The new academic year 2023-24 at Kristu Jyoti College was flagged off with an impressive inaugural ceremony on Wednesday, 7 June 2023. The Inaugural Mass in honour of the Holy Spirit began at 9 AM presided over by Rev. Fr. Jose Koyickal SDB, Provincial of the Sacred Heart Province of Bangalore. He reminded both the teaching faculty and the students about the need to be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit who is the source of light and the fountain of wisdom.

The academic session began at 10.30 AM. Sr. Dileena and co., created an ambience of devotion and led the gathering to a powerful presence of God almighty through their rhythmic prayer dance. It was followed by lighting of the lamp by respected dignitaries, Dr. Dominic Davidappa (Registrar: Bangalore North University), Rev. Fr. Jose Koyickal (Provincial, Sacred Heart Province of Bangalore), Rev. Fr. Shabu Joseph Thottumkal (Principal of KJC), Rev. Fr. Bosco Ponthokkan (Rector of KJC), Rev. Fr. Alex Kalathikattil (Rector of Visvadeep), Rev Fr. Anthony Mahimai Dass (Professor of KJC) and Sr. Sherona Varghese (student representative).

Rev. Fr. Shabu Joseph formally welcomed all the dignitaries present on the dais and presented the academic report of 2022-23. Rev. Fr. Jose Koyickal, in his presidential address, exhorted the students to go through the academic year with the intention of gaining a holistic formation which is capable of translating mere knowledge into a life enriching wisdom. Rev. Fr. Bosco Ponthokkan addressing the gathering said that, in a world where artificial intelligence is capable of providing all the information, simple accumulation of abstract data or dry information should not be the criteria for measuring one's excellence in learning. What is required today is a style of intellectual pursuit that results in the transformation of one's life. Rev. Fr. Alex Kalathikattil described the importance of being real professionals in the consecrated-religious life. He emphasized that theological and philosophical studies should enable every student to attain this goal.

Rev. Fr. Mahimai Dass introduced and invited the chief guest Dr. Dominic Davidappa for the keynote address. Dr. Dominic Davidappa referring to one of the most famous post-modern deconstruction philosopher Jacques Derrida, said that, we need to be persons who think differently in the current society which, while complex in nature, is looking for new solutions to a variety of age-old problems that are still affecting her. This would mean that students should, as part of their seminary study, learn to deconstruct many of their already accustomed patterns of seeing, reflecting, analysing, and problem solving, in order to be relevant in the present socio-political-cultural scenario.

The inaugural ceremony also witnessed the releasing of two new books published by KJC publications. The archdeacon Thomas William proposed a meaningful vote of thanks to every member of the academic assembly. Finally, the memorable event was concluded with a hymn to Don Bosco.

Report by
Sr. Bini Thomas SMMI, II BTh