Valedictory service held in UTC

The Valedictory service and handing over of diplomas to the graduating students was held in UTC yesterday at 5:00 P.M. on the UTC college lawn. The valedictory address was delivered by Rev. Dr. Monica Melanchthon, professor and head of the department of Old Testament, Gurukul Lutheran Theological College and Research Institute, Chennai. The awarding of the college diplomas and certificates was done by the president of the UTC society, the Rt. Rev. Dr. P. Surya Prakash. The principal of the UTC, Rev. Dr. John Samuel Raj introduced the graduating students and the registrar Rev. C. Lalmuankima co-ordinated the handling of the certificates. The Doctoral Dean and dean of Diploma in Women's Studies Rev. Dr. Evangeline Anderson Rajkumar, the Masters Dean Rev. Dr. K. Jesu Rathnam, the Graduate Dean Dr. Joseph George, the YMCA director Mr. George Varghese, and the co-ordinator of the UTC Counselling and Training Centre, Dr. Nalini Arles were present for the presentation of certificates.

The graduation in the UTC is done in the form of a valedictory service and the guest speaker will deliver the valedictory address just before the students are introduced and granted their certificates. The students who have completed their college requirements are given the college certificates. This includes DTh, MTh, BD, YMCA, Diploma in Counselling and Diploma in Women's studies students.

The grand service starts with a procession with the president of the UTC council, the principal of the college, council members and faculty members leading the students to their seats. At the end of the service, the students proceed to form a circle in the lawn and are then greeted and congratulated by the faculty, guests and all those who have gathered. Guests of the college and family and friends of the students come to be part of the service. The gowns used for the service are indigenously modelled gowns which were first used in 2004.

The list of graduating students for the year 2011-2012 are
Doctoral certificate 
1. Atula Ao
2. Shiju Mathew
3. T.B. Premjith Kumar

Post- Graduate Certificate
1. K. Sagar Sundarraju
2. S. John
3. Toshilemba Imchen
4. Y. Khoben Tungoe
5. Mercy Bennett
6. Sam Lal
7. Sindhu Joseph
8. Suraj Singh
9. Sushana Pramanik
10. A. Pravin Kumar
11. Arpan Vinubhai Christian
12. K. Nifato Chishi
13. Malaviya Sanjay Vinodkumar
14. Zulunungsang
15. Andrews E. Moses
16. Imochujang
17. Michael Rualzakhuma
18. Moarenla
19. Livingstone Arputharaj
20. Paul Yesudasan
21. Rajendra M.
22. V.S. Rinshim
23. Holika Sumi
24. K.V. Lazarus Epaphras
25. Jacob Joseph
26. Lunkim Zangtinlen Khongsai
27. Rokhum Lalremruati Rk Lalhmuaka
28. Tinneichong Haokip

Diploma in Theology
1. Chukka Das
2. Madhu Geddam
3. Gift E.
4. Prabha Gracy
5. A. Hmingthanzuala
6. Sijo John
7. J. Iniyan Joshva
8. Joby Joy
9. S. Susheel Kumar
10. Lordwin Lowrence
11. R. Moses
12. Hminga Pachuau
13. Zohmangaihi Pachuau
14. Richardson R.L.
15. S. Ngatar Ruivanao
16. Prem Samuel
17. Prasanth Selvamony
18. Shibu P.L.
19. Rejeev Titus
20. Asish Idiculla Varghese
21. Prathap Vasamalla
22. Prakasa G.
23. RNG William Anal
24. T. Vanlaldinpuia

YMCA
1. Godwin Fernandes
2. Jose Stanly
3. Robert Ranje
4. Samson Mathew

Diploma for Profeciency in Counselling
1. Asha Manikkam
2. Bhagora Parulben Eliyahbhai
3. Joyita Choudhuri
4. Jessie V. Hebbal
5. Sudha Rani Gadi
6. Sony Oommen Thomas

Diploma in Women's Studies
1. Sheeja Rani P.S.
2. A. Praveena Kumari
3. Ruth Evangeline G.
4. Jensirani N.
5. S. Angela Veronica

Valedictory dinner in UTC

The Valedictory dinner was held yesterday at 6:30 P.M. The programme included farewell speeches to the outgoing students, thank you speeches by the outgoing students, handing over of various prizes and various cultural activities. The president of the UTC council Rt. Rev. Dr. Surya Prakash and his wife, the principal Rev. Dr. John Samuel Raj and the council secretary Rev. Jeyakumar were seated on the stage. UTC follows a tradition of having the valedictory dinner on a Saturday followed by the valedictory service and giving of diplomas on the Sunday which follows. Families of students, college guests, well wishers, faculty, staff, students and the entire UTC family gathers together for this academic-year ending exercise which ends with dinner.

Rev. Dr. Monica Melanchton will be delivering the graduation address today evening which will be followed by the handing over of the college diplomas to the graduating students of the BD, MTh and DTh programmes. The academic year in UTC officially ends with today's programme.

Release of the United Theological College (UTC) Commemorative Postage stamp

July 8, 2011

A function was held at the United Theological College, Bangalore to release a postage stamp as part of the centenary celebrations of the UTC. The college, started in 1910 is a Christian institution and has a rich history of fostering theological education for students of different churches all over India. The college as part of its motto “Not to be served but to serve” has been an integral part of helping society to develop a deeper understanding of learning to live together amidst the rich diversity that Karnataka and India offers. Students here come from different states of South India, North India and North East India. The college has always strived for communicating peace and religious harmony drawing insights from Christianity and other religions.

Rt. Rev. Dr. P. Surya Prakash, the president of the UTC society welcomed the dignitaries and the Chief Post Master General of Karnataka India Postal Service, Ms. Yesodhara Menon gave an introduction to the release of the stamp and then officially released it by giving a copy to the college council president. Honourable MLA Shri Roshan Baig unveiled a blow up of the stamp in the presence of Mr. Gunasekharan, the Jayamahal ward councillor, and executive members of the UTC. The principal of the college Rev. Dr. John Samuel Raj introduced the college to those gathered and the UTC choir rendered a song followed by the vote of thanks by Dr. Nalini Arles. The meeting was brought to a close with the singing of the national anthem. Prof. Dr. Sarasu Thomas and Mr. R.D. John represented the executive of the college council.

Rt. Rev. Dr. P. Surya Prakash remembered the services offered by the MLA and others to the college and the CPMG Ms. Yesodhara Menon talked of her memories of UTC and the specific role it had played in society. The principal of UTC talked about the right approach of being a Christian. He said that UTC has a commitment to justice and nation building. Its library and archives have been a meeting place for religious and secular scholars. Dr. Nalini Arles during her vote of thanks stressed that the college should also remember the sacrifices and the committed work of those who have passed by.

Many officials and staff members of the India Postal service, Bangalore were present and a stall was put together for the exhibition and sale of stamps. Well wishers of UTC came in large numbers to witness and be part of this historic occasion.