Pilar Theological Institute Students Engage in Annual Paddy Cultivation

Jharkhand, July 6, 2025 : The All India Mission Seminary (AIMS) of the Society of Pilar, through the Pilar Theological Institute (PTI), continues to train future priests with a strong focus on contextual theology. As part of this approach, seminarians annually engage in cultivating paddy and vegetables at the start of the monsoon season.

This year, second-, third- and fourth-year students from the Society of Pilar and the dioceses of Dumka and Daltonganj in Jharkhand, Purnia and Patna in Bihar, and Krishnagar in West Bengal headed into the fields after theology classes. Most of them had prior experience cultivating paddy.

Prabhu Prakash, a second-year student from the Diocese of Patna, described planting paddy as “an act of solidarity with the ‘Annadata’ – the farmers who toil day in and day out to provide for our sustenance.” He reflected on “the inherent dignity and worth of farmers who are often marginalised in society.”

The students cultivated over two acres of paddy, applying theological principles like stewardship, justice and compassion in a practical setting. Aston Carvalho, a third-year student from the Society of Pilar, said, “This experience taught us invaluable lessons about the importance of teamwork, patience, and perseverance.” He added, “It brought about a sense of our stewardship towards nature and I hope that our collective efforts will yield a bountiful harvest.”

Markus Tudu, a second-year student from Dumka, shared, “We are intrinsically connected to mother earth - we are formed of the earth, live on the earth, and one day mingle with the earth. When we take care of the earth, the earth will take care of us.”

Sailesh Gavit, a fourth-year student from Nagar Haveli and member of the Society of Pilar, said, “We do the tilling of the land and farming but it is God who gives the growth and fruits.”

The Society of Pilar’s involvement in agriculture goes back decades. Fr. Remedios do Rosario Gomes transformed undeveloped land into fertile paddy fields in Pilar, Goa, and was honoured by the Portuguese government in 1954 with the “Golden ear of corn” award.

Fr. Inacio Almeida, from Macasana, Goa, studied agriculture in Japan and developed the Society’s fields. Known as “Dharti Mata” for his love for the earth, he taught farming techniques to local communities and was awarded the “Somaz Sevok Puroskar,” “Utkruxtt Xetkari,” and “Krishi Samraat” for his contributions. Fr. Almeida, a missionary farmer, proclaimed the Word of God through his agricultural work.

By Elvis Fernandes, SFX