Tribal and Adivasi Sunday held in UTC

The Tribal and Adivasi Sunday initiated by the Commission on Tribals and Adivasis, National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) was held in the Tagore Hall of the UTC on Sunday, August 7, 2011. The theme was “Life with Dignity and Together with Nature.”  The biblical texts used were Psalm 72: 1-20 and Luke 4:18-19. Mr. Edwin Daniel, a human rights activist from Kerala preached on the occasion. The worship made use of various tribal and adivasi elements. Students of the UTC actively took part in the worship. The Kannada fellowship sang for the worship as well.

 

The Rev. Dr. Israel Selvanayagam, the former principal of the UTC was present for the worship and was honoured with a bouquet by Rev. Dr. John Samuel Raj, the principal of the UTC. Dr. Selvanayagam talked of his present involvements and work.

Lecture by Prof. Dr. Hans Schwarz

August 1, 2011.

Prof. Dr. Hans Schwarz, Systematic Theology, University of Regensburg, Germany delivered a lecture on the “Relationship between Science and Theology” in the Tagore Hall of the United Theological College, Bangalore on August 1, 2011.

Dr. Schwarz an eminent theologian with a proven track record of teaching and guiding students, several of them from Asian countries, enumerated the structure of scientific knowledge and Christian knowledge. He challenged those present to seek parallels from both. A few of his students, some of them alumni of the UTC, were also present along with the faculty and students of the UTC.

Centenary celebration of YMCA Training School, UTC

               H. E. Dr. Hans Raj Bharadwaj, Governor of Karnataka lighting the lamp
    Rev. Dr. John Samuel Raj (extreme left) and Mr. George Varghese (extreme right)

The Centenary celebration of the YMCA Training School in the United Theological College was held on July 22, 2011. The Honourable governor of Karnataka, H.E. Dr. Hans Raj Bharadwaj was the chief guest. The principal of the UTC, Rev. Dr. John Samuel Raj, Mr. John Varghese, the National General Secretary of the YMCA, Mr. K. John  Cherian, the president of the National Council of YMCA s in India, Mr. Rolland Williams, the chairperson of the Training and Leadership Committee and Mr. George Varghese, the director of the Training and Leadership Department of the YMCA in UTC spoke during the occasion.

The celebration started with a thanks giving service in the Tagore Hall of the UTC. The public programme which was inaugurated by the honourable governor was colourful and well attended. Students from the UTC and the trainees of the YMCA joined together in welcoming the guests with drum beating, and students from the North East India welcomed the governor in traditional costumes.

H.E. Dr. Hans Raj Bharadwaj talked of his association with the YMCA during his younger days and how he is still in touch with various YMCA s. He shared his appreciation with the work done by YMCA in India and how it provides a place for the youth of this country. He talked with passion on how different communities should learn from each other and be in the forefront of offering social service to the people of India.