Faculty retreat

Rev. Dr. David Selvaraj

The faculty retreat of the United Theological College was held at the Glorious Promised Land retreat centre yesterday. Rev. Dr. David Selvaraj, the Executive Director of Visthar lead the retreat. His talk was divided into two sessions in which he reflected on contemporary social realities from the perspective of Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist monk, K.P. Sasi, a social activist and documentary maker and the unbearable condition of Tamils in Sri Lanka.

The sessions were intreractive with faculty members asked to give their opinions on the social setting in India. He stressed on a conversion from a anthropocentric view to a cosmic view where sustainable development should be the catch word. The thrust was to engage the faculty members in an enterprise of theological imagination and articulation on contemporary issues.

Statistics on displacement, land acquisition, slum evictions, water, food, health and access to credit were given. The problems facing the Tamils in Sri Lanka were given great importance. The unjust militarization and Sinhala colonization were brought up and the impact on communities there and the role of the church was discussed.

The intense sessions were followed by a time of relaxation and informal talks and discussions. The hospitality offered by the Glorious Promised Land retreat centre was well appreciated by everyone. The principal's tea and the opening worship will be held today evening (Sunday) at 4:30 P.M. and 6:30 P.M.