By Verghese V Joseph –
Bengaluru: In a landmark development, a Christian Think Tank Meeting was organized under the aegis of the Karnataka Region Catholic Bishop’s Council, at Paalanaa Bahavana (the Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre) in Bengaluru on Friday.
Archbishop Most Rev. Bernard Moras, in his keynote address, shed light on concept of Think tank. He said, “This think tank has a prefix ‘Christian,’ which means that Christ is the basis of our thought pattern and action.” Archbishop, also elucidated that how earlier Christians were looked upon for everything concerning education, medical and service oriented actions. However, today Christians are looked down, giving them a tainted outlook of suspicion. It is against think backdrop, the need for a “Christian Think Tank” was conceived and to tackle present day challenges.
Dr Bernard Moras added, “We as Christians have a great role to play in building the nation. Just like Holy Father Francis who through his simplicity and greater leadership has led the world to greater heights, the think tank in Karnataka can prepare our people for a better world. We need thinkers who will place on one table various ideas and measures to build a better future.”
People from different walks of life such as religious, educational, political, healthcare, business, law and accountancy sectors were urged to think positively towards development and progress of the city,
Besides the Archbishop, nine other Bishops of Karnataka from Belagavi, Balaari, Belthangadi Chikkamagaluru, Kalburgi, Karawara, Mysore, Shivamogga and Udupi were present. The Secretaries of all the Diocesan Laity Commission, Fathers, Sisters and other dignitaries from various quarters made their presence felt at this meeting
Bishop Peter Machado also mentioned that this Meet of Christian Think Tank was the brain child of the Archbishop Most Rev. Bernard Moras.
While 121 invites were sent out, a strong response of 114 members, made it up for the Christian Think Tank Meeting. Besides many luminaries, Mrs. Margaret Alva, former Governor of Uttarakhand was also present.
Introducing the theme, Mrs. Clara Fernandez said that a meet of this was the first time ever a thought to convene the Christian minds of this nature and status was ever planned and executed, in Karnataka Church and for that matter first in any other region within India.
The Meet began with a Prayer dance and Prayer after which Most Rev. Peter Machado, the Bishop of Belgaum welcomed the gathering. During which Most Rev. Machado explained origin and meaning of the concept of Think Tank and urged for greater involvement of Christians in various aspects of nation building.
The gathering was led in an erudite way, by Rev. Fr. Jerome Stanislaus D’Souza SJ, the Provincial of Karnataka Jesuits and Mr. John Richard Lobo, current MLA of Mangalore South constituency in Karnataka.
While speaking on the topic,“Challenges faced by the Church in India with a special reference to Karnataka”, Fr. Jerome touched upon the need, scope and context of the Christian Think Tank and spoke on the problems facing the country and our response, during his talk.
Mr. J. R. Lobo wile talking on: “Our Response to the Present day Challenges, Our vision for the Future,” gave statistics of the Christian presence in India and around the world. He also urged the need for spreading and touching the political, social and education by Christian presence.
During the panel discussion moderated by Msgr. S. Jayanathan, quite a few suggestions, questions and inputs came up and were duly taken note of. Finally, Fr. Faustine Lobo, drew up the plan of action, during which the need for a core group, to implement this plan of action, was mentioned. The formation of this core group was left to Karnataka Region Catholic Bishops’ Council. Fr. Selva Kumar, the regional laity commission secretary, proposed the vote of thanks.