Dr. Shashi Tharoor inaugurated the Bishop Mani Commemorative Lectures

The Bishop Mani Commemorative Lectures organised by the Bishop Mani Foundation in association with Bishop Mani Theological Institute and CMS College to honour the memory and institutional contributions of the 9th Bishop of CSI Madhya Kerala Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. M. C. Mani Thirumeni was conducted on Monday, January 9, 2023, at the Great Hall of CMS College Kottayam. The function was attended by several eminent guests.

Bishop Rt Rev M. C. Mani thirumeni was a legendary figure in Christendom who cherished the true ecumenical Union of Churches and all other spiritual institutions. He preached with a power of purpose, worked with a zeal of apostolic vision and was rightly called the “Father of the Poor”. He retired from active service after 12 years of eminent, unparalleled leadership on 3rd July 1993 and dedicated a very simple life exclusively for the marginalized and downtrodden.

A common platform to showcase the Gospel as demonstrated by Dr. M. C. Mani thirumeni is the Bishop Mani Foundation (BMF) which is committed to the social upliftment of poor and weaker sections of society through a series of programmes. A video was curated showcasing the life of Bishop Dr M C Mani and the activities of the BMF based on its vision, mission and focal areas.

Dr Shashi Tharoor, MP delivered the Inaugural lecture of the Bishop Mani Commemorative Lectures on the topic.
‘The Idea of a University: Reforming the Higher Education Ecosystem in India’ followed by a question-answer session.

Ar M M Philip Chairman of the BMF delivered the Welcome Speech. The Bishop of CSI Madhya Kerala Diocese and Manager of CMS College Kottayam, Rt Rev Dr Malayil Sabu Koshy Cherian Thirumeni who is also the Patron of the BMF delivered the Presidential address. The Principal of CMS College Kottayam honoured the Chief Guest, Dr Shashi Tharoor with a handwritten postcard by Mahatma Gandhi addressed to the then principal of CMS college and the first-ever dictionary- Benjamin Bailey’s dictionary.

The function came to an end with a Vote of Thanks by the Secretary of the BMF, Mr. George Varghese.