St. Xavier’s College, Thumba, hosted a thought-provoking one-day seminar on "Interdisciplinarity: Contemporary Engagements and New Pathways" on October 19, 2024, at the Mother Theresa Hall. Organized by the Xavier-Loyola Institute of Interdisciplinary Research (XLIR), the seminar aimed to explore the significance of interdisciplinary approaches in today’s academic and professional landscape.
The event commenced with a prayer song, followed by a warm welcome from Dr. Nisha Rani, Principal of St. Xavier’s College, Thumba. Dr. Binoy Jacob, Director of XLIR, then outlined the seminar’s objectives and dynamics, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between various academic disciplines to address complex societal challenges.
The seminar was inaugurated by Prof. (Dr.) Rajan Gurukkal, Vice Chairman of the Kerala State Higher Education Council, who lit the ceremonial lamp. In his inaugural address, Dr. Gurukkal highlighted the critical need for interdisciplinary studies in higher education, stressing that modern-day challenges require innovative, integrative thinking that transcends traditional subject boundaries.
Following the inaugural address, the chief guest, Dr. Gurukkal, was honoured by Dr. (Fr) Sunny Jose SJ, Manager of St. Xavier’s College, Thumba. The event proceeded with a felicitation by Dr. Lenin Lal, Syndicate Member of the University of Kerala, who expressed his appreciation for the college’s efforts in fostering intellectual growth through such interdisciplinary initiatives.
The seminar featured two engaging presentation sessions. The first session, moderated by Dr. Sheena Das, Assistant Professor in the Department of Commerce at St. Xavier’s College, featured Dr. Jose Sebastian, a former faculty member of the Gulati Institute of Finance and Taxation (GIFT), who shared insights on the intersection of finance and taxation with other disciplines. The second session, moderated by Mr. Anoop P.K., Assistant Professor in the Department of English, featured a presentation by Dr. Tissy Mariyam Thomas, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Kerala, who discussed the psychological dimensions of interdisciplinary studies.
A panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Binoy Jacob, titled "Towards a Culture of Interdisciplinarity," provided further depth to the seminar. Panelists included Dr. Asharaf S., Dean of Development and Professor at the Digital University of Kerala, Dr. Augustine Pamplany, Dean of XLIR and Director of the Institute of Science and Religion, Ernakulum, and Dr. Legio Meril, Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at St. Xavier’s College, Thumba. The discussion focused on the potential of interdisciplinary collaboration to address global challenges, with each panellist offering perspectives from their respective fields.
The seminar concluded with a lively interactive session, where participants engaged with the speakers and panellists, reflecting on the diverse themes discussed throughout the day. Ms. Melisa Hilary efficiently compered the sessions, ensuring the program's smooth flow, while Ms. Jency James provided essential background support to coordinate the event.