Events & Conferences

The National Executive of CHAI (BOT) which met at Delhi under the presidentship of CHAI President Dr. Oliver A. Jetti on the 24th of Sept. 2016 decided to conduct the 17th CHAI Triennial at Delhi in October 2017 with the participation of all the ecclesiastical heads of Delhi Churches and the Civil and religious leaders from all over India, and Church History Scholars and students of all Indian States. An elaborate Indian Christian Historico Cultural EXPO will be a part of the Triennial as also an essay competition on the theme of the Triennial for college students and seminarians nationwide. The participants resolved to make the Delhi Triennial a memorable one even surpassing the achievements of all earlier 21st century Triennials at Kochi, Goa, Shillong, Hyderabad, and Ranchi. The North India Branch will host the Triennial.

 

Participants at the National Executive Committee Meeing (BOT) of the Church History Association of India  held at Delhi on the 24th Sept. 2016 with the CHAI National President Dr. Oliver A. jetti in front of the venue of the meet Vidya Jyothi College. L. to R. Dr. Francis Thonippara (Treasurer), Dr. George Oommen (Gen. Secretary), Dr. Varghese Perayil (Tiruvalla), Prof. George Menachery, Dr. Oliver Jetti, Dr. Leo Fernando (North India Branch President and Principal Vidya Jyothi)), Dr. Joe Kalappura (Patna), Dr. Charles Dias (Ex. M. P. and South India Secretary), Dr. John (Derhadoon), Dr. Manmese EKKA ( Eastern India President) and Dr. Cyril (Ranchi).


 

 

 

 Prof. George Menachery "The Famous Ollur Church" (Malayalam)

 

 

 Prof. George Menachery -Thomas Christian Culture:

Indianisation, Indigenisation, Inculturation

Christian Presence in Indian Architecture

 

Life of Apostle St. Thomas

 

The 15th Triennial Conference of the South Indian Branch of the Church History Association of India CHAI (15 – 17 May 2012) was inaugurated at Bangalore by the Vice-Chancellor of the Christ University Dr. Thomas C. Matthew by lighting a bronze lamp in the DVK Philosophy auditorium in the presence of Dr. Saju Chackalakkal (President DVK), CHAI Natioal President Dr. Oliver Jetti, Dr. Prameela Devi, Prof. George Menachery, Dr. Pasupulethi Manasseh (CHAI SIB Secretary), and Dr. Francis Thonippara (CHAI SIB President). The valedictory function was addressed by Dr. Thomas Aykkara, Rector, Dharmaram College

 

Platinum jubilee of CHAI to be held in Hyderabad

The Hindu, Hyderabad, April 26 Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD:The National Board of the Church History Association of India which met on Saturday has resolved to hold platinum jubilee triennial assembly here in July 2011.

A massive exhibition of early Church initiatives dating back to the first century AD covering the themes of socio-economic upliftment, literacy and printing technology initiation, peace promotion and other subjects would be the highlight of the assembly. Historians from India and observers from other countries will attend the event, according to Prof. Snaithong of Shillong and Prof. George Manachery of Kerala, president and general secretary respectively of CHAI.

Hyderabad, 24 April
The Church History Association of India CHAI celebrates its Platinum Jubilee and 15th Triennial together at the American Research Centre Complex Hyderabad / the ACTC on a large scale with five-day long programmes. The National office bearers and the Church History Association of Andhra Pradesh CHAAP the local organisers took this joint decision at a meeting presided over by Bishop Parmar at NCC HQ / Satyodaya, Hyderabad.

More than 18 Scholars will present papers at the Triennial on "Indian Christian Historical- Cultural Studies- Yesterday, today". A platinum Jubilee Commemoration Volume containing 75 learned papers edited by Dr. Oberland Snaithang (CHAI President) and Prof. George Menachery (CHAI Secretary General) will be published on the occasion. A National Essay competition on the preservation of Christian Monuments in India will be conducted under the charge of Dr. Varghese Perayil, prof. Agnes d’Sa, and Rev. Jeramia (ACTC). An Indian Christian Historico-Cultural Exhibition under the auspices of the association’s Northern, North-Eastern, Eastern, Western, and Southern branches will be organised under the leadership of Dr. Oliver, Dr. Francis Thonippara, Dr. Pasupalethi Manasseh, Dr. Thomas Edmunds, Dr. George Ummen, Dr. Mathias Mundadan, Rev. Jeramiah, Rev. P. Diggal and Dr. Leonardo Fernando. The national executive committee and the Twin Cities’ organizing committee solicited the active co-operation of Church leaders and historians to make the CHAI Platinum Jubilee celebrations a success. The delegates were received in typical and traditional Telugu style and decorated with Ponnadas and Veshtis by former Moderator Bishop Rev. Dr. Parmar.

CHAI 14th Triennial Conference, May 5-7, 2009, Shillong
 [Guest House Auditorium, North Eastern Hill University Campus]
Papers Presented and other Programmes
May 5, 2009
Inaugural Session
Chief Guest: Prof. Pamod Tandon,
Vice-Chancellor, North-Eastern Hill University
Keynote Address
Dr. Jose Kalapura, Acting General Secretary
“Christianity and Marginalised Communities in India: A Subaltern Historical Overview”
Academic Session-I
Moderator: Dr. Kranti K. Farias
Samuel Jeyakumar
“Christianity as a Change Agent in India Society: Ministry of the Poor and Oppressed Children of India”
Varghese Perayil
“Christianity and Dalit Liberation”
Thomas Edmunds
“The Impact of Christian Charismatic songs of Rev. Fr. S. J. Berchmans on the marginalized Communities in Tamil Nadu, India: A Critical Study”
Academic Session-II
Moderator: Prof. George Menachery
Jeanette Pinto
“The Siddis of Karnataka: The Siddis of Karnataka: From Slavery to Scheduled Tribe”
Pratap Digal
“Konds in Kondhamal: Problems and Prospects”
Charles Dias
“European Descendants in Kerala: A Discriminated Sect”
John Alexander
“Christianity as a Factor in Stamping out of Head Hunting Practice in Nagaland”
Visit to Sacred Heart Theological College/Don Bosco Museum
May 6, 2009
Academic Session-III
Moderator: Thomas Edmunds
P. C. Laltlani
“Women as Marginalized Community within the Mizoram Presbyterian Church”
Santha Prabhuraj
“Missed Dei Marginalis: The Nilgaria: A Case Study”
V. L. Hruaia Khiangte
“Analysis of Sources in the History of Christianity in Mizoram: A Critique from a Mizo Christian Perspective”
Academic Session-IV
Moderator: Dr. Vanlal Chhuanawma
Joan Dias
"Folklore and Oral Tradition As an expression of Progress and Development in South Gujarat”
Alex Mathew
“The Role of Prathyaksha Reksha Daiva Sabha: Emancipation of Dalits with Special Reference to Sri Kumaragurudevan”
George Menachery
“Impact of the Christian Presence on the Situation of Women in 19th Century Kerala”
Sandeep Gaikward
"Safeguarding Historical Churches from Illegal Sale by Bishops/Priests/ Trustees/Board of Directors of Missions in India"
Academic Session-V
Moderator: Fr. Francis Thonippara
George Oommen
“Gandhi’s Early Christian Encounter”
Dr. Thongkhosei Haokip
“Christianity and the Kukis: A Critical Relook”
Kranti Farias
“Within Bounds No More: Christian Work with the Marginaliszed Communities of Maharashtra”
Panel Discussion
“Christianity in North East India: A Vision for the Future”
Chair-Dr. Kranti K. Farias, President, CHAI
Speakers
Dr. O. L. Snaitang
Rev. Dr. Paul Vadakumpadan
Dr. Vanlal Chhuanawma
Dr. David Syiemlieh
Valedictory
May 7, 2009
Business Session of CHAI
Vote of Thanks
Joint Sitting of Old and New Office - bearers
Site seeing tour of Shillong
--Dr. Jose Kalapura, S. J., General Secretary (Acting), CHAI;
Dr. Kranti K. C. Farias, President, CHAI

 
   

The new office-bearers and members of the Board of Trustees of CHAI, the Church History Association of India elected at the Shillong Triennial. (From left to right):Dr. Varghese Perayil (Member of the BOT), Dr. Agnes de'Sa (Joint Secretary), Prof. George Menachery (General Secretary), Dr. "Cardinal" Thomas Edmonds (Vice - president), Dr. O. L. Snaitang (President), Fr. Sebastian Edathikkavil (Treasurer), Dr. George Oommen (Member BOT), and Dr. Jose Kalappura ( Editor, ICHR).
 

 

Some of the distinguished participants and delegates at the 14th Triennial of CHAI at Shillong.

Dr. O. L. Snaitang elected CHAI President, Prof. George Menachery General Secretary

SHILLONG, May 10
At the Church History Association of India (CHAI) Triennial General Body Meeting held at the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) , Shillong, Dr. O. L. Snaitang (former National Secretary, and now President of the NE India Branch) was elected President.

Rev. "Cardinal" Thomas Edmunds, Tamil Nadu, was elected Vice- President. Prof. George Menachery (former Vice-President) was elected General Secretary of the Association and Dr. Agnes de’Sa, Maharashtra, the Joint Secretary. S. Edathikavil, DVK, Karnataka, was elected the Treasurer. Dr. George Oommen (Deradun) and Dr. Verghese Perayil (Aroor) were also elected to the Board of Trustees of CHAI.

Dr. A. M. Mundadan will continue as the Editor-in-Charge of the ongoing History of Christianity in India project while Dr. Joe Kalappura (Patna) was appointed editor of the CHAI Journal, Indian Church History Review (ICHR).

The 14th Triennial of the Southern India region will be held in Thrissur in October, 2009 while the 15th Triennial of the National Association and the Platinum Jubilee will be hosted by the Southern India Branch.

The Vice-Chancellor of the NEHU, Dr. Pramod Tandon inaugurated the meet, presided over by the President of CHAI, Dr. Kranthi Farias. The Key Note address was delivered by Dr. J. Kalappura, Secretary.

The NE regional president Dr. O. L. Snaitang, NE Branch Secretary and Registrar cum Controller of the NEHU Dr. David Syiemlieh were the main organisers of the meet (ably supported by Ms. Dr. Amena Passah) at which more than 20 papers on the Theme of the Conference "Christianity and the Marginalised in India" were presented by scholars from every region of india.

ANNOUNCEMENT

14th CHAI Southern Branch Conference

My Dear CHAI SIB Members,
A General Gathering of the CHAI Southern Branch was held on May 5, 2009 at Shillong. It was decided to have the next CHAI Southern Branch Conference held at Trichur from the Afternoon of Saturday October 17th to the Afternoon of Monday October 19th, 2009 in the premises of the Archbishop’s House, Trichur. SIB members please note down the dates and make sure of your participation. Prof. Chev. George Menachery (Ollur, 680306. 09846033713, kunjethy@gmail.com) has already begun the local level planning of the Conference. Rev. Dr. Samuel Jayakumar will co-ordinate the scholarly papers to be presented at the Conference. The main theme of the Conference will be: " Challenges and Prospects of Christianity in India Today". Those who are interested in presenting papers may contact: Rev. Dr. Samuel Jayakumar. 19/C (new No. 26), Appadurai Main Street, Ayanavaram, Chennai 600023, Tel.: 044- 26602134, 09445107984, revsjayakumar@yahoo.co.uk Registration fee for the Conference (Rs. 300) may be sent to me by M.O. Early confirmation of your participation would be appreciated.

With warm regards,
Francis Thonippara
CMI, CHAI Southern Branch Secretary.080 41116230, 09480582973 fthonippara@dvk.in, president@dvk.in
Prof. Dr. Francis Thonippara, CMI, President / Principal, Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram, Pontifical Athenaeum of Philosophy, Theology, and Canon Law, Dharmaram College, Bangalore, 560029.

An Appeal
The SOUVENIR
of the
Church History Association of India
14TH Triennial Conference
Nehru Campus, Shillong, MAY 5-7, 2009
THEME: CHRISTIANITY AND THE MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES IN INDIA

Dear Sir/Madam:
Greetings to you in Christ’s name!
This appeal has reference to the 14 th Triennial Conference of the Church History Association of India (CHAI) that is being held at NEHU Campus, May 5-7, 2009 on the theme: CHRISTIANITY AND THE MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES IN INDIA. The last Triennial Conference was hosted by the Western India Branch at the Pastoral Institute, Pius X, Old Goa in October 28-31, 2005. The North Eastern Branch of CHAI will host its forthcoming 14 th Triennial Conference and the venue will be the North Eastern Hill University Campus, Shillong 793022. It has been planned to bring out a fitting Souveniron this auspicious occasion.. Articles of historical significance will be published therein. In this connection, we would like you to include your advertisements in the same . The tariffs are as under: -
Back cover full page (colour) Rs. 10,000. 00
Back cover half page (colour) Rs. 7,000. 00
Inside cover full page (colour) Rs. 8,000. 00
Inside cover half page (colour) Rs. 5,000. 00
Inside full page (black & white) Rs. 1,000. 00
Inside half page (black & white) Rs. 600. 00
Inside quarter page (black & white) Rs. 400. 00
May I appeal to you to kindly contribute to the CHAI Branch and send your contribution through DD or Cheque drawn in favour of the Treasurer, Church History Association of India – North Eastern India Branch so as to reach her by the 20th of April 2009. Kindly indicate the type and tariff of the advertisement. Your contribution will help the host Branch in holding a successful Triennial Conference in the larger interest of the participants, the Church, the nation and more importantly of the marginalized communities.
With kind regards. Sincerely yours,
Dr. O. L. Snaitang, Convener & Editor, Souvenir Committee.
Mob. 09856642859, Email:
olsnaitang@yahoo.com

Important Announcement
14TH TRIENNIAL CONFERENCE OF THE
CHURCH HISTORY ASSN. OF INDIA

Welcome to the 14th Triennial Conference, May 5-7, 2009, Shillong

[Tentative Venue: North Eastern Hill University Campus/Pastoral Centre]

Theme: Christianity and the Marginalised Communities in India 

Conference Invitation
Members of the Church History Association of India and other scholars are invited to participate in the 14th National Triennial Conference of the Church History Association of India (CHAI), which will be held from May 5-7, 2009 at Shillong, Meghalaya.   

Conference Description
In India as elsewhere, the impact of the Christian mission work/evangelization has been great on the marginalized sections of society.

The theme—Christianity and the Marginalized Communities in India—is intended to carry forward serious study on Christianity in India, taking a fresh look at some of the specific engagements and impact of Christianity in India over the past two millennia.  

Apart from the existing studies on Christianity in India, scholars are invited to make further comprehensive, multi-disciplinary studies on any aspect of the theme from diverse perspectives — historical, sociological, anthropological…— on Christianity’s engagement, interaction and impact on the marginalized communities/people groups in India. The focus could be on the community rather than missionary agents in such categories as any:

- period in history - ancient, medieval, modern, or contemporary;

- geographical or linguistic region in India;

- demographic segment such as children, women, students, etc.;

- social class - Dalits, Tribals, B.C., O.B.C. etc.;

- economically deprived section - poor labourers, child labourers, trafficked women, slaves and semi-bonded communities. 

The length of the Paper should not exceed 5000 words (approximately 10 pages (single-spaced 8.5” X 11” (A4 size)-typed pages in 12 pt. Arial or Times New Roman font). computer typed in Microsoft Word format and should be submitted by e-mail to the Co- ordinator, Dr. David R. Syiemlieh or, Dr. O. L. Snaitang on or before April 15, 2009. 
 Kindly send without fail your:

1) Participant Attending Form,
2) Registration Fee,
3) Abstract, and
4) Paper, to the Contact Person - Prof. Dr. David R. Syiemlieh (syiemlieh@hotmail.com) or Dr. O. L. Snaitang (olsnaitang@yahoo.com).

Members of CHAI are encouraged to circulate this information among non-member participants.

Deadlines:

  • Registration (paying fee (Rs 300/-) and sending Participant Attending Form): March 15, 2009

  • Sending the Abstract of the Paper: March 31, 2009

  • Sending the Paper: April 15, 2009 

Dear CHAI Members,

The 14th Triennial is being organized and hosted by the North-East Branch of CHAI, thanks particularly to particularly the President and Secretary of North East CHAI, Dr. O. L. Snaitang and Prof. Dr. David R. Syiemlieh.

The sessions of the Conference will start in the afternoon of May 5, 2009 and will close by the evening of 7th. Accommodation will be arranged from May 4 evening (earliest) to the morning of May 8, 2009 (latest). Member-delegates and other participants  will have to make onward and return travel arrangements on their own.

For clarifications and further details contact:

Contact Persons

 For all related further details of the Conference (exact venue, confirmation of your participation, arrival, departure, registration, accommodation, Conference Paper presentations…), you are requested to contact :

Prof. Dr. David R. Syiemlieh,

Coordinator, 14th CHAI Triennial Conference 2009,

Controller of Examinations,

North Eastern Hill University,

Umshing – Mawkynroh, Shillong - 793022, Meghalaya

Mob: 09436103103, E-mail: syiemlieh@hotmail.com

          Or

Dr. O. L. Snaitang,

Kench’s Trace,

Opp. Assamese Girls Secondary School,

Shillong 793004, Meghalaya

Mob. 09856642859, Email: olsnaitang@yahoo.com

Acting General Secretary Dr. Jose Kalapura, S. J.

Mob: 09431815826; E-mail: jkalapura@rediffmail.com 

CHAI - The Church History Association of India 
 Old Goa Oct. 2005
13th Triennial Conference of CHAI
Theme: 
"Indian Society and Culture:An Encounter with Christianity" 

Inaugurated by H.G.The  Patriarch of the East and  Archbishop of Goa and Daman

Filip Neri Ferrao 

The following were elected officials of CHAI:

President

Dr.Mrs.Kranthi Farias Bombay

Vice-Presidents 

 Dr. Jos Kalappura Patna

Prof. George Menachery Ollur Thrissur Kerala

Secretary General

Mr. N. Surya Rao Allahabad

Treasurer

Fr.Sebastian Edathikavil c.m.i. B'lore

Executive Committee Members

Rev. D.J.Jeremiah Hyderabad

Rev. S. K. Nanda Ganjam Ortissa

ICHR 

Dr. Leonard Fernando s.j. to continue in charge of the association's journal Indian Church History Review

History of Christianity in India

Rev. Dr. A. M. Mundadan c.m.i. to continue in charge of the History of Christianity in India project 

The conference proceedings were ably guided by Dr.Arthur Jeyakumar (Madurai - Immediate Past President 1999-2005) 

The conference was hosted by the Western Branch of CHAI and excellently organised by its president Dr.M.D.David,ably supported by its secretary Mrs. Agnes de Sa and companions.

Papers Presented

The following papers were presented at the 2005 conference:

Dr.Roger Hedlund (read by Jessica Richard):

Society and Culture and the Encounter with Christianity in Serampore 

Dr.O.L.Snaitang:

Nineteenth Century Encounter with Indian Society

Dr.Ms. Joan Dias:

Communicative Encounters of Some Women Leaders  in the Transformation of Society during the 19th & 20th Centuries

Dr. Mrs.N.M. Khandpear:

Impact of Christianity on Socio-Economic life of Konkan

Prof. Ms. Jennifer Rodrigues:

Socio-Cultural Background of Goan Catholic Christians in Mumbai

Dr.Charles Dias:

Contributionof the Portuguese in the Development of Church in Kerala

Dr.Arthur Jeyakumar:

Group Conversion Movements to Christianity in the Indian Sub-Continent

Dr.Mrs.Jeanette Pinto:

Women Missionaries and the Warlis

Prof.George Menachery:

Aspects of the Idea of "Clean and Unclean" Among the Brahmins, the Jews, and the St. Thomas Christians of Kerala

Mr.Gerald Misquitta:

East Indian Christians and their Socio-Cultural Background

Fr.Cosme Jose Costa:

Unique Goan Culture - An Encounter with Christianity 

The papers by Dr. Kranthi Farias and Dr.Bernard Sami gave much food for thought. Papers by Bishop Dr. S.Jebanesan, Dr.Thomas Edmund, and Dr. N. Bejamin were not presented on account of their absence. 

Excursions, Walking Tours, and Entertaintments

The Western Branch had done it great! The cruise on board the Santa Monica was unforgettable what with the special welcome offered to CHAI delegates, the scintillating music, and the charming dances. The Goan folk music Manddeea Magi led by Mrs. M. H. Martires was indeed exhilerating. The compering by Ms.Jeanette was peerless.

The Dinner hosted at the Fundacao Oriente by its director after the tour of Panjim will always remain in the memory of the participants. The presence of dignitaries there including the Secretary of the Patriarch will be remembered by many. The visits to the many places of interest in Goa including churches, seminaries, and beaches under the leadership of Fr.Aubrey of Heras, Fr.Cosme of Pilar and Msgr. Correa of Bassein, were enlightening as well as edifying.