National Symposium on ‘Christian Thought in India’ to be Held at Jeppu Seminary Tomorrow
Mangaluru: The Chair in Christianity, Mangalore University, in collaboration with St. Joseph’s Inter-diocesan Seminary, will host a national symposium titled “Christian Thought in India: Context, Culture, and Social Transformation” on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at the Centenary Memorial Hall of St. Joseph’s Inter-diocesan Seminary, Jeppu. The day-long academic event will commence at 9:30 a.m.
The symposium will examine the historical, cultural and socio-theological evolution of Christianity in India, highlighting its enduring contributions to education, healthcare, social reform and human dignity. It will provide an interdisciplinary scholarly platform for academicians, theologians and researchers to explore contemporary issues such as social equality, digital culture, indigenous identities and interreligious dialogue.
Prof. P. L. Dharma, Vice-Chancellor of Mangalore University, will preside over the inaugural ceremony. Renowned social scientist and former professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Prof. Valerian Rodrigues, and Dr Preethi D’Souza, Head of the Konkani Adhyayana Peetha at Mangalore University, will be the chief guests.
Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, will deliver the invocation and Episcopal Blessing. The keynote address will be delivered by Rev. Dr Praveen Martis SJ, Vice-Chancellor of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru.
Rev. Dr Rajesh Melvin Rosario, Rector of St. Joseph’s Inter-diocesan Seminary, will be the Guest of Honour. Rev. Dr Sunil George D’Souza, Head of the Chair in Christianity at Mangalore University, will deliver the welcome address.
The academic proceedings will feature four technical sessions with 10 research paper presentations covering diverse themes, including Christian leadership in social reform, digital culture, indigenous praxis, contextual biblical hermeneutics, and contributions to education and healthcare.
Scholars and faculty members from institutions including Mangalore University, St. Aloysius University, Roshni Nilaya, Karnataka Theological College, and St. Joseph’s Institute of Theology will serve as paper presenters and moderators.
The symposium will conclude in the evening with a cultural extravaganza, “Suranjalia,” presented by the seminarians of St. Joseph’s Seminary, followed by a performance of Gumta folk music by Gumta Dhaiz, Arva. The valedictory programme and dinner will follow.
