Founder's Day Celebration

On the 3rd of January 2025, Christ (Deemed to be University), Pune, Lavasa Campus celebrated Founder's Day with enthusiasm, reverence, and a deep sense of gratitude towards the legacy of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, the founder of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI) congregation. The event was a significant occasion for the university community to reflect on its heritage and the ideals that continue to shape its educational mission.

The ceremony began with the opening remarks, setting a positive and reflective tone for the day. The speaker welcomed the gathered students, faculty, and distinguished guests while emphasizing the importance of Founder's Day as a moment to honor the visionary leadership of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara. The opening remarks highlighted the profound impact of CMI on education, social reform, and community development in India, inspiring all present to continue the legacy of excellence and service.

The opening session was followed by an insightful and thought-provoking talk delivered by Mr. Harish Naganna, an esteemed guest speaker. Mr. Naganna focused on the theme of manifestation and the power of cultivating a strong mind. He stressed the importance of clarity of thought, self-belief, and mental resilience in achieving personal and professional goals. Through real-life examples and anecdotes, Mr. Naganna inspired the audience to harness the power of positive thinking and self-discipline. His session was met with enthusiastic applause, and many students remarked afterward that it had given them a fresh perspective on goal-setting and self-improvement.

Following Mr. Naganna’s session, the Dean & Director, Dr. Fr. Lijo Thomas, addressed the audience. Father provided a deeper understanding of the life and contributions of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara. He shared how the saint, born in Kerala in the early 19th century, founded the CMI congregation with a mission to provide quality education and spiritual guidance. Underlining the revolutionary changes brought about by St. Chavara, father described how his vision of inclusive education led to the establishment of schools and institutions that provide learning opportunities for marginalized communities. 

He also reflected on how the principles of compassion, innovation, and holistic development, championed by St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, continue to guide Christ University’s educational philosophy. His words resonated deeply with the audience, reminding them of the responsibility to uphold these values in their academic and personal lives.

The address was followed by a detailed and insightful talk by the Associate Dean, Dr. Jibrael Jos, who shared more about the saint’s life journey and the lasting impact he left on the world. St. Chavara, through his dedication to social upliftment and spiritual leadership, not only transformed education but also laid the foundation for modern, value- based learning systems. He highlighted key milestones in St. Chavara’s life, such as the founding of the first Sanskrit school open to students of all castes, which was a radical step towards breaking social barriers and promoting equality in education.

The ceremony concluded with a sense of reverence and inspiration, as students, faculty, and guests reflected on the life and teachings of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara. The day served as a powerful reminder of the university’s roots in values-driven education and its ongoing mission to nurture socially responsible leaders.

Overall, the Founder's Day celebration was a resounding success. It not only honored the memory of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara but also reignited the commitment of CHRIST University community to the ideals of service, perseverance, and excellence. The event provided students and faculty with an opportunity to reconnect with the university’s foundational values and left everyone with a renewed sense of purpose.

As the day drew to a close, the participants departed with a feeling of pride in being part of an institution that upholds the noble legacy of a visionary leader who dedicated his life to education and social transformation. Founder's Day 2025 will be remembered as a day of learning, inspiration, and reaffirmation of the shared mission to create a better future through knowledge, compassion, and service.