Ashok Sandil

Bishop Franco Mulackal lights the traditional lamp to inaugurate the Academic Year 2009-2010

Change and newness is the hallmark of Vidyajyoti College of Theology, Delhi, with a totally new administration: Fr. Joe Sebastian, the Rector; Fr. Francis Gonsalves, the Principal; Fr. George Stephen, the Registrar and Fr. T.V. George, the Treasurer, are all newly appointed.

The inaugural Eucharist on July 13, 2009, focused on the theme “Self-emptying for Fuller Life”. His Lordship, Bishop Franco Mulakkal, DD, was the main celebrant. In his homily, the Shepherd challenged the staff and the students to empty themselves in love, service and obedience in imitation of Jesus Christ. Throughout His lifetime Jesus remained loyal to His call and mission and the Cross became sign of the victory of Life over death. Bishop Mulakkal also reminded the entire gathering of their responsibilities to the Church – local and universal.

In his inaugural address Fr. Joe Sebastian (Rector) highlighted the time-tested traditions of Vidyajyoti (formerly, St Mary’s College, Kurseong) and said that the option to move to Delhi was shaped by the desire to respond to the harsh realities of the people in the national capital. Fr Rector exhorted the Faculty to enter into the fabric of the socio-religio-cultural, economic-political treasures and traditions that characterize our Indian ethos and psyche. Thus we opt to ‘do theology’ rather than to only ‘study theology’.

Fr. Francis Gonsalves (Principal) exhorted the students to embark with enthusiasm into the new academic year. His ‘Trinitarian exhortation’ contained 3 points corresponding to the 3 Persons of the Trinity: (1) Commission – “As the Father has sent me, so I send you” (Jn 20:21). Everyone is sent by God, our Father, on same mission as Jesus was sent. This demands deep commitment; (2) Compassion ­– learned by listening to God’s Son, Jesus, who was sensitive to the suffering and needy; (3) Communion – a gift of the Spirit that makes us develop our charisms and gifts to build up a united community, while fostering diversity.

The inaugural day programme culminated with a talk on ‘Religion and Religious Communities in the Indian Legal and Social order’ by Dr. Tahir Mahmood, former Chairman, National Minorities Commission, and Member of the Law Commission of India. Prof. Mahmood underlined the role of different religions in India towards working for peace initiatives. He invited the students to become more aware of legal and political matters.

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