theme in human existence. Drawing from Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for meaning, he addressed the philosophical challenges of despair, suicide, and moral degradation, asserting that hope is the key to survival and resilience. He concluded by quoting St Paul, stating that hope does not disappoint when anchored in faith.
In her keynote address, Dr Parinitha emphasised that hope is born at the intersection of dissent and discomfort with the material conditions of our existence. She argued that hope arises from recognizing the potential for change in these conditions and the historical possibilities that allow for such transformation. By understanding human reality as a construct, Dr Parinitha highlighted the instrumental power of human agency to reconstruct social existence in ways that are more enabling and inclusive. She underscored that hope, in this sense, is not passive but is a driving force for social change and progress.
Dr Ivan D’Souza, head of the chair in Christianity at Mangalore University and organising secretary of the conference, expressed gratitude to all the dignitaries and participants. The ceremony concluded with the national anthem. The event was skilfully compered by Fr Joswin Praveen D’Souza.
The annual conference, taking place from October 19-21, will bring together eminent scholars of philosophy to explore the virtue of hope from multiple perspectives. Through various multi-disciplinary lenses, the discussions will focus on the relevance of hope in today’s complex world.