Mangaluru, August 20, 2026: The Chair in Christianity at Mangalore University, in collaboration with St. Joseph’s Inter-diocesan Seminary, Jeppu, organized a National Symposium on the theme “Christian Thought in India: Context, Culture, and Social Transformation” on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at the Centenary Memorial Hall of the seminary. The day-long academic gathering brought together theologians, academicians, researchers and students to reflect on the contribution of Christian thought to Indian society, culture and social transformation.

The symposium began at 9:30 a.m. with a prayer song presented by the students of Lourdes Central School. This was followed by a graceful welcome dance by the students of St. Agnes Central School, Bendur. The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore. Prof. Valerian Rodrigues, renowned social scientist and former professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University; Dr Preethi Dsouza, Head of the Konkani Adhyayana Peetha, Mangalore University; and Mrs Judith Mendonca, Syndicate Member of Mangalore University, graced the occasion as chief guests. Rev. Dr Praveen Martis SJ, Vice-Chancellor of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University); Rev. Dr Rajesh Melvin Rosario, Rector of St. Joseph’s Inter-diocesan Seminary; and Rev. Dr Sunil George D’Souza, Head of the Chair in Christianity at Mangalore University, were also present on the dais. Rev. Dr Sunil George D’Souza welcomed the gathering. The inaugural programme was compered by Br Justin, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Rev. Dr Rajesh Melvin Rosario.

Prof. Valerian Rodrigues, in his address, reflected on the influence of the Gospel and the contribution of Indian thinkers such as Chennappa, Mahatma Gandhi and Dr B. R. Ambedkar to social reform, democracy and the struggle against caste discrimination. He noted that values found in the Christian message, such as equality, fraternity, justice and liberty, have a meaningful connection with the ideals expressed in the Indian Constitution. He stressed the importance of critically engaging with Christian thought in the Indian context so that it may respond effectively to the challenges of contemporary society.

Dr Preethi Dsouza focused on the Preamble of the Indian Constitution and its ideals of liberty, equality, fraternity and justice. Drawing inspiration from Abraham Lincoln’s understanding of democracy, she explained how the life of a faith community can also reflect democratic values through participation, responsibility and collective action. She appreciated the efforts of the Chair in Christianity in creating a space for meaningful academic discussion and dialogue.

In his presidential and inaugural address, Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha emphasized the need for Christianity to address continuing social challenges, particularly caste and gender discrimination. Referring to Pope Francis’ vision of universal fraternity, he called upon people to move beyond indifference towards compassion, inclusion and genuine encounter. He stressed the importance of promoting Bandhutva, or universal brotherhood, in society. He also offered the invocation and Episcopal Blessing.

The keynote address was delivered by Rev. Dr Praveen Martis SJ, Vice-Chancellor of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru. During the programme, Rev. Dr Praveen Martis SJ was felicitated for his recent distinction of being conferred the honorary rank of Colonel and appointed Colonel Commandant of the National Cadet Corps by the Government of India in July 2026. Sr Janet AC of St. Agnes PU College read the words of felicitation and citation. The gathering warmly congratulated Rev. Dr Praveen Martis SJ on this prestigious achievement.

The symposium continued with four technical sessions featuring ten research paper presentations. Faculty members and scholars from institutions including Mangalore University, St Aloysius University, Roshni Nilaya, Karnataka Theological College and St. Joseph’s Institute of Theology participated as presenters and moderators.The papers explored a wide range of themes related to Christian thought and its relevance to contemporary India. The discussions included Christian leadership in social reform, the influence of digital culture, indigenous Christian praxis, contextual approaches to biblical interpretation, and the contribution of Christian institutions to education and healthcare. The academic sessions provided an opportunity for participants to examine Christianity not merely as a religious tradition but also as a significant contributor to India’s social, educational, cultural and intellectual life.

The symposium concluded with a vibrant cultural presentation. The seminarians of St. Joseph’s Inter-diocesan Seminary presented “Suranjalia,” a musical extravaganza directed by Rev. Fr Flavian Rajkiran Lobo. This was followed by an energetic presentation of traditional Gumta folk music by Gumta Dhaiz, Arva, directed by Mr Walter Crasta. The symposium served as a meaningful platform for academic dialogue on the relationship between Christianity and Indian society. By bringing together faith, culture, scholarship and social concerns, the event highlighted the continuing relevance of Christian thought in contributing to a more just, inclusive and humane society.