- 22 October, 2026
PUNE, October 22, 2026: The Association of Christian Philosophers of India (ACPI) marked its Golden Jubilee with the release of a revised three-volume Encyclopedia of Philosophy, featuring 835 entries by 324 scholars, and the inauguration of a national research seminar examining the progress and prospects of Indian Christian philosophy.
The encyclopedia was released on October 21 at the Pontifical Athenaeum Jnana Deepa, Pune. The four-day Golden Jubilee Annual Research Seminar began the following day, bringing together more than 120 philosophy scholars and students under the theme, “Indian Christian Philosophising: Progress, Prospects and Challenges.”
The celebrations also coincide with the centenary of Jnana Deepa’s elevation to the status of a Pontifical Athenaeum in 1926.
Published by Asian Trading Corporation (ATC), Bengaluru, the encyclopedia comprises 2,532 pages of main content and 93 pages of preliminary material. A 17-member editorial board coordinated the work, which draws on years of collaborative research and contributions from scholars representing diverse philosophical, religious, linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
Fr Dr Johnson Puthenpurackal OFM Cap, from the Andhra Capuchin Province, served as Editor-in-Chief. Fr Dr John Peter Vallabadoss OFM Cap, from the Tamil Nadu North Province, and Fr Dr George Panthenmackel MSFS served as associate editors.
The encyclopedia examines classical Indian and Western philosophical traditions alongside contemporary questions concerning social justice, cultural diversity, artificial intelligence, scientific developments and religious thought. It also engages with postmodern, postcolonial and critical perspectives, bringing established philosophical traditions into dialogue with emerging intellectual and ethical challenges.
Described by its editors as an “Encyclopedia with a Difference,” the publication builds on ACPI’s two-volume Encyclopedia of Philosophy, published in 2010. The association has also published 33 books on philosophical themes during its five decades of scholarly engagement.
More than 300 people, including Church leaders, academics, philosophers, publishers, educationists, parents and students, attended the release ceremony.
Among the dignitaries present were Archbishop Vincent Aind of Ranchi, Bishop Mathew Nellikunnel CST of Gorakhpur, Dr Roland Coelho SJ, rector of Papal Seminary, psychiatrist Dr Mohan Agashe, and Nigel Fernandes of ATC Publishers.
Prof. Dr Dolichan Kollareth SJ, president of Jnana Deepa, welcomed the gathering and highlighted the institution’s academic legacy. Fr Dr John Peter Vallabadoss traced ACPI’s history and achievements, while Prof. Dr Nishant A. Irudayadason, ACPI president and dean of the Faculty of Philosophy, honoured the dignitaries. A cultural programme featuring students from local educational institutions and members of the North Eastern Association followed the ceremony.
Research seminar explores prospects of Indian Christian philosophy
The Golden Jubilee Annual Research Seminar opened on October 22, with 28 scholarly paper presentations scheduled over four days. The seminar aims to foster critical dialogue on the development of Indian Christian philosophical thought and the challenges it faces in contemporary society.
Bishop Simon Almeida of Poona was the chief guest at the inaugural session, while Fr Jerome Cutinha SJ, rector of De Nobili College, Pune, was the guest of honour. Advocate Irfan Engineer, human rights activist and director of the Centre for Study of Society and Secularism, Mumbai, delivered the keynote address, reflecting on philosophical inquiry and its relevance to contemporary society.
Dr Francis D’Souza SJ, registrar and treasurer of Jnana Deepa, delivered the welcome address. Prof. Dr Nishant A. Irudayadason introduced and honoured the guests, while Dr Jeff Shawn Jose CMI, ACPI secretary, presented a report on the previous annual research seminar. Dr Clement J. Santhanam, seminar coordinator, proposed the vote of thanks.
The inaugural session also featured the release of two books by ACPI scholars. Exuberance – Exhaustion: Philosophical Pathways beyond Burnout, edited by Dr Keith D’Souza SJ, brings together papers from the previous year’s seminar. Sound of Spiritual Silence: Towards Becoming Christian, authored by Fr Dr Johnson Puthenpurackal OFM Cap, was also released.
The encyclopedia and research seminar form the centrepiece of ACPI’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, highlighting the association’s contribution to philosophical scholarship and its continuing engagement with questions at the intersection of faith, reason and contemporary society.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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