ON 24 July 2026, two of us set out on a three-hour Uber journey towards Dharma
Jyoti Vidya Peeth (DJVP), nestled in Faridabad, Haryana. My companion was
travelling with a quiet sense of purpose, ready to begin his Bachelor of
Divinity course. He is the fourth young man from our community in Manipur to
arrive at the seminary this year, following three others who had made the
journey in the days just before us. Yet, even as we celebrated his arrival, our
hearts remained heavy for two other hopeful students still stuck in Manipur.
Unable to leave as safety risks mount with every passing day, their plight is a
sobering reminder of the fragile times we live in, and they remain constantly
in our thoughts and prayers.
Upon
our arrival, the atmosphere shifted into one of deep grace and hospitality. We
were greeted with immense warmth by the Principal, Rev. Dr. Mathew K. Muthalaly,
alongside the faculty and students. Their generous welcome left an impression
that we will cherish for a very long time. Sadly, we missed the opportunity to
meet another esteemed faculty member, Rev. Abin Srampickal Abraham, who was
admitted to the hospital. We pray earnestly for his speedy recovery, trusting
that God will grant him swift healing and restored strength.
.jpg)
Our time at the seminary proved to be deeply nourishing for both the spirit and the body. We had the profound privilege of joining the community for their evening prayers, sharing in a quiet moment of reflection and devotion. Afterwards, we joined the students in the hostel for dinner -- a lively “chicken night” -- leaving us feeling physically replenished and spiritually blessed. Looking back at the chain of events that brought us here, I am reminded of the words in Jeremiah 33:3: “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”
.jpg)
That
verse resonated deeply because the journey to this point felt like a testament
to divine providence, brought about through unexpected connections. I owe a
special debt of gratitude to the senior journalist Mr A.J. Philip, whose
insightful write-ups I faithfully followed during my college days at UTC,
Bengaluru. It was through Mr Philip’s kind introduction that I was first
connected via phone with Rev. Dr Muthalaly and Rev. Srampickal. Through those
initial conversations, doors opened with extraordinary speed. In just thirteen
days, four young people from our community -- who otherwise had no financial
path to higher theological study -- were granted full sponsorships to study at
this prestigious institution. May God bless these individuals abundantly for
opening their arms and resources to those in need.
.jpg)
The conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo
communities began on 3 May 2023, sparked by tribal protests against a Manipur
High Court ruling from 27 March 2023. The order had directed the state
government to consider granting ST status to the Meitei community.
.jpg)
Since then, the violence
has claimed over 300 Kuki-Zo lives, destroyed 7,000 homes along with 360
churches and synagogues, and displaced 41,425 Kuki-Zo people. In May 2023,
Imphal’s only two theological seminaries: Trulock Theological Seminary and
Restoration Theological College, were burnt down and uprooted. As peace remains
elusive, thousands of Kuki-Zo youths continue to face immense hurdles in
continuing their academic and theological education.
.jpg)
Standing on the grounds of Dharma Jyoti Vidya Peeth, one quickly senses the rich legacy of the institution. For over twenty-five years, DJVP has been faithfully serving churches across Northern India, equipping pastors, evangelists, lay leaders, and believers for active ministry. Founded in the year 2000 by the Mar Thoma Church, the seminary was established with a dedicated vision: to train young men and women for mission work in North India through an approach that is ecumenically committed, Christ-centered, mission-focused, and deeply practical.
The
seminary’s foundational roots are tied to the rich history of the Malankara Mar
Thoma Syrian Church, often referred to as the Mar Thoma Church or the Reformed
Syrian Church. Headquartered in Kerala, India, it is an autonomous Oriental
Protestant Christian church that traces its heritage directly to Saint Thomas
the Apostle, who according to tradition brought the Gospel to the Malabar coast
in AD 52. While the church continues to preserve ancient Syriac worship
practices -- using a reformed version of the West Syriac Rite Divine Liturgy of
Saint James translated into Malayalam -- its theology and doctrines are
distinctly Protestant. The Mar Thoma Church eloquently captures its own
identity as being apostolic in origin, universal in nature, biblical in faith,
evangelical in principle, ecumenical in outlook, oriental in worship,
democratic in function, and episcopal in character. By weaving together
Scripture, Sacrament, and Service, it maintains a vibrant living tradition
rooted in ancient Eastern heritage.
Today,
Dharma Jyoti Vidya Peeth carries that rich heritage forward by offering a wide
range of academic and practical programmes for those called to service. For
degree seekers, the seminary offers the Bachelor of Divinity, Bachelor of
Mission, Bachelor of Theology, and Bachelor of Christian Studies. Additionally,
it caters to specialized and foundational learning through diplomas such as the
Diploma in Clinical Pastoral Counselling and Diploma in Christian Studies,
alongside certificate courses in Theology, Mission, and Christian Studies, as
well as short-term training tailored for laypersons and evangelists.
Our
visit was a powerful reminder of how faith, human kindness, and education can
intersect to create a haven of hope -- even amidst the darkest trials facing
our communities back home. For those wishing to learn more about the seminary’s
life and work, detailed information about their mission and courses can be
found on their official website at djvp.org.
SOME CLICKS: GARDEN
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
A visit to St Andrew's Church, Hubli
A visit to St George's Church, Hyderabad
.jpeg)
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comments not related to the topic will be removed immediately.