Paulose Mangai S.J.

“Launch out into the Deep!” This was the focal theme of the college inaugural today. The day began with a special Eucharistic Celebration in the morning presided over by His Grace Vincent Concessao, Archbishop of Delhi and Patron of Vidyajyoti.  During the homily the Patron invited the faculty and the nearly 200 students to have faith in the Lord who calls and gives power and launch out into the deep with confidence and trust. The presence of the Lord can work wonders in us and through us just as it did with ordinary disciples like Peter and John. Where the Lord is, there is hope.

Vidyajyoti is beginning the new academic session with a new Principal in the saddle. The Rector of the College, Fr. Joe Sebastian SJ welcomed the new Principal, Fr. Francis Gonsalves SJ and wished him well on behalf of the whole faculty. In his maiden address to the staff and students, the new Principal emphasized that Vidyajyoti is a parivar, a family. He summed up his message with the acronym G.R.O.W.T.H.

God is at the Centre of our life and theology.

Relationship with fellow men and women and all beings and nature is a basic value.

Option for the poor underlies our theological orientation at Vidyajyoti.

Word and Work are vital on our journey.

Time (signs of the Time), Transcendence and Tradition are essential aspects of theology.

Harmony, Humaneness and Happiness are our characteristic traits.

The post-lunch session saw Professor Zoya Hasan of Jawaharlal Nehru University, an eminent Political Scientist and former member of the National Commission for Minorities addressing the faculty and the students on “Social Discrimination and Politics of Affirmative Action.” She pointed to the many contradictions and hurdles that are operative at the socio-political level and even at the level of higher judiciary that hinder expansion of affirmative action in favour of dalits and minorities in spite of recommendations by official commissions.

The first day was packed and heavy but at the same time inspiring and thought-provoking. It has raised many concerns and issues which we have to pursue with passion and vigour. The Lord has commanded: Launch out into the deep! We have chosen to do his bidding.

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