Personal Information
Professional Information
Institution: Salesian College Sonada & Siliguri
Position held: Principal , Professor
Nature of job: Teaching, Counseling, Animation, Research Guidance & Administration
Educational Qualification
Academic:
Ph.D in Philosophy & Christian Studies (University of Madras & as ICPR Fellow)
M. Phil. (University of Madras)
B.Th (Salesian Pontifical University, Rome)
MA/MPh : JDV, Pune
B.A. (Honours) (University of North Bengal)
Higher Secondary (St Anthony’s College, NEHU, Shillong)
High School (Don Bosco, Mannuthy, Kerala Board)
Publications :
Books & Articles on topics of interest in philosophy, theology and social sciences in journals like DIVYADAAN, VIDYAJYOTI, INDIAN CURRENTS. DHARMA,SALESIAN JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES (see publications section above)
| March 2000 |
| ‘One World Education In The Vision Of Guru Nitya’ at Nitya Chaitanya Yati Memorial Lectures and Seminars on Moral Philosophy, March 17-18, 2000, at Kanakadhara Auditorium SSUS, Kalady, Organised by Department of Philosophy Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, Ernakulam, Kerala 683574, In collaboration with the East West Universe of Brahmavidya, Narayana Gurukulam, Fernhill, Ootty, Tamilnadu 643004 |
| October 2000 |
| ‘Christian Presence and Perception of Christians in Contemporary India’ at the College Concert, October 2000 |
| ‘National Aspirations and Regional Autonomy: A Socio-Philosophical Perspective’ at the 7th Annual Conference of Indian Political Economy Association, Darjeeling, 17- 19 November 2000. |
| May 2001 |
| Participated in the Refresher Course in “Effective College Administration for Principals and Vice Principals” held at Kristu Jyoti College, Bangalore, 17- 23 May 2001, under the auspices of AIACHE. |
| September 2001 |
| ‘Introducing the Theme: Culture, Social Science and Philosophy,’ at the two day Seminar on ‘Culture, Social Sciences and Philosophy’ held at Salesian College Sonada on 28th –29th September 2001. |
| July- August 2002 |
| Participated at the Management Development Programme on ‘Electronic Librarires in the 21st Century’ held at the MDP Centre, XLRI, Jamshedpur, 29 July – 2 August, 2002. |
| November 2003 |
| Participated at the National Conference on “New Directions for Language and Literature Studies” organized by the University Grants Commission and held at Jorasanko Campus, RAbindra Bharati University, Kolkata, 28-29 November 2003. |
| January - March 2004 |
| Participated at the training seminar for counseling and guidance through self enhancement programmes at Sadhana Institute, Lonavla, from 2 January to 12 March 2004 which included Vipassana Meditation Course (2- 14 January), Group Therapy (16- 24 January) and Holotropic Breathwork session (26 January- 8 February) |
| April 2004 |
| ‘Language and Literature: Vehicles of Identity’ at the UGC sponsored seminar on ‘Rethinking Higher Education in India: Prospect and Retrospect’ at Kalipada Ghosh Tarai Mahavidyalaya, 2-3 April 2004. |
| October 2004 |
| “Gramsci’s Significance in India Today” at the 29th annual meeting of ACPI held at Holy Trinity Seminary, Choggitti, Jalandhar, on October 22-25, 2004. It is published in the book Subaltern Perspectives: Philosophizing in Context edited by the author. |
| Participated at the national workshop on ‘Future of Education in India’ organized by the Xavier Board of Higher Education at Satyodayam, Secunderabad, 26-28 October 2004. |
| January 2005 |
| Participated at the International Conference on ‘Personalism of Emmanuel Mounier,’ held at Salesian Pontifical University, Rome, 12-14 January 2005. |
| March 2005 |
| ‘Culture and Identity in Nepali Language and Literature’ at the National Seminar on the theme held at Salesian College Sonada, 11-12 March 2005. |
| October 2005 |
| Participated at the National Workshop on ‘Challenges of Higher Education’ organized by the Xavier Board of Higher Education at Indian Social Institute, Bangalore, 23 – 24 October 2005. |
| April 2006 |
| ‘The Role of the Self in Teaching and Research’ at the Research Scholars’ Seminar, “Gathering the Remnants,” held on 21- 22 April 2006 at Salesian college Sonada. |
| June 2006 |
| “Presence/Absence of the Marginalised in Philosophical Education: Challenges and Scope”, at the National Consultation of Philosophers on ‘Indigenous Philosophizing: Indian Horizons’ Convened by: The Faculty of Philosophy, Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram, Bangalore, June 1-4 (Thursday – Sunday), 2006. |
| October 2006 |
| “Positioning New Age in Feminist Philosophy of Religion” at the ACPI conference on the theme “The Dynamics of Religion: A Philosophical Review from Indian Perspectives,” at its 31st Annual Meeting, held at Sacred Heart Seminary, Poonamallee, Chennai, on October 27-30 2006. |
| January 2007 |
| ‘The Role of Mother in the Educative Programme of Don Bosco’ at the Salesian Family Day and Commemoration of Mamma Margaret’s Beatification, at Don Bosco School, Liluah, on 24 January 2007 |
| February 2007 |
| ‘Catholic Higher Education and the World of Work’ at the National Conference on “Mission, Innovation And Transformation of Catholic Higher Education” organised by Stella Maris College (Autonomous) in collaboration with International Federation Of Catholic Universities, Catholic Bishops Conference of India and Xavier Board for Catholic Higher Education in India on Feb. 1- 3, 2007 at Stella Maris College, Chennai, India |
| March 2007 |
| “The Potential for Research in Socio Sciences in Indian Salesian university institutions” at the international conference of Salesian University Institutions held at Colle Don Bosco, Turin, Italy, from 23- 29 March 2007. |
| August 2007 |
| Addressed the gathering at Nepali Sahitya Sammelan hall on the occasion of Bhasha Diwas, organized by the Nepali Sahitya Sammelan, at Darjeeling on 20 August, 2007. |
| October 2007 |
| “Environment, Culture and Identity” at the ACPI conference on the theme “Culture: A Philosophical Look from the Indian Perspectives” at its 32nd annual meeting held at St Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Vadavathoor, Kottayam, 10-13 October, 2007. |
| December 2007 |
| ‘Socio-Cultural status of Darjeeling Diocese in the Himalayan Region with special reference to the Interfaith Dialogue Commission’ at the Jubilee Symposium held at St Augustine’s School Hall, Kalimpong, on 10 December 2007. |
| April 2008 |
| Appointed by the North Bengal University as the Chief observer for the University Examinations 2008 in the hill colleges of Darjeeling. |
| May 2008 |
| Awarded with a citation by the Nepali Sahitya Sammelan, Darjeeling on 25 May 2008, at the 84th Foundation Day for the contributions towards the development of Nepali Language and Literature through the educational activities, publications, seminars and research promotion over the past years. |
| June 2008 |
| Addressed the ARCEIS (Association of Roman Catholic Educational Institutions of Sikkim) at St Joseph’s Martam on 28 June 2008 on “Preserving and Promoting Harmony in society and the Role of Educational Institutions” |
| July 2008 |
| Participated as guest at the IASACT 2008 at Chung Chi College, Hong Kong, on invitation from the United Board, on 14 July 2008. Delivered the Welcome address “Philosophical Foundations of the Spirituality in Victorian Poetry” introducing the State Level Seminar on “Spirituality in Victorian Poetry” at Salesian College, Sonada on 30 July 2008. |
| August 2008 |
| Delivered the Welcome address “Mutiny and Nationalism” introducing the Statem Level Seminar on “Commemorating 1857: An Eastern Perspective” 1 August 2008. |
| “The Role of Social Sciences in Promoting Science” in Science and Society, the Proceedings of the National Seminar, Government College, Darjeeling, 5 August 2008. |
| September 2008 |
| Delivered the endowment lecture on “Philosophy and Literature” at the Annual Endowment lecture series of the Postgraduate Department of Nepali, Darjeeling Government College, on 21 September 2008. (In Nepali) |
| October 2008 |
| Awarded with a citation and plaque by Rotary Club of Darjeeling for Community Service at the 51st Annual Induction Meeting by the District Governor. |
| “Feminism and Rethinking Philosophical Categories”, in Patrick Gnanapragasam & Elizabeth Schussler Fiorenza (eds.), Negotiating Borders Theological Explorations in the Global Era: Essays in Honour of Felix Wilfred, Delhi, ISPCK, 2008. |
| “Relevance of Language Study for Cultural Identity”, in Indian Literature, Sahitya Akademi’s bimonthly journal, September-October, 2008, (Vol. 247), 153-160. |
| “The Role of Social Sciences in Promoting Science” in I. Ahmed (ed.), Science and Society, Proceedings of National Seminar, Darjeeling Government College, (2008). |
| ‘National Aspirations and Regional Autonomy: A Socio-Philosophical Perspective’, in Prathibha, Silver Jubilee Souvenir, Aryabhatta College of Advanced Studies, (Dissent and Dialogue, edited by Pius Vazhappilly), Thrissur, 2008, (n.p). (reprint). |
| “From the Publisher” (an Introduction) in Tracing the Steps: A Psycho-Pedagogical Study of Charles de Foucauld’s Vocational Journey, by Dr Nirmol Gomes, (2008) Salesian College Publication, pp. viii-xiii. |
| “Culture and Identity” in Keith D’Souza (ed.), Culture as Gift and Task: Philosophical Reflections in the Indian Context, Bangalore, Asian Trading Corporation, 2008, pp.109-124. |
| December 2008 |
| Addressed the Education Fair and Conference ‘For better Tomorrow’ at the Assam Lingsay Winter Village Fest on the theme, ‘The Role of Parents, Teachers, Panchayats and Civil Society in Educating the Rural Mass’ at Assam Lingsay, East Sikkim, 22 |
| February 2009 |
| Participated online by submitting a paper entitled “From Fullness to Emptiness: Encountering Non-dualism in Jesus the Buddha - Conjectures of a Vipassana Meditator” at the Round Table Conference on “The ambivalence of Nothingness, between negation of the human and openness to the divine” organized by the Institute of Sciences of Religion of the Faculty of Philosophy, UPS, Rome, on 26th February 2009. |
| May 2009 |
| Organized National Seminar on “Indigenous Philosophies of the Himalayan Communities” in collaboration with Indian Council of Philosophical Research, New Delhi on 7-9 May 2009 at Don Bosco Malbassey, West Sikkim and presented paper on “Religions in Darjeeling”. |
| Was a consultant to the CBCI-IGNOU chair for introducing BA Philosophy course in the IGNOU and invited to the Consultation of Heads of Christian Philosophy Institutes held at CBCI Centre, Ashok Place, New Delhi, on 29 May 2009. |
| June 2009 |
| Appointed as Member, Academic Staff College Council, University of North Bengal, by the Vice Chancellor, with effect from June 2009. |
| August 2009 |
| Addressed the Association of Don Bosco Colleges, India, at the Annual Conference held at Don Bosco Ennore, Chennai, 17-18 August on “The Research Potential of College Campus for Promoting Quality”. |
| July 2009 |
| Addressed the Association of Chartered Accountants of Siliguri at their Annual Seminar on the “Role of Chartered Accountants in Transforming Society” on 11 July 2009 at Sabin Kingdom, Hill Cart Road, Siliguri. |
| September 2009 |
| Presented a paper on “The Christian Philosophy of Higher Education” at the Alumni Conference on the occasion of Silver Jubilee, Department of Christian Studies, University of Madras, Chennai, 3 September 2009. |
| Organized the Triennial Meeting of the Student and Staff Representatives of the East-North-East Region Catholic Colleges for “Student Leadership” and “Mentoring and Research Potential in Campus” respectively at Don Bosco Institute, Guwahati, on 27-29 September 2009. |
| October 2009 |
| Presented a paper at the Salesian Seminar organized by Salesian College titled “Don Bosco (1815-1888): In Search of a ‘Re-Turn’” on 19-20 October 09 at Sonada. |
| Submitted the paper on “Politics of Violence” for the Annual Conference of the Association of Christian Philosophers of India, on the theme, “Violence and Its Victims: Indian Christian Philosophical Reflections” to be held at Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, 22-25 October 2009. |
| March 2010 |
| Presented a paper at the Department of Political Science, University of North Bengal in the seminar on ‘The ideal social order: Gandhian and Nehruvian perspectives’ on 30-31 March 2010, entitled “The Ideal Social Order at Ideological Crossroads: Visioning a Future for India”. |
| May 2010 |
Release of the First Issue of Salesian Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences: “Spirituality in Victorian Poetry”. Besides being the Series Editor, the issue carries an article entitled: “Philosophical foundations of Spirituality”. Chaired the Session on “Innovative Practices in College Campuses” at the Triennial Conference of the Association of the Catholic Colleges of India (Xavier Board) 6-9 May 2010 at Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kakkanad, Cochin, and was reelected Board member and regional vice president. |
| July 2010 |
| Delivered the Welcome Address and Chaired the Valedictory session of the National Seminar on “The Literary and Linguistic Terrain of Translation” organized by the Department of English, Salesian College, Sonada, in collaboration with the PG Department of English, Government College, Darjeeling, 30-31 July 2010. |
| August 2010 |
| Submitted a Chapter entitled ‘The Protest Masks: Politics of Culture and Identity’ for the forthcoming Monograph on “The Politics of Culture, Identity and Protest,” edited by Padam Nepal, Department of Political Science, St Joseph’s College, Darjeeling. |
| October 2010 |
Delivered the Welcome Address at the National Seminar on “Technology in Society: Challenges and Opportunities” organized by the Department of Computer Science, Salesian College, Siliguri Campus, 5 October 2010. Addressed the Leadership Trainees of the Catholic Colleges of East North East region during the Training Programme Organized by the Regional Board at Bosco Youth Services Centre, Bariatu, Ranchi from 17-20 October 2010. Presented Paper titled “Sri Narayana Guru and Indigenous Modernity in Kerala” at the Panel on “Indian Masters of Suspicion” during the 32nd Annual Conference of the Association of the Christian Philosophers of India on the theme “Tradition and Innovation: Rootedness and Openness”, at Carmel Vidya Niketan, Faridabad, 25-27 October 2010. |
| November 2010 |
Presented paper at the International Conference of the Delegates of the Education Group of Salesian University Institutions held at the Catholic University of Silva Henriquez, Santiago de Chile, 9-12 November 2010 on “IUS Networking: Indian Approaches”. Visited the University of Princeton, New Jersey (on 6 November), University of California, Berkely, (on 21 November) and the University of Stanford, El Alto (on 24 November). |
| February 2011 |
| Welcome Address entitled “Promoting NMEICT-INFLIBNET E-Resources in North Bengal and Sikkim” at the Regional Seminar held at Salesian College, Siliguri Campus on 25 February 2011. |
| March 2011 |
| Presented paper at the UGC sponsored national seminar on ‘ethics in practice’ held at PD Women’s College Jalpaiguri, entitled “Understanding Gandhi in our Times: Re-visiting Gadhian Ethics”. |
| August 2011 |
| Presented Paper at the World Congress of Catholic Universities held at University of St Theresa, Avila, Spain, 12-14 August 2011 entitled ‘The Role of Catholic Institute of Higher Education in Democratizing Peoples’. |
| October 2011 |
| Presented paper at the Symposium on Raimon Panikkar at Morning Star College, Barrackpore, Kolkata, on 26 October entitled “The Cosmotheandric Vision of Raimon Panikkar”. |
| March 2012 |
Chaired Session and was part of the Book build project on Value Education for College Students of Auxilium College, Katpadi, Vellore, from 1-3 March 2012. Presented Paper on “The Dynamics of Values” at the National level UGC sponsored Seminar on Value Education at Loreto College, Kolkata, 6-7 March 2012 |
| April 2012 |
| Delivered Welcome address at the National Workshop on “CORSIKA- Cosmic Ray Simulation Software” held at Salesian College, Siliguri Campus on 10-11 April 2012. |
| May 2012 |
| Presented paper on “The psychological well-being in terms of internal experience” at the Indo Bhutan International Conference Jointly organised by Gaedu College of Business Studies, Bhutan, and Loyola College, Chennai, 14-15 May 2012 on “CELEBRATING SHERIG CENTENARY- Gross National Happiness (GNH) IN BHUTAN AND INDIA.” |
| June 2012 |
| Participated at the NAAC Peer Team assessment training at NAAC office, Bangalore 22-23 June 2012. |
| July 2012 |
| Participated and made joint presentation on the progress of Education Group at the IUS (Salesian University Institutions) General Body meeting at Salesians of Don Bosco, Via del Pisana, Rome from 9-14 July 2012 |
| August 2012 |
| Delivered welcome address at the UGC (ERO) sponsored National Seminar on “Sports & Games: New Approaches to Holistic Education” organized by Salesian College in collaboration with Sports Board, University of North Bengal, on 3-4 August, 2012 at Salesian College, Siliguri Campus. |
| October 2012 |
| Delivered Guest Lecture on “Sri Narayana Guru and Community Identity” at the Department of Philosophy, St Johns Seminary, Kondadaba, Vishakhapatanam, on 25 October 2012. |
| November 2012 |
| Guest Lecture on “Discovering the Divine: The Question of God” at Oak Tree International, Joka, Kolkata, on 22 November 2012.Participated and Organized the IUS Asia Triennial Conference at Don Bosco Nitika from 23-25 November 2012. |
| February 2013 |
Delivered the Valedictory Address at the Regional Meeting of the Principals and Vice Chancellors of North East AIACHE zone at Don Bosco Institute Guwahati, on 13 February 2013. Introduced Prof TK Oommen’s Presentation on “Education and Social Inclusion” to the IUS Education Group Intercontinental Seminar held at CES Don Bosco, Madrid, from 25-29 February 2013. |
| March 2013 |
| Delivered Valedictory Address at the NAAC sponsored National Seminar on “Student Support and Student Progression” on 27 March 2013. |
| April 2013 |
Member on the NAAC Peer Team to Pali College of Commerce, Arts and Science, Pali, Maharashtra from 1-3 April 2013. Presented Paper on “Relevance of Pacem In Terris and Nairobi Document” at the National Seminar on “Globalization and the Churches” at North Eastern Social Research Centre, Guwahati, 16-17 April 2013. Presentation on ‘Education and Social Inclusion’ at the Triennial Conference of Xavier Board at Prabodhana Centre, Pallotine House, organized by St Philomina’s College, Mysore, from 27-30 April, 2013. |
| May 2013 |
Presentation on ‘Christian Higher Education and Social Responsibility’ at the AIACHE National Conference of Principals and Vice Chancellors at Christ University, Bangalore, from 1-3 May 2013. Member on the NAAC Peer Team to Handia PG College of Arts Commerce and Science, Handia, UP from 16-18 May 2013. Presented Paper on “Bengal: In Search of Progress” at the Regional Seminar on “Facets of Development in Bengal” organized by NESRC, St Xavier’s College, Rajganj, and Salesian College Siliguri Campus, on 25-26 May 2013. |
| July 2013 |
| Presented paper on “SNG: Politics of Consciousness”, at the Backwaters Collective IV held at Le Meridien, Cochin, 18-21 July, 2013. |
| August 2013 |
ICPR sponsored National Workshop on “Christian Influence on Indian Culture” in view of setting up Christian Culture Studies Centre at Salesian College, Sonada, 1-3 August 2013. Participated at the Regional Xavier Board Meet at Holy Cross College, Agartala, 7-8 August 2013. Presided at the Research Scholars Workshop VIII on ‘Facets of Social Science Research’ at Salesian College, Siliguri Campus on 12 August 2013. Delivered Lectures on “Trends in Global Education and Salesian Response” to Princpals of Salesian Schools, at Salesian Provincial House, Odxel, Panjim, Goa on 17 August 2013. Introduced the IQAC seminar sponsored by NAAC on “Autonomy: Means to Quality Enhancement” at Salesian College Siliguri, on 23-24 August, 2013. |
| September 2013 |
Participated as Asian coordinator and addressed the delegates of the IUS Intercontinental Seminar Series II, at Lorena Campus of Unisal (Centro Universitario Salesiano,) Sao Paolo, 11-13 September 2013 on “Education and Social Inclusion: Indian Perspectives”. Presented Paper on “Sustaining and Promoting the right conditions for Faith: Indian Youth Pespective” at the National Seminar on “Creating and Sustaining Right Conditions for Faith” organized by the Sacred Heart Theological College, on 19-21 September 2013. |
| October 2013 |
Delivered the Presidential Address at the UGC sponsored National Seminar on “Contextual Management: Indigenous theories and practices” organized in collaboration with Don Bosco Institute, Guwahati, on 5-6 October 2013. Delivered the Presidential Address at the Inter Religious Dialogue One Day Seminar held at Mary Mother of God Church, Relli Road, Kalimpong, on 20 October 2013. |
| November 2013 |
Made Presentation on “Networking Possibilities of Don Bosco Higher Education in India” at the DBHEI meet at Don Bosco College, Panjim on 5-6 November 2013. Participated at the Interreligious Dialogue Programme “Sharing Faith” organized by the Himalayan Islamic Foundation and held at Hayden Hall, Darjeeling on 30 November 2013. |
| December 2013 |
| Presented Paper on “History, Culture, Environment and Development: Kerala and Darjeeling – A study in Contrast” at the One Day national seminar on “History, Culture, Environment and Development: Indian Experiences” at St Joseph’s College, Darjeeling, on 7 December 2013. |
| January 2014 |
| 17 January 14: Delivered Welcome cum theme Address on Feedback Loop in Research at the one day Research Scholars Workshop held at the Siliguri Campus |
| February 2014 |
| 13-16 February 14: The Intercontinental Seminar on Education and Social Inclusion: Challenges of Diversity hosted and organized at Salesian College Sonada for the IUS Education Group and Delivered the Welcome Address as the Convener. 26-29 February 14: Invited participant at the SPRD (Strategic Planning and Resource Development) organized by the United Board at Shaw College Auditorium in the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong. |
| March 2014 |
| 6 March 14: Presented the Summary Report of the Year and appreciations to the Outgoing batch of students at the Graduation Day. 18 March 14: Addressed the Joint Faculty event on SPRD in view of ASHA grant and autonomy for the college. |
| April 2014 |
| 8 April 14: Hosted the Joint Meeting of the MP Nominee of BJP for Darjeeling, Mr SS Ahluvalia and Bishop Stephen Lepcha DD, of Roman Catholic Diocese of Darjeeling as a pre-poll encounter at the College Principal's Office. 14 April 14: Initiated the process for the MoU for online payment for admissions through the ERP provider epaathsala and Billdesk the payment gateway. |
| July-August 2014 |
| 31 July- 4 August 14: Participated and Presented paper at the Metaphysics and Politics Conference of the Backwater's Collective, at Le Meridien, Cochin, on "Language, Identity and Ethnicity in Darjeeling; Applying the Insights of SNG". |
| September 2014 |
| 1-4 September 14: Inaugural and Welcome Address to the participants and resource persons at the Human Development Values Project organized at Salesian College Sonada by AIACHE and sponsored by United Board, Hong Kong. |
| October 2014 |
| 18-21 October 14: Participated on Invitation at the AULP on Massification of Education in Asia organized by the Hong Kong Institute of Education and the United Board at the Hong Kong Institute f Education, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong. |
| November 2014 |
| 20-22 November 14: Delivered the Welcome Note and the Valedictory Address at the National Seminar on Human Nature Interface in North Bengal organized by the Department of Political Science, Siliguri Campus. 27- 30 November 14: Presented Paper on Salesian Education in India and the role of Inclusivity in Higher Education at the Fourth Intercontinental Seminar on Education and Social Inclusion and the IUS EG delegates Meeting at IUS Venice Mestre, Italy. |
| January 2015 |
| 1-4 January 15: Accompanied the Joint Faculty visit to Shanti Niketan & Viswa bharati on the occasion of the college being granted CPE status 2nd cycle for discovery of Bengal's heritage and educational legacy of Rabindranath Tagore. |
| March 2015 |
| 16-17 March 15: Presented paper on "Community, Knowledge and Rights" at the National Conference on "Knowledge, Theorization and Rights: Renegotiating the Connectives", organized by the Department of Philosophy, Assam University, Silchar, at their Department in the University Campus. 19-20 March 15: Presented the Welcome and Appreciation for the outgoing batch at the Graduation Day at Salesian College Sonada & Siliguri. |
| April 2015 |
| 8-11 April 15: Visited Marwari College, Bhagalpur, on deputation as Member in the Peer Team for the NAAC assessment of the College. 18-19 April 15: Addressed the North East Christian College Principal's Forum at the Don Bosco Institute on the theme "Nurturing the Spiritual in Higher Education" & "The Contextual Relevance of Christian Higher Education in NE". |
| May 2015 |
| 1-3 May 15: Participated at the Xavier Board Triennial Conference held at Christ University, Bangalore. 9 May 15: Addressed the Alumni batch of 2005 at Salesian College, Sonada. 12-15 May 15: Addressed the New Faculty at the Annual Orientation for the New Faculty of the College held at Salesian College, Siliguri Campus. 19 May 15: Invited to make Presentation to the team of experts on the Community College/B.Voc Scheme submitted by the college at the Delhi UGC office, Bahadur Zafar Shah Marg, towards the final round of the selections. |
| June 2015 |
| 8 June 15: Delivered the Inaugural Address " Philosophy and Teaching Philosophy" at the Inauguration of the Department of Philosophy (B.Ph), Salesian College, Sonada. |
| July 2015 |
| 9-12 July 15: Addressed the Stakeholders Conference of DBTI, Port Morseby, PNG, on "The Salesian Identity of DBTI and its Possible Futures" as the Resource Person on behalf of the IUS International. 13-17 July 15: Participated at the 25th Triennial Conference of IFCU at the Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, as a registered member institution of the association. |
| August 2015 |
| 27-29 August 15: Participated at the North East Principal's Forum for Strategic Planning organized by the United Board and AIACHE at the Bethel Retreat Centre for the Union Christian College, Badapani, Shillong. |
| September 2015 |
| 14 September 15: Met with Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee at the Inaugural Function of the Knowledge Hub of Presidency University, at Dove Hill, Kurseong, with the Proposals for the College being included for Pay packet Scheme and State Development Grants. 20 September 15: Addressed the Sri Narayana Guru Samiti Global Summit held at the State Library, Shillong on "The One World Vision of Sri Narayana Guru" as invited Guest Speaker for the occasion. |
| October 2015 |
| 1 October 15: Participated in the National Level Conclusion of the 200th Birth Anniversary of the Founder of the College and Salesian/Don Bosco works in India at Don Bosco School, Alaknanda, New Delhi. 9 October 15: Inaugurated the first Student Seminar on Indian Foreign Policy and International relations organized by the Department of Political Science, Sonada. 11 October 15: Delivered the Presidential address, " The Need for Ecosophy in Contemporary World" at the Philosophy Seminar on "Human Environment: Ecological Concerns and laudato Si" organized by the Department of Philosophy, Salesian College, Sonada. |
| November 2015 |
| 18 November 15: Participated at the Principal's Forum of Christian Minority Colleges of West Bengal, hosted at St Xavier's College, Kolkata. 19-20 November 15: Presented paper on "Salesian System of Education in Indian Cultural Context" at the International Seminar on "Don Bosco's System of Education" held at St Anthony's College, Shillong. |
| December 2015 |
| 1 December 15: Preliminary Meetings with the Team from Newman University Birmingham, at Scope Complex, New Delhi, regarding the MoU on student and Faculty Exchange. |
| January 2016 |
| 5-20 January 16: Visiting Scholar at Yale University Library. Visited Yale Art Gallery and the Knights of Columbus Museum at New Haven; Witnessed the Play 'Born Fat' at the Seven Angels Theatre, Waterbury, Connecticut. |
| February-March 2016 |
| 1 February - 24 March 16: Visiting Scholar at Princeton Theological Seminary and Firestone Library, Princeton University, New Jersey. 13 February 16: Participated at the Mass of the Universe, a Musical Rendition by Bora Yoon, PhD scholar in Sacred Music at the University Chapel, Princeton University. 16 February 16: Participated at the Lecture by May Hayes on "RedT: Safe Zone for Translators in Terrorist Combat and Translations" at the Princeton Community Lecture Series. 18 February 16: Had Lunch Meeting with Sanjiv Kulkarni, Dean, Graduate School, Princeton University. 19 February 16: Had Interview with Elaine Pagels, author of Beyond Belief, and head, Department of Religion at Princeton University. 28 February 16: Visited George Town University, Washington and had Dinner Meeting with Mike Sheeran Sj, the Coordinator for Jesuit Higher Education in US at Union Station, Washington With Rosey and Dhiren of Darjeeling living in Leesburg. |
| April-May 2016 |
| 10 April 16: Visited the campus of University of California, Santa Cruz Campus. 12 April 16: Visited the Green Library, Stanford University, Palo Alto. 26 April - May 20: Visiting Scholar at University of San Francisco at the Gleeson Library. 3 May 16: Visited the Portland Gurukula to Interview Scott Teitsworth and Deb Buchanan 5 May 16: Visited the Bainbridge Island Gurukula at Seattle to Interview Nancy Yielding. 11 May 16: Visited Stanford University and had an interview with Aishwary Kumar of the Department of History. 12 May 16: Visited University of California, Berkeley Library and met with Prof Arthur Lenti, sdb, Historian and Editor of the Journal the Salesian Studies. |
| May-June 2016 |
| 29 May-25 June 16: At The Institute for Advanced Study in Asian Cultures and Theologies as the IASACT Mentor for 16 Scholars at the CUHK Divinity School, assisting the forum for research, reflection and writing. |
| July 2016 |
| 15-18 July 16: Presented paper on "The Gaze of SNG at Ambedkar-Gandhi Debate" at the Backwater's Collective on Metaphysics and Politics in Le Meridien, Cochin. |
| August 2016 |
| 17-19 August 16: Facilitated the Faculty Orientation and Strategic Planning for the Faculty of Salesian College with Mark Pixley of LeadershipInc, Shenzhen China. |
| September 2016 |
| 10 September 16: Presented a paper on "The Role of NBU Officers in Inclusivity and Excellence in Higher Education" at the National Conference on the Theme by North Bengal University Officers Association. 17 September 16: Addressed the Annual Conference of the Don Bosco Colleges at Don Bosco College, Sulthan Bathery, on "The Salesian Identity of Higher Education". 18 September 16: Addressed the Sri Narayana Mandira Samiti's 162nd Birth Anniversary celebrations of Sri Narayana Guru at Sri Narayana Guru College, Chembur, Mumbai. |
| October 2016 |
| 5 October 16: Addressed as Chief Guest the Parents, Staff and Students of Holy Cross Higher Secondary
School, Sonada on the occasion of the School Annual Celebrations. 30-31 October 16: The Clash: TM and the Psychological Counseling, by Peter Lourdes, former Principal of College was released by Dr Rev Paschual Chavez, former Rector Major of Salesians of Don Bosco, Rome on the occasion of the Annual Strategic Plan for Educational Leadership for Principals of Don Bosco Schools and colleges, held at Don Bosco Kolkata and directed by Mr Mark Pixley of Leadership Inc, Shenzen, China. |
| November 2016 |
| 4-5 November 16: Welcomed and Introduced Dr Glenn Shive, Director American Centre delivering the Verzotto Memorial Lecture 2016 on 'Whole Person Education and Indian Higher Education' at Siliguri and Sonada
respectively. 5 November 16: Chaired the Annual Meeting of the Editorial Board, Research Centre and Publications. 21 November 16: Invited as consultant to the Research Promotion Team's Workshop organized by the SPCSA at Don Bosco Hyderabad. 23 November 16: Release of the book Teesta on the Run: Development Induced Displacement in Sikkim 1975-2010 co-authored with Dr Walter Fernandes at the International Seminar on North East at Sikkim University Gangtok. 30 November 16: External Examiner at the PhD Thesis defense of Shreyasi Chettri on "Negotiating Gorkha Identity in Indian Nepali Novels" at the Department of English, Jadavpur University, Kolkata |
| December 2016 |
| 8 December 16: Delivered Welcome Address at the Inauguration of the Radio Salesian 90.8 FM at Salesian College, Sonada. |
| January 2017 |
| 5-6 January 17: Inaugural Address at the National Seminar on "Pen, Pain and Writing: Rethinking Links,
Connectives and Negotiations" organized by the Department of English, Siliguri Campus. 18-20 January 17: Invited to the Consultation on "China Studies in Indian Higher Education" organized by the Institute for China Studies, JNU, Yenching Institute, Harvard and United Board, Hong Kong, held at Aiache House, New Delhi. 21-28 January 17: Invited to Hong Kong University Institute of Education for the Research Collaboration Proposal on "Religion in Asia" by Dr David Palmer. |
| February 2017 |
| 27-28 February 17: Welcome Address at the National Seminar on "Trends in Science and Technology" organized by the Departments of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science, Salesian College, Siliguri Campus. |
| March 2017 |
| 1-4 March 17: Participated at the South Asian Consultation of the Leaders of Salesians of Don Bosco, at the
Citadel, Chennai. 14-15 March 17: Welcome Address at the International Seminar on "Darjeeling and the Eastern Himalayas: Multidisciplinary Approaches", organized by the Departments of Philosophy, English, History and Sociology, Salesian College, Sonada. 18 March 17: Resource Person at the Research Scholars Workshop held at Salesian College, Siliguri campus. 27-29 March 17: Welcomed Dr M Pinheiro as Resource Person and Inaugurated the NAAC RAR preparation Training Workshop for the College faculty held at Salesian College, Sonada. |
Assosciational Membership
Board Member, Mount Hermon Teacher Training College, Darjeeling since 2000.
Executive Secretary, CBCI Commission for Dialogue and Ecumenism, Diocese of Darjeeling, an initiative of the Catholic Diocese of Darjeeling along with the Representatives of other Religious Communities.
Executive Board Member, All India Association of Christian Colleges (AIACHE) and Association of Catholic Colleges (Xavier Board) since 2006 and 2007 respectively, besides being the Regional President, All India Association of Catholic colleges, (Xavier Board), since May 2004.
Executive Committee Member, Association of Christian Philosophers of India (ACPI), since 2006.
Publications
Brahmarshi Sri Narayana Guru by T Bhaskaran Translated from Malayalam to Nepali, Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi Publication (2017)
Teesta On the Run: Development Induced Displacement in Sikkim (2016) co-authored with Walter Fernandes and Bitopi Dutta, NESRC and Salesian College Publication .
Darjeeling ko Nepali Bhashi Samudai a Sahitya Akademi publication (2009) based on the papers of a seminar conducted in March 2007 in collaboration with Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi.
Communities and Identity Consciousness: South Indian Trajectories a Madras University publication (2004) based on his research on community transitions in the last century, (co-edited with Prof. Felix Wilfred, Department of Christian Studies, University of Madras).
Cultural Identity in Nepali Language and Literature a Salesian College Sonada Publication (2005) based on the UGC sponsored seminar on the same theme, (co-edited with Dr Jiwan Namdung, convener for Nepali, Sahitya Akademi, Mr Terence Mukhia, Department of Philosophy and Ms Basanti Mukhia, Department of Nepali, Salesian College).
Subaltern Perspectives: Philosophizing in Context an Asian Trading Corporation, Bangalore, Publication (2005) based on the ACPI 2004 Trinity College, Jalandhar session (edited).
Vision From the Margin: A Study of the Sri Narayana Guru Movement in the Literature of Nitya Chaitanya Yati (based on Doctoral Research) published by Asian Trading Corporation & Salesian College Publication (2007).
Articles And Chapters
"The Role of Self in Developing Innovative Strategies in Higher Academics" in DISHA: Development of Innovative Strategies in Higher Academics, Proceedings of the National Seminar, St Xavier's College, Mumbai, 2006, pp. 27-35.
"Democratization Process through Civil Society Institutions, " in Victor PJ (ed), Discursive Hills: Studies in History, Polity and Economy, Proceedings of the National Seminar, St Joseph's College, Darjeeling, 2007, pp. 95-106.
“The Person: an Eastern Confluence with the West” in Divyadaan Journal of Philosophy and Education, Vol.17 (2006)No.3, 301-316.
“Democratic Pluralism or Pluralistic Democracy” in Johnson J. Puthenpurackal (ed.), Pluralism of Pluralism: A Pluralistic Probe into Philosophizing, Bangalore, Asian Trading Corporation, 2005, pp.327-346.
“Sri Narayana Guru’s Vision of Liberative Religiosity: A Post Secular Approach to Religion” in Divyadaan Journal of Philosophy and Education, Vol.16(2005)No.2, 195-228.
“The Dynamics of Conversion” (an introduction) in Vibrations of the Heart: John Henry Newman, by Dr Merlyn George, (2004) Salesian College Publication, pp. vii-xi.
“The Making of a Tradition: The Vision of Nataraja Guru” in Divyadaan Journal of Philosophy and Education, Vol.13(2002)No.2, 159-190.
“The Birth of Tradition”, in Divyadaan Journal of Philosophy and Education, Vol.10(1999)No.3, 293-312.
“Discovery of a Tradition (Parampara),” in Divyadaan Journal of Philosophy and Education, Vol.9(1998)No.2, 1-16.
“Youth for Transformation of Society,” in Vidyajyoti Journal of Theological Reflection, Vol.LXI(1997)No.6, 386-392.
“The Cosmotheandric Experience of Raimon Panikkar” in Johnson Puthenpurackal (ed), Raimon Panikkar Being Beyong Borders: A Commemorative Volume, Bangalore, Asian Trading Corporation, 2012
“Expression of Words: A Collection of Short Stories” by Birbhadra Karkidholi, in Indian Literature: 267 Sahitya Akademi’s Bi-Monthly Journal, (Jan/Feb 2012), 237-240.
“The Protest Masks: Politics of Culture and Identity” in Padam Nepal & Anup Shekhar Chakraborty (Eds), Politics of Culture, Identity and Protest in North-East India, New Delhi, Authorspress, 2012, pp. 38-48.
“Vision from the Margin: Rethinking Philosophical Education”, in Saju Chackalackal (Ed.), Indigenous Philosophizing: Indian Horizons, Bangalore, Dharmaram Publications, 2010.
“Sri Narayana Guru” in George Panthanmackal & Johnson Puthenpurackal (eds)., Encyclopedia of Indan Christian Philosophy, Bangalore, Asian Trading Corporation, 2010,
“Democracy” in George Panthanmackal & Johnson Puthenpurackal (eds)., Encyclopedia of Indan Christian Philosophy, Bangalore, Asian Trading Corporation, 2010,
“The Politics of Violence” in Ivo Coelho (Ed.), Violence and Its Victims: Philosophizing from Indian Context, Bangalore, Asian Trading Publication, 2010, 332-354.
“Philosophical Foundations of Spirituality in Poetry” in Salesian Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, Bi-Annual, Salesian College Publications, I(May 2010)1, 97-104
“Spirituality, Sexuality and Ethics of Care” in Felix Wilfred (ed.), Transforming Religion: Prospects for a New Society, New Delhi, ISPCK, 2009. 223-240.
“From Fullness to Emptiness: Encountering Non-Dualism in Jesus the Buddha”, in Saju Chackalackal (Ed.), New Horizons of Indian Christian Living: A Festschrift in Honour of Vadakethala Francis Vineeth, Bengaluru, Vidyavanam Publications & Coimbatore, Preshitha Communications, 2009, 367-386.
“Feminism Rethinking Philosophical Categories”, in Patrick Gnanapragasam & Elizabeth Schussler Fiorenza (eds.), Negotiating Borders Theological Explorations in the Global Era: Essays in Honour of Felix Wilfred, Delhi, ISPCK, 2008, 542-552.
“Relevance of Language Study for Cultural Identity”, in Indian Literature, Sahitya Akademi’s bimonthly journal, September-October, 2008, (Vol. 247), 153-160.
“The Role of Social Sciences in Promoting Science” in I. Ahmed (ed.), Science and Society, Proceedings of National Seminar, Darjeeling Government College, (2008).
‘National Aspirations and Regional Autonomy: A Socio-Philosophical Perspective’, in Prathibha, Silver Jubilee Souvenir, Aryabhatta College of Advanced Studies, (Dissent and Dialogue, edited by Pius Vazhappilly), Thrissur, 2008, (n.p).
“From the Publisher” (an Introduction) in Tracing the Steps: A Psycho-Pedagogical Study of Charles de Foucauld’s Vocational Journey, by Dr Nirmol Gomes, (2008) Salesian College Publication, pp. viii-xiii.
“Culture and Identity” in Keith D’Souza (ed.), Culture as Gift and Task: Philosophical Reflections in the Indian Context, Bangalore, Asian Trading Corporation, 2008, pp.109-124.
“A Map for the Pilgrimage to the Other” in Journal of Dharma, Religious Literacy and Secularism, April-June 2007 (Vol.32, No.2), 153-162.
“New Age Religion: An Appraisal” in George Karuvelil (ed.), Romancing the Sacred? Bangalore, Asian Trading Corporation, 2007, pp. 331-354.
Papers Presented in National and International Conferences/ Seminars
September 2005
"Democratization Processes in Civil Society Institutions: A case study of Darjeeling" at the UGC sponsored National Seminar on "Hill Stations in India: Challenges and Prospects" at St Joseph's College, Darjeeling 8 September 2005.
"Central University in Darjeeling: An Academicians Point of View" at the Seminar organized by the All Gorkha Students Union at the Gymkhana Club on 22 September 2005.
October 2005
"The Person: An East West Confluence" at the 80th Session of the Indian Philosophical Congress, 24-27 October, 2005 at North Bengal University Campus.
"Democratic Pluralism or Pluralistic Democracy: Postcolonial Possibilities" at the 30th Conference of the Association of Christian Philosophers of India at Salesian College, Sonada, Darjeeling, 18-22 October, 2005.
November 2005
"Environment as the Matrix for Cultural Identity" at the National Level UGC Sponsored Seminar on "Culture, Environment and Identity" at Government College Darjeeling, 18-19 November 2005.
February 2006
"The Role of Self in Developing Innovative Strategies in Higher Academics" at the National Seminar DISHA: Development of Innovative Strategies in Higher Academics organized by St Xavier's College, Mumbai, 3-5 February 2006.
March 2006
"Changing Faces of Social Identity: Cultural Linguistic Transitions in Darjeeling" at the National Seminar organized by Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla at Department of Philosophy, University of Madras, Chennai, 6-8 March 2006.
October 2006
“New Age Religion: A Feminist Perspective”, at the 31 ACPI Conference, at Sacred Heart Seminary, Poonamallee, Chennai, 18-22 October, 2006.
December 2006
‘Ethics and Ethnicity’ at the Calcutta Research Group sponsored one day seminar on “Settled States and Unsettled Populations: Evolving Discourses on Social Justice in India” at Loreto College, Darjeeling on 12 December 2006.
January 2007
‘The Role of Mother in Education’ at the Salesian Family Day Seminar, at Don Bosco School, Liluah, Kolkata, 24 January 2007.
February 2007
‘Catholic Higher Education and the World of Work’ at the National Consultation on ‘Mission, Innovation and Transformation of Catholic Higher Education’ at Stella Maris College, Chennai, 1-3 February 2007.
March 2007
‘The Potential for Research in Social Science in the Salesian University Institutions in India” at the Education Group IUS international meeting held at Bechi, Castelnuovo d’Asti, Turin, Italy, 16-21 March 2007.
October 2007
“Culture and Identity” at the 32nd ACPI annual conference at St Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Vadavathoor, Kottayam, 10-13 October 2007.
Journals
Series editor of Salesian Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences:
Awards
Community Service Award by Rotary Club of Darjeeling (2009).
Nepali Sahitya Sammelan Puraskar (2008).
In January 2012, by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Darjeeling at its Golden Jubilee celebrations for services rendered in education, youth welfare, and social harmony in the region.
Nominations
Coordinator for IUS-Asia (Salesian University Institutions) EG (Education Group).
Member of Indian Theological Association.
Executive Member of Indian Christian Philosophers Association.
Executive Member of the Association of Catholic Colleges (Xavier Board).
Member of the International Association of Social Philosophy.
Executive Secretary, Forum for Inter religious Dialogue and Ecumenism, Darjeeling.
Member of the Academic Staff Council, NBU, June 2009
Advisory Board Member, Tribal World, Journal of Eastern Regional Progressive Tribal research & Welfare Organization, 3 July 2011.
Executive Member, All India Association of Christian Higher Education, New Delhi (for the second time), 30 January 2012.
Member, Court of the University of North Bengal, March 2012
