Chavara Lecture Series 2024

“Education as a Catalyst for Social Transformation”

 18 December 2024 | 6:30 PM

Sri Sathya Sai International Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi Organised by Chavara Cultural Centre, Delhi

Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament, distinguished author, and former diplomat, who graced the occasion as Chief Guest and delivered the Keynote Lecture.

The programme commenced with a warm introduction by the hosts, Amal Roy and Martina Thankachan, who presented the Chavara Lecture Series as an initiative to carry forward the legacy of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, the visionary reformer who recognized education as the foundation of social transformation.

The Welcome Address was delivered by Rev. Dr. Fr. Roby Kannamchirayil CMI, Director of the Chavara Cultural Centre, who highlighted St. Chavara’s pioneering contributions to universal education, including the establishment of the first Sanskrit School in Kerala in 1846 open to all castes and creeds, and his bold advocacy for women’s education as a cornerstone of sustainable social development.

The Presidential Address was delivered by Bishop Deepak Valerian Tauro, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Delhi, who reflected on the transformative power of education in nurturing moral leadership and strengthening national development.

In his keynote lecture, Dr. Shashi Tharoor, MP, expressed his deep honour in delivering the St. Chavara Lecture and commended the Chavara Cultural Centre for its sustained commitment to interreligious harmony and social engagement. Reflecting on St. Chavara’s conviction that all humankind shares equal dignity, he emphasized that education remains the most powerful instrument for dismantling inequality and building an inclusive, egalitarian society. He noted that St. Chavara’s vision was far ahead of his time and continues to hold profound relevance in addressing contemporary challenges of exclusion and social disparity.

The session was expertly moderated by George Kallivayalil, Editor-in-Chief of Bureau, Deepika Daily, New Delhi, and Event Coordinator, who guided the proceedings and facilitated the Interactive Q&A Session, allowing participants to engage directly with the Chief Guest on themes of education, reform, leadership, and social responsibility.

The event was attended by Members of Parliament, religious leaders from various faith traditions, academicians, professors, students, and scholars, reflecting a shared commitment to dialogue, intellectual engagement, and national development through education.

The evening concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Bishop Deepak Valerian Tauro, Rev. Dr. Fr. Roby Kannamchirayil CMI, the moderator, hosts, and all distinguished guests for their inspiring presence and contribution.

The Chavara Lecture Series 2024 once again reaffirmed the Chavara Cultural Centre’s mission to promote transformative education, intellectual discourse, and social harmony rooted in the enduring vision of St. Chavara.