Cl. Aristo Andrat sdb and Cl. Nelson Mudaliar sdb
DIVYADAAN, DECEMBER 13, 2011: On December 10, 2011, the Second Year Bachelor of Philosophy brothers of Divyadaan under the guidance of Fr. Felix Fernandes conducted a symposium on the burning issue of corruption and its effects. The theme of the symposium was – "Corruption: Who cares?" The presentation began at 2:00 and ended at 3:00 p.m. All the students and professors were present for this symposium. Together with them, the Salesian novices, a few S.S.C. students from Don Bosco School and confreres and sisters from the neighbouring communities were also in attendance.
The Symposium commenced with a short prayer service invoking the Holy Spirit and seeking God's assistance. The moderator of the symposium Cl. Nelson Mudaliar, sdb gave a brief description about corruption that is rampant in our society through a video presentation. After introducing the three speakers Cl. Bryce Rodrigues, sdb, Cl. Glen Fernandes, ofm cap and Cl. Vishal Bhise, ofm cap, the presentations began. Cl. Bryce started off with the description of corruption by citing various definitions and complementing them with concrete examples. He stressed on, 'Corruption is cancerous. It reeks, permeates, terrorizes and ruptures both society and relationships.
Cl. Glen Fernandes then came forward to dispel the "Who cares?" attitude of people by highlighting the different effects of corruption. At the end of his speech, he banged on the point that corruption at different levels is real and touches our lives. Finally, in order to suggest a few practical remedial measures to combat corruption, Cl. Vishal Bhise presented his paper. The presentation was sensible and concrete in pointing out the fact that however little our personal contribution may be, it helps us to weed corruption.
After the input session, time was given to the audience to raise questions, pose issues and to clarify their doubts. Practical questions were raised up related to economic, religious and even personal responsibility. The gathering had a good and mature discussion, built up on the theme and at the close of the symposium, each person went out of the hall with a good idea of corruption and also with the conviction that to weed out the evil of corruption one must begin at the personal level. The symposium concluded by a vote of thanks and the serving of refreshments.