Vice Chancellor, Dr Fr Abraham V M Addresses Teaching Fraternity Of CHRIST, Lavasa

Three pillars of CHRIST, Bengaluru namely Vice Chancellor, Dr Fr Abraham Vettiyankal M, CMI, Pro Vice Chancellor, Dr Fr Joseph C C  and Fr Joby; Chief Finance Officer of CHRIST University, Bangalore were present under one roof and addressed the teaching fraternity of CHRIST, (Deemed to be University), Lavasa in the Central Block on 10^th October 2019.

Vice Chancellor, Dr Fr Abraham Vettiyankal M, CMI has excellent credentials in the field of academics and administration. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, and Theology from Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram, Bangalore; a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Mathematics from University of Calicut; and a Master’s in Computer Science from Iona College, New York. He obtained his PhD in Mathematics from Bangalore University, in the area of graph theory. As an accomplished scholar, Fr Abraham has significant publications and figures on the Editorial Board of reputed journals.

In his career at Christ spanning almost 30 years, Fr Abraham has served in various capacities, as Principal of Christ Junior College; Finance Officer of Christ College; Professor, Department of Mathematics; and Director, Centre for Research. As the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University, the CMI priest had played a significant role in policy making and reinvigorating its academic culture. Fr Abraham V M, served as Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Christ (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru for past 10 years and succeeded Dr Fr Thomas C Mathew as Vice-Chancellor in March 2019. 

Pro Vice Chancellor, Dr Fr Joseph C C, did post-graduation from Maharaja SayajiRao University of Baroda, B Ed from Bangalore University, M Ed from Karnataka State Open University, and PhD from Pondicherry University. He is a Professor in the Department of International Studies and History.

Director & Dean Dr Fr Jossy P George recalled the journey of CHRIST, Lavasa when it began five years back and how it stands as an independent institution today. He thanked Dr Fr Abraham who worked hard to see the dream materialize. Fr Jossy spoke about his viable suggestions which paved way for an educational off campus and which has made perceptible difference in the lives of its students and teachers. Fr Jossy expressed his gratitude to Dr Fr Abraham for his valuable guidance and constant motivation. Fr Jossy acknowledged Fr Joseph’s contribution, who has been the Founder of Lavasa campus and who dreamt of the place and planned everything meticulously. Fr Jossy also thanked Fr Joby; Chief Finance Officer of CHRIST University, Bengaluru who offered his unflinching support and stood firmly through thick and thin.

The staff meeting began with an orientation by Head of Academics, Dr Binu P Paul. He spoke about the current status of the campus regarding academics with specific reference to programs being offered under collaborations and certifications and possible research themes, targets and resources. He gave some inputs about a proposed program for the next academic year which intends to introduce M Sc Finance and B Sc Economics and Analytics. Dr Binu is highly optimistic about the future prospects of CHRIST, Lavasa and has high hopes that the college will prove its mettle and carve a niche for itself.

Dr Fr Joseph CC was delighted to see a large group of teachers and fondly recalled the days when the college began with a few students. He complimented Fr Jossy and Fr Arun on the present strength of students and faculty members and expressed joy to see his dream come true. Fr Joseph applauded their untiring efforts in converting a small area into a full-fledged campus. He motivated the faculty members to be instrumental in fostering and nurturing the CHRIST culture in Lavasa. Fr Joseph rightly mentioned that the institute will grow once the teachers strive hard to carry forward the rich legacy of fifty years in the field of education.

Fr Joseph wished that CHRIST, Lavasa must come up to the expectations of NAAC during its visit in 2021 and it must comply with the detailed guidelines or different parameters as laid down for the college to emulate. He further added that the country needs programs which are oriented towards faculty development and student’s growth. He mentioned that CHRIST University has high hopes from Lavasa campus and it must contribute to the overall growth of the college as an institution of education. Fr Joseph categorically mentioned that teaching and learning go hand in hand and despite being fairly new teachers play a key role in the progress of a student.

Fr Joby expressed satisfaction at the progress of academics and offered financial support in its future endeavours for the welfare of a student. As a taxonomist he felt pleased to see the progress and wished the college to reach pinnacles of success under the able guidance of Fr Jossy.

 Vice Chancellor, Dr Fr Abraham Vettiyankal M went down the memory lane and recalled the year 2007 when he landed in Lavasa and upon being impressed by the ambience decided to build a campus. He is hopeful that with the passage of time students will show more interest in taking admission at CHRIST, Lavasa. The added feature of flawless infrastructure and comfortable stay will attract students to join the college. Fr Abraham reiterated that campus specific syllabus will definitely enrich a student once they pass out from here.

He wished for an all-round development of a student and wants CHRIST, (Deemed to be University), Lavasa to be much sought after globally. He inspired the teachers to have faith in their caliber and refrain from comparing themselves with others. The faculty members must keep the overall vision and mission of CHRIST in mind which is Excellence and Service. He appreciated the hard work of Fr Jossy and Fr Arun and wished them all the best. He motivated the teachers to prepare a plan for 2031 and maintain the happiness quotient by being humane, committed and passionate about their job.

Dr Fr Abraham ended his address on an optimistic note and complemented some teachers for their valuable contribution in the development of the college. He inspired all the teachers to devote time to research and publications and is hopeful that by 2031, when CMI will celebrate its 200^th anniversary, CHRIST, Lavasa will come a long way. He wished for more campus connect programs.  Dr Fr Abraham answered questions posed by the teachers convincingly and encouraged them to believe in themselves.