by Brothers Ambrose Monteiro and Ian Pinto
NASHIK, JUNE 14, 2018: The community of Divyadaan, alongside representatives of neighbouring communities, ushered in the new academic year 2018-19 on June 11, with a programme in line with the Gospel theme: "Sir, give me that water."
The celebrations began with the Holy Eucharist, which was presided over by Father Godfrey D'Souza, Provincial of the Salesian province of Mumbai. Father Philip Gonsalves OFM Cap, Provincial of the Bonaventure province of the Capuchins, Father Savio Silveira, Vice Provincial of Mumbai province, and Father Manuel Murzello, Economer of Mumbai province, were also present.
Following Holy Mass, a choral piece was sung by students from the first year. It was conducted by Father Kenneth Pereira. Father Robert Pen, Rector of Divydaan, then welcomed the gathering and felicitated the chief guests and guests of honour.
The Principal of Divyadaan, Father Banzelao Teixeira, presented the annual report of the last academic year. A college handbook and a calendar were then released by Father Gonsalves. He appreciated the formative work that was taking place in Divyadaan and wished the students a fruitful year ahead.
Father Brian Bandya OFM Cap, delivered the inaugural lecture on the topic 'Virtue of Care in an Anthropogenic Climate change'. He touched on the issue of climate change and the human contribution to it, while stressing on the need for an environmental virtue ethics that takes 'care' seriously.
Following his talk, there was an interactive discussion wherein doubts were clarified, questions raised and responses offered. Father Gonsalves, a professor at Divyadaan, had his book entitled 'Green Mind Over Grey Matter' released at the hands of Father Silveira.
Father Silviera, also the Director of Greenline, an environmental initiative by the Salesians, then addressed the gathering on the relevance of the publication given the present environmental scenario.
He stressed that environmental issues must not merely remain matters for discussion and reflection, but more so to drive individuals to act smartly and decisively.