Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram Inaugurates Diploma in Pastoral Management and Leadership Programme

Bangalore, 14 May 2025 - Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram, Bangalore, marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of its Diploma in Pastoral Management and Leadership programme. The ten-day course, designed to equip priests and religious with essential management and leadership skills, saw the participation of approximately 30 priests and religious from across the country.

The inauguration ceremony commenced with a prayer and the symbolic lighting of the lamp by esteemed dignitaries. Auxiliary Bishop Arokia Satish Kumar of Bangalore, Fr. Davis Vithayathil, Fr. Thomas Thekkel, Director of MBA Faculty of Christ University, Prof. Sathyaseelan, Dean of MBA Faculty of Christ University, and Fr. Jeff were among the notable guests in attendance.

Bishop Arokia Raj's Inaugural Address

Bishop Arokia Raj delivered a compelling inaugural address, sharing a parable about a man who transformed rejection into success through determination and hard work. Emphasising the mission-oriented nature of the pastoral course, Bishop Raj highlighted key aspects of pastoral leadership. These included adopting the shepherd leader model, practicing transparency in administration, considering the human aspect of working together, integrating prayer and discernment in decision-making, and ensuring proper communication within the organisation.

Keynote Addresses

Fr. Varghese Vithayathil, the Rector of DVK, underscored the importance of understanding people, discerning their needs, and responding to them effectively. He identified three critical requirements for pastors in today's world: possessing deep knowledge of people and their needs, being aware of the digital and AI landscape, and standing firm for truth, justice, and resisting divisive ideologies.

Fr. Thomas Thekkel provided insights into the church's hierarchical structure and the principle of subsidiarity, emphasising the significance of self-management in leadership. Prof. Sathyaseelan highlighted the influential role of priests and religious, stressing the need for a sense of purpose, resilience, empathy, and effective self-management.

Program Dynamics

Fr. Joby Kunnath introduced the program's dynamics, outlining the comprehensive curriculum that covers a range of topics. These include Christian leadership styles, teamwork, organisational development and management, strategic planning, financial management, emotional intelligence and conflict resolution, and adaptive leadership. The program is designed to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to lead and manage effectively in their pastoral roles.

Through this initiative, Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram aims to enhance the leadership capabilities of priests and religious, enabling them to serve their communities more effectively. The Diploma in Pastoral Management and Leadership programme is a testament to the institution's commitment to nurturing spiritual and organisational leadership.

By Fr. Suresh Mathew