India's First Chair In Christianity At Mysore University Turns Silver
By SAR NEWS
MYSORE, Karnataka (SAR NEWS) -- Mysore University in Mysore district celebrated the silver jubilee of its Chair in Christianity, at the Humanities Block Auditorium, February 14.
Mysore University is the first secular institution in the country to establish a chair in Christianity. The Madras University and the Mangalore University followed suit.
Paying tributes to the first professor of the chair in Christianity, the late Dr. D.S. Amalorpavadass, also known as Swami Amalorananda, Salesian Father Paul Puthanangady, said, "The twenty-five years of service rendered by the chair in Christianity in this ancient university is not merely academic but also charismatic." He hailed Father Amalorpavadass as a prophet, disciple of Christ and a visionary. "As the professor of the chair in Christianity from 1979, Father Dass promoted dialogue between religions and cultures."
"As the most articulate promoter of the recommendations of the Vatican Council II, Father Dass integrated the religious dimensions of India," said Father Puthanangady, director of Vishva Deep, Bangalore.
Bishop Thomas Vazhapilly of Mysore in his speech paid glowing tributes to his predecessor, late Bishop Mathias Fernandez, who founded the chair in Christianity in the Mysore University. "I pay my sincere and humble tribute to this noble person, as the chair has today become a department of Christianity." "This institution should go forward for centuries to inculcate the values of the seeds of harmony and unity," the bishop said.
Swami Jnanjyothi of Anjali Ashram also spoke on the occasion. A memorial lecture on Inter-religious dialogue was delivered by Father Dr. A. Maria Selvam, Director of Biblical and Dravidian Cultural Research Centre, Union Territory of Pondicherry.
Sandesha Awards 2005 Winners Announced
By SAR NEWS
MANGALORE, Karnataka (SAR NEWS) - Sandesha, a centre for social communications run by the Karnataka Regional Catholic Bishops' Council, announced its state-level annual Sandesha Awards 2005, February 14.
Well-known writer and novelist and chairperson of the Sandesha Awards jury, Mr. Na D'Souza, announced the names of the awardees at a press conference held in the city.
The winners are: Kannada Literature - Ms. Sara Abubakkar, Mangalore; Konkani Literature - Mr. Michael Maxim D'Souza, Mangalore; Tulu Literature - Dr. Vamana Nandavar, Mangalore; Cinema/TV award - Mr. H.G. Dattatreya, Bangalore; Art award - Mr. Yadramanahalli Doddabharamappa, leather puppet show artiste of Bellary.
Sandesha Journalism Award was bagged by Dr. Vijaya of Bangalore; Media Education Award - Regional Resources Centre, Udupi; Best Teacher Award - Mr. Sumukhananda Jalavalli of Little Flower High School, Kinnigoly, Mangalore; Sandesha Special Recognition Awards - Ms. Subhadramma Mansoor of Bellary for her service to stage and folklore; Sri Ghanshyam T. Bandage of Bagalkot for his service to the physically handicapped; Samveda Research and Training Centre Davanagere for his service to learning-deficiency children.
The award carries a cash prize of Rs 10,000, a memento, citation and a certificate. The presentation function will be held at the Town Hall in Mangalore, February 24. Bishop Aloysius P. D'Souza of Mangalore will preside over the ceremony while eminent film director, Mr. Adoor Gopalakrishnan and former chief minister of Karnataka, Mr. M. Veerappa Moily have consented to be the chief guests and give away the awards.
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