Rev Dr (Fr) Thomas C Mathew Visits Lavasa Campus

   

There were a series of talks by Rev Dr (Fr) Thomas Chathamparampil Mathew, Ex Vice Chancellor of CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru on 1st August 2019 at CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Lavasa.


    Rev Dr (Fr) Thomas C Mathew is an epitome of humanity, perseverance and selfless dedication for a noble cause. Fr Mathew is a visionary to the core and is instrumental in the expansion of the new campus. Rev Dr (Fr) Thomas C Mathew was awarded the rank of Honorary Colonel from the Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India on 23rdAugust 2012. It was an acknowledgement of his immense contribution to the society.


    As an academician, who has many years of experience in the field of education, his innovative contributions to society and nation are par excellence. As an educationist he made several contributions in the education system.


    Fr Thomas was pleased to note that the number of students in various colleges is increasing rapidly. He asserted that all efforts will prove futile if there is no commitment as mere existence has no value. Fr Thomas wished for a disciplined environment for students to excel in research, scholastic and non-scholastic pursuits.

    Fr Thomas C Mathew addressed BBA-A, BBA-B, BBA-C students in the morning from 10:40 – 11:35 AM in the Auditorium, Central Block. The welcome address was given by Valerena and Devanshi gave a vote of thanks. Fr Thomas, Ex Vice Chancellor briefed everyone about the functioning of a university. He appreciated the meticulous administration process in managing a new campus.


He articulated that there should be no compromise in matters related to education. Fr Thomas glorified the rich legacy which has been passed onto the present generation and they must strive hard to live up to the expectations and pass on the baton to future students.

He wisely said that discipline is important to achieve something in life. Certain things can't change on their own because only response can bring about a change. He further added that outcomes are based on perceptions and a response plays an important role in life.

Then he met MBA students in the afternoon between 2:30 – 3:30 PM in the Auditorium, Management Block. Annabel welcomed Fr Thomas on behalf of CIML and the vote of thanks was given by Akhil Laul. He advised the students to be more committed in matters related to education.

Fr Thomas began by referring to a McKinsey report called No Ordinary Disruption.The report focused on the kind of disruption we would see in the years to come. It highlighted four basic sectors such as urbanisation, technology, ageing population and globalisation. He spoke about technological disruption like mobile internet, internet of things, etc in daily life and felt that despite being a boon they affect human life adversely.

Fr Thomas rightly pointed out that people are adopting technology at a very fast rate as compared to earlier days when people were quite sceptic about the use of technology in daily life.

He advised students to be always active and use their energy constructively. Fr Thomas inspired MBA students to utilise their time in Lavasa in the best possible way because it offers a congenial atmosphere for learning. Fr Thomas also felt that the ambience has the potential to bring out the best in every student and is most suitable for self introspection.

Ex VC also spoke on the importance of emotional Intelligence. He interacted with the students and discussed the concept. He also stressed upon the importance of communication. In keeping with the present tend he mentioned that opportunities are increasing tremendously and the present generation is well prepared for emerging economies. He ended the talk on a hopeful note that half of the world population and GDP would emerge from an emerging economy like India by 2030.

 
   

    Then Fr Thomas met BA LLB, BBA LLB students from the Department of Law between 3:30 - 4:30 PM in the Central Block. Saumya welcomed Fr Thomas with grace and dignity suitable for a great academician and a visionary and Satarupa gave a vote of thanks at the end of an insightful talk. He articulated that a teacher must understand the implications of an interactive approach in pedagogical practices. It can best be done if they formulate new strategies combined with pedagogy.


    All efforts must be made to take quantum leaps to move away from traditional methods of teaching and incorporate research based teaching. It should be entirely interactive wherein a student feels confident to be a part of research based education. Fr Thomas motivated the students and wished the department success in all their ventures and set a benchmark for the next batches.


    Fr Thomas C Mathew met the teaching fraternity in the Smart Room from 4:45 – 5:45 PM. Fr Jossy appreciated the leadership style of Fr Thomas C Mathew and considered him to be a person of inspiration and passion, in his welcome address. The staff meeting commenced with a prayer. Fr Mathew expressed his gratitude to Director & Dean, Fr Jossy P George for his contribution in Lavasa becoming an off campus.


He gave a meaningful insight into integrated education for social change. Fr Thomas applauded the role of each teacher and congratulated them for being a valuable part of Christ family. He further appreciated the selfless efforts of Fr Jossy and Fr Arun in being able to impart education for social change.

He spoke about the origin of CHRIST and reiterated that the sole aim of establishing a new campus in Lavasa is to transform the ordinary with extraordinary efforts. Fr Thomas rightly said that our exemplary life should always remain the most important factor in life educational apostolate.

Fr Thomas insisted that teachers are role models for students. Their academic calibre can't be ignored and their sincerity towards their profession must be acknowledged. The teachers must maintain a culture of non dependence but nurture a culture of interdependence too.

Fr Thomas suggested that self actualisation by a teacher is required for holistic growth of a student and he or she must focus more on transformative pedagogy.

Fr Thomas found the teaching community of CHRIST, Lavasa as highly heterogeneous. He suggested that they ought to carry out joint projects and learn to manage conflicts in a spirit of respect for values of pluralism. Fr Thomas gave a detailed analysis about organisational culture and finally motivated the teaching community to be united under the guidance of Fr Jossy and turn ordinary into extraordinary, be a realist with the right attitude and work together as a team.

    Fr Thomas concluded the meeting by expressing deep gratitude and appreciation to all the faculty members. The vote of  thanks was given by Professor Vijaykumar.

    

    Finally, the eventful day concluded with Fr Thomas meeting the student council between 6:30 – 7:30 PM in the Smart Room, Central Block. Nazreen welcomed him whereas Ishika gave the vote of thanks.

    

    Rev Dr (Fr) Thomas C Mathew left an indelible impact in the mind and heart of students and teachers alike after spending a day in Lavasa campus. His words of wisdom will be remembered for days, months and years to come and everyone will seek inspiration from his practical wisdom.

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