Vidya Jyoti Theologate in Delhi to Host National Seminar on Peace and Sustainable Creation

New Delhi, October 30, 2026: Vidya Jyoti Institute of Religious Studies, Delhi, will organise a two-day National Seminar on October 30 and 31, bringing together theologians, academics, journalists, social activists and students to explore the Franciscan approach to peace, ecological responsibility and human development.

The seminar, titled “Sowing Peace and Sustaining Creation: The Franciscan Path to a Better Humanity,” will examine the connections between ecological sustainability, interreligious engagement, social justice, non-violence and the challenges facing humanity.

The inaugural session on October 30 will be attended by Antonio Enrico Bartoli, Ambassador of Italy to India, as the chief guest, while Archbishop Anil Joseph Thomas Couto of Delhi will be the guest of honour. Dr Rajkumar Joseph SJ, Principal of Vidya Jyoti, will deliver the welcome address. Dr Edwin Rodrigues SJ, coordinator of the national seminar, will present its proceedings.

Political scientist and China scholar Dr Manoranjan Mohanty will deliver the keynote address.

The academic sessions will begin with a paper by Fr Suresh Mathew OFM Cap, Editor of The Magnet magazine and National President of the Indian Catholic Press Association, on “Eco-Peace Praxis: A Franciscan Theological Foundation.”

Other presentations on the first day will include Dr Johnson S.'s paper on rebuilding the Church from the margins through an inclusive vision of humanity, and Fr Ignatius Tete SJ's presentation on biblical and indigenous wisdom in dialogue with creation and covenant.

A panel discussion on “Interreligious and Eco-Peace: Academicians and Activists” will bring together journalist and author Hartosh Singh Bal, Dr Meenakshi Khanna, an academic specialising in Sufism and education, and Dr Anil D’Almeida SJ, a scholar of Indic religions. Sr Vineeta CSJ will moderate the discussion.

The second day, October 31, will feature presentations on the psychological and anthropological roots of the contemporary crisis and its remedies by Dr Dolichan Kollareth SJ; gender, ecology and peace through a contextual feminist critique by Dr Punam Rai SJC; and the Gandhian legacy of non-violence as a spiritual and political force by Dr Sanjeev Kumar.

The programme will also include a documentary screening and interaction with filmmaker Imaad ul Hasan on Karwane-Mohabbat, which explores how Hindus and Muslims saved lives during the Delhi violence.

A student panel discussion will provide a platform for participants from ecclesiastical and secular institutions to share their perspectives on the role of media and technology, the contribution of Christian theology and the importance of constitutional values.

The seminar will conclude with a valedictory session featuring a synthesis by Dr Philip Matthathil and a vote of thanks by Sch. Suman D’Souza SJ.

The sessions will be held at Fr Stan Swamy Hall, Vidya Jyoti College, Raj Niwas Marg, Delhi, from 9 am to 4.45 pm on both days. The proceedings will also be livestreamed on the institute's YouTube channel, @VidyajyotiIRS.

By Catholic Connect Reporter