AICUF - Events / News

The Chair in Christianity and the AICUF unit of School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya jointly organized a lecture on 'Spiritual Insights from Indian Religions' on 21st October 2022. The lecture was addressed by Rev. Dr. Henry D' Almeida SJ, professor of philosophy, Jana Deep, Pune, a polyglot well versed in several languages.

The host of the event was Ms. Vineetha Pereira, Asst. Prof. from the department of English. She welcomed the guests and the gathering after which Ms. Vandana D'Souza, AICUF animator, gave a detailed introduction of the guest Rev. Dr. Henry D' Almeida SJ.

Rev. Dr. Henry D’ Almeida SJ addressed the gathering and listed various reasons why one should be bothered about other religions. One of the reasons is existential; we are bound to meet each other. He said that the word 'Religion' is taken from the root word 'Religare' which means to bind together. He further added that India is a museum of religions. He then discussed the three birth religions of India. He said that ‘Hinduism’ is a big ocean and then mentioned the sources of Hindu spirituality. He said that spirituality is based on ‘Yoga’ which has different forms through which one can walk on the path of spirituality and nonviolence in words, thoughts and deeds. He explained the different types of yoga which lead to the path of devotion. Rev. Dr. Henry D' Almeida SJ also discussed ‘Buddhism’ and ‘Jainism’. He finally quoted from the Rigveda "Let noble thoughts come to us from all directions."

Dr. Henry D' Almeida SJ then opened the floor for discussion and clarified the queries put forth by the audience. Dr. Juliet C.J. Principal, School of Social Work Roshni Nilaya, addressed the gathering and offered a flower to Rev. Dr. Henry D’ Almeida SJ as a token of gratitude. The vote of thanks was proposed by the host Ms. Vineetha Pereira (Asst. Prof. Dept. of English). A photo session marked the closure of the event by capturing the participants with the dignitaries.