INAUGURATION OF NEW PHILOSOPHY ACADEMIC YEAR 2026-27

Inauguration of new philosophy Academic year 2026-27

• Posted on 16-Jun-2026
• Uploaded by | NITIKA DON BOSCO

Sonada, 16 June 2026 -The Academic Year 2026–2027 of the Bachelor of Philosophy (B.Ph.) programme at Salesian College, Sonada, was formally inaugurated on 15 June 2026 in the presence of Rt. Rev. Edward Baretto, D.D., Co-adjutor Bishop of the Darjeeling–Sikkim Diocese. 

The day's programme began at 10:00 a.m. with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Bishop Edward Baretto. The Eucharistic celebration marked a meaningful beginning to the academic year, invoking God's blessings upon the students, faculty, and the entire philosophy community. The Mass concluded at 11:00 a.m, followed by a tea break.

The inaugural function commenced at 11:30 a.m.  Br. Mebandajied Thangkhiew, the Master of Ceremonies, welcomed the gathering and introduced the programme. A hymn to the Holy Spirit, sung by the student brothers set a prayerful tone for the occasion. This was followed by the felicitation of the dignitaries and the ceremonial lighting of the lamp.

Delivering the welcome address, Fr. Johny Nedungatt SDB, the Rector,  expressed his gratitude to Bishop  Baretto for accepting the invitation and highlighted the importance of intellectual formation and philosophical inquiry in today's world. Fr. Dr. C. J. Mathew then presented the annual report of the Department of Philosophy, outlining the department's activities and achievements during the previous academic year.

A choir performance by the student brothers added colour to the programme before the keynote lecture delivered by Br. Abhishek Rai, SDB, on ‘Paulo Freire's Philosophy of Education’. The presentation introduced Freire's life and educational vision, emphasizing the development of freedom, creativity, responsibility, critical awareness, and conscious participation. The lecture also examined Freire's critique of the "Banking Model of Education" and his advocacy of a problem-posing approach that encourages dialogue and critical thinking. Some of the strengths and limitations of his educational philosophy were also discussed.

In his presidential address, Bishop  Baretto underlined the importance of philosophy as the foundation of theological studies and priestly formation. He stressed the need for logical thinking and critical analysis in distinguishing truth from error and encouraged students to pursue holistic formation encompassing the human, spiritual, and intellectual dimensions of life.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Br. Asit Minz, a fourth-year student, who expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of the event. The gathering then proceeded for a fellowship lunch, bringing the inaugural celebration to a joyful close.

The inauguration marked a promising beginning to the new academic year, inspiring students to pursue wisdom, truth, and academic excellence with renewed dedication.

 

Br. Lamkupar Nonglang SDB