Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 20: The Chair in Christianity at Mangalore University, in collaboration with St Joseph’s Inter-Diocesan Seminary, Jeppu—which also served as a key collaborative organizer of the event—hosted a prestigious national symposium titled 'Christian thought in India: Context, culture, and social transformation' on Thursday, August 20, at the seminary's Centenary Memorial Hall.
The day-long academic event, which coincided with Konkani Manyatha Divas, brought together academicians, researchers, theologians, and students to examine the historical, cultural, and socio-theological evolution of Christianity in India, highlighting its enduring contributions to education, healthcare, social reform, and human dignity.
Inaugural proceedings & dignitary addresses
The symposium commenced with a prayer song led by the students of Lourdes Central School, followed by a welcome dance performed by the students of St Agnes Central School, Bendur. The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangalore. Renowned social scientist and former JNU professor Prof Valerian Rodrigues, Dr Preethi D'Souza, head of the Konkani Adhyayana Peetha at Mangalore University, and Judith Mendonca, Syndicate member of Mangalore University, graced the occasion as chief guests.
Other prominent dignitaries on the dais included Dr Praveen Martis SJ, vice-chancellor of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Dr Rajesh Melvin Rosario, rector of St Joseph’s Inter-Diocesan Seminary, and Dr Sunil George D’Souza, head of the Chair in Christianity at Mangalore University, who delivered the welcome address.
Prof Valerian Rodrigues, addressing the gathering first, traced the profound influence of the Gospel and creative indigenous thinkers—such as Chennappa, Mahatma Gandhi, and Dr B R Ambedkar—on Indian social reform, democracy, and anti-caste movements. He highlighted how biblical values of equality, fraternity, justice, and liberty find deep resonance within the Indian Constitution, while underscoring the ongoing necessity of critically engaging with Indian Christian thought to address contemporary societal challenges.
Delivering her address next, Dr Preethi D’Souza reflected on the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, drawing parallels between Abraham Lincoln's democratic vision and the foundational principles of liberty, equality, fraternity, and justice. She highlighted how a community of believers in a church setting mirrors democratic ideals where people collectively make a difference, and commended the Chair in Christianity for fostering crucial academic debates.
Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, delivering his presidential and inaugural address, emphasized that Christianity must actively confront persistent social evils such as caste and gender discrimination in India. Drawing upon Pope Francis's call for universal fraternity, he urged people of goodwill to move from indifference to compassion, inclusion, and encounter, ensuring that Bandhutva (universal brotherhood) prevails. He also offered the invocation and Episcopal Blessing.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr Praveen Martis SJ. During the event, Dr Praveen Martis SJ, vice-chancellor of St Aloysius (Deemed to be) University in Mangaluru, was warmly honoured and felicitated for his recent prestigious achievement of being conferred the honorary rank of Colonel and appointed as Colonel Commandant of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) by the Government of India in July 2026. Sr Janet AC of St Agnes PU College gracefully read the words of felicitation and citation.
Technical sessions & scholarly presentations
The academic proceedings featured four rigorous technical sessions comprising ten research paper presentations. Scholars and faculty members from premier institutions—including Mangalore University, St Aloysius University, Roshni Nilaya, Karnataka Theological College, and St Joseph’s Institute of Theology—acted as presenters and moderators. The papers engaged diverse contemporary themes, including Christian leadership in social reform, digital culture, indigenous praxis, contextual Biblical hermeneutics, and contributions to education and healthcare.
Cultural finale
The symposium will conclude in the evening with a vibrant cultural programme featuring 'Suranjalia', a musical extravaganza presented by the seminarians of St Joseph’s Inter-Diocesan Seminary under the direction of Fr Flavian Rajkiran Lobo. This will be followed by an enthralling performance of Gumta folk music by Gumta Dhaiz, Arva, directed by Walter Crasta.
The inaugural programme was compared by Br Justin and the vote of thanks rendered by Dr Rajesh Melvin Rosario.