The new academic year 2024-2025 was inaugurated in a solemn manner in Nashik on June 04, 2024 at Divyadaan Salesian Institute of Philosophy, Nashik.
The inaugural Mass was celebrated by Bishop Barthol Barretto with Fr Savio Silveira, the Provincial of the Salesian Province as one of the concelebrants. Apart from the students of the Institute, the religious of the neighbouring communities came together as one family to join in the Eucharist. Bp Barthol said Jesus dreamed of a world built on love, peace and joy. We must translate our dreams into actions and inspire those around us.
Fr Robert Pen, the Rector, thanked the dignitaries for gracing the occasion. Fr Jacob Palaparambil, the Registrar of the Institute, presented the Annual Report of the past year.
A major event of the day was the release of Fr Jacob Palaparambil’s book titled ‘Person in Sankara Vedanta’. The book was released by the Provincial, Fr Savio Silveira. Fr Jacob spoke on the book and brought out the similarities between the Sankara and our own beliefs. He compared Adi Shankaracharya to Thomas Aquinas, who many reject as a philosopher, and appreciate only as a theologian. He added that this prompted him to search more deeply into the philosophy and impact of the teachings of this sage, and the role he played in the revival of Hinduism. He appreciated the works of Richard de Smet that played a pivotal role in helping him to delve deeper into the works of Sankara.
It was a memorable day filled with joy and grace.