Kalaburagi: In a landmark move to enhance pastoral vision and lay leadership, the Diocese of Gulbarga inaugurated its first-ever Think Tank Unit at the Sugyan Pastoral Centre in Kalaburagi. Designed to promote collaborative thinking and intellectual engagement, the initiative seeks to bring together clergy, laity, professionals, and learners to discern new pathways for the Church’s mission in northern Karnataka.
The event began with a warm welcome by Fr. Santhosh Bapu, who highlighted the Think Tank as a vital step in empowering the diocese to respond creatively to social and spiritual challenges. His address set the tone for a day of dialogue, reflection, and strategic planning centered on faith and leadership renewal.
Delivering the presidential message, Bishop Robert Miranda of Gulbarga called for deeper unity between clergy and laity, noting that the Church’s mission thrives when all its members contribute their gifts in a spirit of shared responsibility. “The Church grows when we think together, act together, and pray together,” the Bishop said, urging participants to view the Think Tank as a dynamic space for pastoral innovation.
The keynote address was delivered by Fr. Sudeep Paul, Director of Sandesha Trust, Mangalore, who outlined the role of the Think Tank as a platform for informed reflection and practical collaboration. He emphasized that the Church must nurture spaces where faith meets professional expertise integrating theology, education, social justice, and communication into one holistic mission. “A Think Tank gives structure to the Spirit’s inspiration,” he said, encouraging members to focus on long-term planning rather than reactive decision-making.
Mr. Roy Castelino, PRO of the Diocese of Mangalore and President of the Think Tank, spoke passionately on the contemporary relevance of the initiative. He underlined the urgent need for faith formation and critical engagement in fields such as law, health, youth development, and civic participation. Castelino also stressed that empowering the laity through education and leadership opportunities is essential to sustaining the Church’s mission in a changing world. “We are called to be builders of peace, justice, and responsible citizenship,” he reminded the participants.
Following the plenary sessions, around thirty delegates from different parishes across the diocese divided into four focus groups to discuss key pastoral priorities. The discussions covered topics such as education, social outreach, faith formation, and administrative collaboration. The participants presented practical recommendations to strengthen diocesan structures and create sustainable community-based initiatives.
A symbolic highlight of the event was the formal inauguration of the Think Tank Unit, followed by the election of office bearers:
• President: Mr. Niel Santhosh (Gulbarga)
• Vice President: Mr. Peter (Bijapur)
• Secretary: Mrs. Anitha (Gulbarga)
• Joint Secretary: Mr. Praveen Paul (Bidar)
The day concluded with a vote of thanks and a renewed commitment to “journey together” in faith and service. Participants expressed optimism that the Think Tank will become a cornerstone for leadership formation, policy dialogue, and pastoral innovation within the Gulbarga Diocese.
As the Diocese looks to the future, the Think Tank stands as a symbol of renewal encouraging dialogue between faith and reason, empowering the laity, and fostering a culture of collective discernment rooted in the Gospel and guided by the Spirit.