Role of civil society in reshaping democratic India

Justice N. Santosh Hegde, the former chairperson of the Lokayukta in Karnataka, delivered a talk on the ‘Role of  civil society in reshaping democratic India’ in the UTC during the pre council of its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on August 10, 2011. He brought forward years of experience of meeting ordinary people in India and how they felt the system was not helping them.

The former judge took the listeners back to the independence period when parliamentarians were dignified people from different backgrounds, who had the welfare of the people in their minds. Thus was formed the constitution of the Indian republic where the stress was on the rights of the common person in India.

This has changed drastically now. Parliamentarians are more bothered about themselves and open their mouth in the parliament mainly to yawn! Important issues are not debated enough in parliament and bills are passed through without anyone even asking what it is about. He referred to Dec 23, 2008 when 17 bills were passed in 13 minutes in parliament. The politicians are supposed to be public servants and therefore supposed to serve the people of this country. Now it is vice versa and money meant for the poor is siphoned off by the leaders.

Public money is wasted on self portraits and self benefit while there is no money for the poor. Justice Hegde said that this it is time for this culture to change in India. Leaders have to be accountable to the public and they should do what they are paid to do. While poor women walk kilometers for a pot of water, politicians like Madhu Khoda made 4,000 crores of rupees in just two years. While we have several dollar billionaires, the the benefit of democracy does not reach the ordinary person in India. This is what has to change and it is possible if people in India get together.

Workshop on acting skills

                         ( Preetam Koipillai, Photo courtesy: The Hindu, Sat, Nov 15, 2008)

The Communications department of the United Theological College will be conducting a workshop on acting skills on October 7 (4:00 P.M- 7:00 P.M.) and October 8 (9:00 A.M. – 12 P.M.), 2011 in the college campus. The workshop will be led by noted and creative musician and theatre personality, Mr. Preetam Koilpillai. The aim of the workshop is to teach students the art of acting and how learning theatre can help in instilling confidence and better communication skills. The workshop is open to all interested community members.

Mr Preetam Koilpillai is known to many Bangloreans as an excellent pianist and contemporary drama personality. His strengths include allowing actors to express themselves in the language comfortable to them and exploring the art of communicating non-verbally. Drama for Preetam is a collaborative and political process as well. He initiated the Black Coffee Productions and is involved with various drama projects in the city. His latest interest also includes short films and his fourteen minute film “Passport Photos” has been screened in as many as seven international film festivals.

Quiet day, UTC

August 2 and 3, 2011

The quiet day in the UTC was led by the principal of the Tamilnadu Theological Seminary, Dr. M. Gnanavaram. He spoke on various Pauline themes. He challenged the students to think about the themes, life in spirit, life of unity, life of service, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.

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.

Professorial lecture of Rev. Dr. David Joy

                                                           Dr. David Joy

The professorial lecture of Rev. Dr. David Joy, Department of New Testament, UTC, was held on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 5:00 P.M. in the Tagore hall of the United Theological College, Bangalore. Dr. Evangeline Anderson Rajkumar, the dean of Doctoral Studies, UTC, chaired the session and Dr. Jesuratnam, dean of Masters Studies, UTC, introduced Dr. David Joy and read out his publications and accomplishments over a period of twenty years. Dr. Jones Muthunayagom said the opening prayer and Dr. Nalini Arles welcomed Dr. Joy with flowers.

                                                       Dr. Evangeline Anderson Rajkumar

                                                            Dr. Jesuratnam

                                                    Dr. Jones Muthunayagom

Dr. David Joy presented a paper on “Remapping the Milieu of the New Testament through Intertextual Reading.” The paper evoked interest because it took listeners into the world of intertextual reading. Dr. Joy is in the process of widening the scope of his thoughts on intertextual reading for further publication.

                                                 Dr. David Joy and Dr. Nalini Arles

Both students and faculty from the UTC along with guests were present for the lecture. Dr. David Joy’s wife Mrs. Sherin Joy, a teacher herself and their sons, Ashwin and Anbin were also present. Dr. David Joy thanked his family, mentors, colleagues, friends, church members and everyone he has been associated with during his career thus far. Dr. Muthuraj closed the session with prayer.  

                                                         Dr. Muthuraj