DIVYADAAN, DECEMBER 13, 2010: The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed the period from August 12, 2010 to 11 August 2011 as the International year of the Youth. In this year of the Youth, the second year B.Ph students organized a symposium entitled Youth and the Culture of Death … Towards A Christian Response on December 11, 2010 in Divyadaan Nashik.
The symposium began with a prayer service followed by lighting of the lamp. After this, Rev. Fr. Savio D’Souza, the Rector of Divyadaan warmly welcomed the gathering and reminded everyone that we are surrounded by the gift of life given by God - Divyadaan. He further congratulated the second year B.Ph brothers for all the efforts they had put in. The words of welcome were followed by a video presentation which highlighted that the Culture of Death which is prevalent in our society. After this the moderator, Cl. Rohan Pinto, introduced the speakers of the day.
The first speaker Cl. Rudolf D’Souza explained the meaning of the term, Culture of Death as penned down by our late Pope John Paul II. The second speaker Cl. Denver D’Silva spoke on the subject: the manifestation of the Culture of Death among today’s youth. In his presentation he stated the causes and consequences of the Culture of Death and he finally exhorted that we need to do something before we arrive at doom’s day. The third speaker Cl. Clement Mathera enlightened the gathering on the topic ‘An attempt towards a Christian response to the culture of death among youth. In his talk, he plunged deep into the message given by His holiness Pope Benedict XVI “Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in faith” (Col 2:7), on the Twenty-Sixth World Youth Day to be held in Madrid, Spain in August 2011.
The presentations were followed by a panel discussion and thereafter a vote of thanks was presented by Cl. Avison Fernandes. He specially thanked Rev. Fr. Felix Fernandes who guided and supported the brothers in their endeavor. The day ended with a video presentation of the song – we need to get the basics of life.
For the second students of philosophy this symposium was not just another intellectual exercise but a help in group gelling and bonding. Kudos! Dear second year B.Ph brothers you did a wonderful job.