SANGAM
Sangam, the annual student reseach journal of DIRS, is a tradition that has been passed down for quite a few years. The theme of this year being 'Metamorphosis', the journal features various articles looking at the phenomenon of metamorphosis through different pespectives such as religious, literary, social, scientific, philosophical, psychological etc.
This year, the journal also features a brief insight into the history of DIRS from its inaugration in 1987 to present, in a humble attempt to acknowledge the efforts of all the people involved with the organization through the ages.
A glimpse into the sessions conducted on Day 2 - 12th March 2025 by esteemed speakers on various interesting topics:
Ms. Urmi Chanda
Dr. Pravina Rodrigues
Ms. Yesha Kotak
Dr. (Fr.) Keith D'Souza, S. J.
THE GANDHI LECTURE
Gandhi in Bombay: Towards Swaraj
In conversation with the authors Dr. Usha Thakkar and Smt. Sandhya Mehta
This book is a tribute to the symbiotic relation between Gandhi and Bombay, a relation that spanned and strengthened over decades. Join us for an intriguing session on how it was in this city that the historic mantra 'Do or Die' was given by Gandhiji and how his determination with the vibrancy of the city resulted in the powerful synergy that made history. This event aims to shed light on Gandhiji's important movements that were entwined with the life of Bombay and its people.
GIFT CULTURE WEEK
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORLD'S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
METAMORPHOSIS
Metamorphosis, a process of transformation, symbolizes the journey of change, evolution, and growth, both individually and collectively, as a society or a group. This theme delves into personal development, highlighting aspects like self-improvement, introspection, and reconciliation, to foster a positive relationship with oneself.
It also symbolizes societal evolution, which is driven by shifts in culture, technological advancements and progressive ideologies, and emphasizes the importance of addressing historical injustices to promote social harmony.
Exploring these narratives of individuals and societies undergoing significant transformations leads us to gain insights into the catalysts for change, and the impact of change on personal lives and communities.
Thus, the theme of metamorphosis inspires us to embrace change and contribute positively to the world around us.
Ambedkar Lecture, 2024
AMBEDKAR LECTURE, 2024
On 13th April, 2024, the Department of Inter-Religious Studies (DIRS) at St. Xavier's College Mumbai (Empowered Autonomous Institute) held the annual Ambedkar Lecture, led by guest speaker Dr. Mridul Nile and moderator Prof. Arun Singh.
In this year's thought-provoking lecture, titled, "A Need for Disruption in Social Science Research - An Ambedkarite Paradigm," we delved into Dr. Ambedkar's revolutionary approach to social science research. The lecture culminated into an environment of open discussion and inquiry, facilitating an enriching dialogue.
THE INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON REJUVENATION 2024
On 21st February 2024, the Department of Inter-Religious Studies (DIRS) at St. Xavier's College Mumbai (Empowered Autonomous Institute) held the annual International Symposium, on the overarching theme of 'Rejuvenation'. The inaugural keynote address was delivered by Fr. Bryan Lobo, a Professor at Gregorian University, Rome.
Thereafter, a panel discussion consisting of 4 speakers was held under the topic "Challenges". The panel was moderated by Prof. Lydia Fernandes, a Professor from the BSC IT department at St. Xavier's College, Mumbai. The panel featured tabla exponent Pt Balakrishna Iyer, IIT Bombay Professor Varsha Apte, HR Head of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group Mr. Shankar Krishnan and gynaeocologist Dr. Varsha Degwekar.
DIRS Sangam 2023-24.pdfSANGAM 2023-24
Sangam, the annual publication of DIRS, is a compilation of student articles on the overarching theme of the year. For the AY 2023-24, the theme of Sangam was, "A Critical Review of Rejuvenation". The premise behind the Journal was that the proposed benefits of rejuvenation are only realizable when rejuvenation becomes decentralized and actionable. It must evolve from a recoiling of hypotheticals and become practically applicable in daily life. The deliberation on the theme aimed to integrate rejuvenation in an acceptable form in everyone's daily lives, and add clarity and pragmatism to the academic substance of rejuvenation.
THE GANDHI LECTURE 2024
"Mahatma Gandhi and Human Emancipation"
On 3rd February 2024, the Department of Inter-Religious Studies (DIRS) at St. Xavier's College Mumbai (Empowered Autonomous Institute) held the annual Gandhi Lecture, on the topic, "Mahatma Gandhi and Human Emancipation". The talk was delivered by Prof. Aravind Ganachari, former Professor and Head of Department of History at the University of Mumbai, and moderated by Dr. (Fr.) Arun de Souza, S. J., the Director of Heras Institute at St. Xavier's College, Mumbai.
VID-20230916-WA0075.mp4VID-20230916-WA0069.mp4'RESPECTING THE OTHER'
A collaboration between the West Zone Xavier Board of Higher Education of India, the West Zone Jesuit Higher Education Association of South Asia and the Department of Interreligious Studies of St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Mumbai, organized a two-day constructive session titled, “Respecting The Other: Towards Inter-Religious Harmony” for colleges in Nagpur, Pune and Ahmedabad, on 14th and 15th September.
Day 1 of the proceedings saw students visit four different religious places of worship where they spent time learning about the tales of each sanctum. The places of worship included: Shree Vitthal Rukmini Mandir, Dadar Gurudwara, Mahim Dargah and finally St. Peter's Church.
Day 2 began with a rousing group-work session led by Ms. Sabah Khan, followed by Dr. Fr Keith D’Souza who broke down important inter-religious concepts and asked students to craft a religion of their own as an activity. Later, Sufi vocalist Radhika Sood Nayak added to the students’ perspectives through the language of art, poetry and musical notes. In line with this, the Day concluded with a mesmerizing dance performance by Dr. Radha Kumar in lieu of celebrating unity in diversity.
FR CLOONEY'S LECTURE 2023
"India as Vishwaguru: Wisdom for the Larger World"
Prof. Francis Clooney set the tone for the lecture by discussing the concept of wisdom, sharing personal insights and his book. He emphasized the value of gaining knowledge from ancient Hindu texts and explored the wisdom of smaller religious groups and their traditions.
STAN SWAMY MEMORIAL LECTURE 2023
"Indigeneous Peoples of India: Challenges and the Way Forward"
The Stan Swamy Memorial lecture commemorated the International Day of Worlds’ Indigenous people on 9th August 2023. The lecture was moderated by Prof. Radhika Rani. Dr. The speaker, Dr. (Fr.) Joseph Marianus Kujur, addressed the concepts, constitutional provisions, policies, challenges, and the way forward for these communities. He also emphasized the promotion of their rights, culture, and identity. Dr. (Fr.) Kujur highlighted challenges faced by indigenous tribes such as policy issues, limited healthcare access, displacement, migration, and human trafficking and underlined the danger of mainstreaming tribal societies, which can lead to homogeneity and the disappearance of distinct tribal communities.
THE AMBEDKAR LECTURE 2023
"Becoming Babasaheb: Learning From Dr. Ambedkar’s Formative Years"
This lecture was conducted by Prof. Aakash Singh Rathore a Philosopher with specialization in European and Continental thought, comparative politics, Buddhism and Ambedkar studies.
The Lecture was moderated by Prof. Kanchana Mahadevan ( Head of the Department of Philosophy, University of Mumbai).
DIRS INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2023
ON THE 21ST AND 22ND OF FEBRUARY, THE DIRS ORGANISED AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE THEME OF BEING INTER-CONNECTED.
CLICK HERE TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE IMAGES FROM THE CONFERENCE.
We live in a time of conflict, in a world that insists on moving fast and making more. Social, political, economic, religious, and environmental conflicts, all stem from an unwillingness to slow down, reflect, and think for the greater good rather than personal benefit. The DIRS is a forum that aims to build a spiritually and culturally harmonious world through research, dialogue, encounter. We conduct unique courses, workshops, and other creative activities to explore the role of religion in our three main areas of work: social justice, ecological justice, and personal and spiritual development.
The Gandhi Lecture 2022
You do not want to miss this lecture by Dr. Usha Thakkar, President, Mani Bhavan, Gandhi Sangrahalaya, Mumbai, who delivered the session on:
Gandhi in Bombay: Marching Towards Freedom
👩🏫Prof. Amita Valmiki, (Head of Department, Department of Philosophy, Ramniranjan Jhunjhunwala College of Arts) has moderated the session.
Krupaya Dhyaan De : A DIRS Podcast