Sevartham Journal Marks Golden Jubilee with National Seminar in Ranchi

Ranchi, Jharkhand: St. Albert’s College celebrated the 50th Golden Jubilee Edition of the Sevartham Journal with a National Seminar on the theme “Awakening the Indigenous Soul: Possibilities, Promises and Perils.” The event was jointly organised by St. Albert’s Institute of Philosophy and the Faculty of Theology, Ranchi, coordinated by Fr. Raju Felix Crasta and Fr. Suman Kumar Ekka.

The seminar drew the presence of several dignitaries, including Fr. Sudhir Minj SJ, Rector of St. Xavier’s College Ranchi, Dr. Eve Justina Romould, Fr. Ajay Kumar Xalxo, Rector of St. Albert’s College, Sr. M. Sobita Topno, Provincial Superior of SRA Ranchi Province, Fr. Francis Minj SJ, as well as guests, staff and students from Regional Theological College Boreya, Gossamer Theological College, North-West GEL Church and St. Albert’s College.

The programme opened with the lighting of the lamp by dignitaries, followed by a welcome address from Dr. Theodore Toppo. The seminar featured inaugural and valedictory sessions along with nine parallel sessions. Moderators included Dr. Sevaraj, Fr. Fabian Kullu, Fr. Reginald A. Furtado OFM Cap., Fr. Alok Toppo, Fr. Gulshan Minj and Fr. Solomon Tirkey. Dr. John Crasta presented the summary of the research papers.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Joseph Marianus Kujur SJ, Director of XISS Ranchi, set the tone for the day’s discussions. His paper, “Awakening the Indigenous Soul: From Perils to Possibilities,” focused on liberation, cultural memory and the need to reclaim indigenous identity in the face of growing neocolonial pressures.

Throughout the sessions, scholars examined significant issues shaping tribal societies. Fr. Maria Benzigar drew attention to the vulnerable situation of indigenous communities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, influenced by colonial legacies and modern developmental challenges. Dr. Eve Justina Romould OSU discussed emotional intelligence as a communal strength rooted in Jharkhand’s tribal traditions. Dr. John Berchmans Barla OFM Cap. spoke on decolonising theology, encouraging a reinterpretation of Scripture through indigenous experience.

Pramod Chand Lakra highlighted the urgency of decolonising education and reviving Adivasi learning systems. Advocate Sr. Lalita Roshni Lakra DSA addressed indigenous feminism, emphasising land rights and women’s leadership in community transformation. Dr. Ajungla Jamir reflected on Adivasi creation narratives as valuable resources for Christian ethical thinking. Dr. Christ Sumit Abhay Kerketta proposed a development model based on Menesa (Adisophia), centred on community, ecology and spirituality. Dr. Bisu Benjamin Aind and Mr. Gladson Dungdung outlined the importance of the CNT Act and PESA Act in protecting tribal land, identity and self-governance.

In his concluding remarks, Fr. Raju Felix Crasta, editor of Sevartham Journal, thanked all speakers, participants and collaborators. Fr. Raphael Vasunia served as the master of ceremonies.

The Golden Jubilee celebration not only honoured fifty years of academic contribution through Sevartham Journal but also reaffirmed St. Albert’s College’s commitment to promoting indigenous voices and fostering meaningful academic engagement.

By Fr. Praful Bara

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