Towards Responsible Citizenship: A Two-Day Seminar at Divyadaan

By Cl. Ankush Makwane SDB 

Divyadaan, the Salesian Institute of philosophy at Nashik, conducted a two-day seminar by the professors of the institute on October 30 and 31, 2026. The seminar was centered on the theme, “Towards Responsible Citizenship: Educating for a Just, Inclusive, and Democratic Society.” There were around 120 participants from the institute and the neighboring communities. The seminar was moderated by Fr Jacob Palaparambil, the director of the institute. A total of 14 papers were presented.

The inaugural session commenced with a short prayer service invoking the Holy Spirit. Fr Jacob welcomed the gathering and gave an introductory talk to situate the seminar by posing a question, “What kind of citizens are we helping to shape?” The first talk was given by Fr Joaquim D’Souza, helping us to consider how the Church’s social vision speaks on the challenges of responsible citizenship today. Fr Ivo Coelho, the rector of Divyadaan, helped us to examine the political dimension within the Salesian magisterium. Fr Leon Rodrigues guided us to classical perspective of citizenship. Fr Aegidius Pereira presented a paper on the changing meaning of citizenship from subjecthood to global citizenship and its significance. Fr Wyman Gonsalves reflected on “Gen Z and the Meaning of Citizenship,” with particular attention to new generations and the new forms of participation. Fr Robert Pen presented a paper on Citizenship in the Digital Age, focusing on social media, slanting narratives, and the responsibility to discern. Fr Jayaseelaan Savariarpitchai invited us to examine on the current post-shame culture. Fr Felix Fernandes reminded us that responsible citizenship must be judged by the way a society treats those who are most easily excluded.

On the second day, Fr Ashley Miranda helped us to clarify the ethical foundation of our society by his paper on human dignity and the common good. Fr Sunil Pinto connected constitutional principles with the formation of responsible citizen. Br Madharasan Jayarathina presented his paper entitled “Youth, Power and Government: Structural Constraints to Participatory Democracy in India.” Fr Agnel James discussed on children’s parliament and the formation of young citizens. Fr Maria Anthuvan presented the philosophy of Dorothy Day, who placed social action and care for the poor at the center of her commitments. The final presentation was done by Fr Jacob, who brought our reflection back to the Salesian Congregation and the direction offered by two of its General Chapters.

Both the days were facilitated with the panel discussions that gave opportunities to the participants to clarify doubts, identify principle insights, and consider their practical implications. At the end, Fr Jacob delivered the vote of thanks. The event culminated with the official release of DD Express – the house magazine – by Fr Ashley, Our Provincial, bringing to successful completion of the two-day Annual Seminar.