REPORT OF GANDHI JAYANTI & EXTENSION LECTURE
The Carolian Theological Forum hosted a meaningful celebration of Gandhi Jayanti, On Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 10:00 AM in the St. Charles Centenary Auditorium. The event combined a solemn prayer service, a floral tribute, and an extension lecture to honour Gandhi’s legacy and explore its relevance for the Church in India today.
The program began with a prayer service led by the second-year Theology brothers, centered on themes of peace and unity worldwide, setting a reflective tone. Dignitaries then honored Mahatma Gandhi with a floral tribute. Fr. Aquin Noronha OP, the Rector, concluded this segment with a closing prayer, invoking blessings for the gathering.
The stage was then set for the extension lecture titled “Relevance of Gandhi for the Church in India Today.” Bro. Sudhir Jojo welcomed the audience and introduced the resource person, Rev. Fr. Thomas Chirappurath CMI. In his address, Fr. Thomas drew connections between Gandhi’s life and Christian spirituality, particularly linking Gandhi’s practice of ahimsa (non-violence) to the Christian concept of agape (unconditional love). Quoting from Gandhi’s autobiography, he highlighted Gandhi’s saying, “Religion without sacrifice is a social sin,” emphasizing its relevance to contemporary faith practices.
An interactive session followed, where the audience engaged with Fr. Thomas, raising thought-provoking questions and gaining deeper insights into Gandhi’s teachings. The lecture was complemented by a video presentation showcasing key moments from Gandhi’s life.
Fr. Aquin Noronha OP and Fr. Prasad George felicitated Rev. Fr. Thomas CMI with a shawl as a token of gratitude for his enriching presentation. Bro. Antony Aljin delivered the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to all participants. The event concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.
The program was meticulously organized by the second-year Theology brothers under the banner of the Carolian Theological Forum and was skillfully compered by Bro. Vishal Bhuriya.
