Ujjain: A milestone moment was marked at Ruhalaya College of Philosophy in Ujjain, as the institution was officially declared an Institute for Philosophy under Dharmaram Vidyakshetram, Bangalore. The decree formalizing this elevation was presented by Dharmaram Vidyakshetram President Rev. Dr. Mathew A. Tingal to Rev. Dr. Vincent Kadalikattil, Director General of the St. Thomas Missionary Society (MST), Puthanpura.
The announcement was made during a solemn ceremony chaired by Archbishop Mar Sebastian Vadakkel of Ujjain, with Parasala Bishop Thomas Mar Eusebius gracing the event as chief guest. Sagar Bishop Mar James Atthikalam delivered the benediction address, emphasizing the academic and ecclesiastical importance of this recognition. He also formally released the newly drafted statutes of the institute.
On the occasion, Archbishop Vadakkel, who was recently elevated as head of the Ujjain Archdiocese, was honored in the presence of clergy, scholars, and seminarians. Rector of Ruhalaya Major Seminary Rev. Dr. Manoj Parakkal, MST Ujjain Regional Director Rev. Dr. Sebastian Pullat, and Rev. Dr. George Kulangara CMI, Dean of Studies at Dharmaram Vidyakshetram’s Philosophy Institute, addressed the gathering with reflections on the Church’s intellectual mission.
As part of the academic sessions, Rev. Dr. Thomas Kannani MST presented a paper on “The Importance of God in a Changing World,” highlighting the continuing relevance of theology and philosophy in a rapidly transforming society. Adding further to the intellectual richness of the event, a book edited by Rev. Dr. Venus Karamulil MST—compiled from the papers presented at last year’s National Philosophical Conference was also released.
Founded in 1986 under the auspices of the St. Thomas Missionary Society (MST), Ruhalaya has played a pivotal role in nurturing philosophical inquiry within the Syro-Malabar Church. Over the past 39 years, the seminary has guided 1,119 clerical students through their philosophy studies, preparing them for priestly and missionary service.
The recognition of Ruhalaya as an Institute for Philosophy under Dharmaram Vidyakshetram marks a significant step in its academic journey, further integrating it with the broader intellectual and spiritual tradition of the Syro-Malabar Church while reinforcing its role as a center for deep reflection and dialogue in today’s world.