The Prof. Aravind P. Nirmal Endowment Lecture, held at Gurukul Lutheran Theological College and Research Institute, Chennai, on 23 September 2026, constituted a significant academic and contextual theological engagement with the theme, “From Dalit Theology to Global Theology on Inherited Social Hierarchies.” The lecture was delivered by Dr. N. Paul Divakar, a distinguished human rights activist and Dalit rights advocate with approximately four decades of engagement, and a leader associated with the Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent, The Inclusivity Project, and the Global Call to Action Against Poverty.

The thematic focus situated Dalit theology within a wider global discourse concerning inherited structures of social hierarchy, discrimination, exclusion, and human dignity. The movement from Dalit theology toward global theology suggests an important expansion of contextual theological reflection beyond its immediate socio-cultural location toward transnational questions of structural injustice and communities discriminated on the basis of work and descent. The programme itself embodied this contextual orientation through the inclusion of Parai Aattam (Dalit Drum Dance) scholarly lecture, and conversation was the highlight of the Lecture. The event brought together theological memory, Dalit contextuality, human rights advocacy, and global theological reflection in a significant academic forum.

The Rev. Dr. Prasanna Kumari Endowment Lecture, held at Gurukul Lutheran Theological College and Research Institute on 8 September 2026, provided a significant academic and theological forum for critical reflection on “The Challenge of Living Up to a Renewed Theological Vision and Women’s Studies.” The lecture was delivered by Dr. Aruna Gnanadasan, distinguished theologian and global ecumenical leader and former Executive Director for Planning and Integration of the World Council of Churches.

The theme foregrounded the continuing imperative of rearticulating theological vision in conversation with women’s experiences, scholarship, and ecclesial participation. Within the broader framework of theological education, the lecture invited sustained reflection on the relationship between theological renewal, gender justice, institutional responsibility, and the transformative vocation of the Church.  The lecture functioned not merely as a commemorative academic occasion but as a constructive theological space in which memory, scholarship, women’s studies, and contemporary ecclesial challenges converged toward a renewed vision for theological education and Christian witness.

 

  The Rev. Dr. Augustine Jeyakumar Endowment Lecture 2026-2027 was held on Friday, August 7th, 2026, at 4:30PM in the Ziegenbalg Auditorium, Gurukul Lutheran Theological College and Research Institute, Chennai. The lecture was delivered by Dr. Rebekah Dass Zechariah, Senior Faculty, Department of Distance Education, and Coordinator for International Programmes and Partnerships at Christian Medical College, Vellore, on the theme “Reimagining the Medical Ministries of the Church for Our Times.” The speaker critically examined the contemporary relevance of Christian medical ministries in the context of public health, social justice, human dignity, and compassionate care. Drawing upon interdisciplinary perspectives from theology, medicine, and ethics, the lecture highlighted the need for holistic and contextually responsive healthcare ministries within the church and for the society at large. The programme facilitated meaningful academic interaction among theologians, healthcare professionals, students, and church leaders. Participants appreciated the lecture for its scholarly depth, practical relevance, and prophetic challenge to ecclesial engagement in healthcare. The event reaffirmed Gurukul’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary theological reflection and public witness in service to church and society. The lecture concluded with an engaging discussion and a vote of thanks, marking the successful completion of the First Endowment Lecture for the Academic Year 2026–2027.