Metropolitan Seraphim envisions dream project of the first ever Orthodox University in India
By Liju Cherian
Indian Orthodox Malankara Church – September 2014
BENGALURU — Indian Orthodox youngest bishop has set his vision for Bangalore Diocese with focus on the education sector. Metropolitan HG Dr Abraham Mar Seraphim has envisioned setting up of an ‘Orthodox University’ on the city’s outskirts.
In all about 10 to 12 acres, 30 kilometres beyond the Bengaluru International Airport in Devanahalli area, was spotted for the University. Registration deal for the property failed to materialise when real estate agents hiked up the prices at the last moment. Though, this has come has a setback, the Diocese is scouting for new spots around fast developing areas like Malur nearby Kolar district), Kengeri, the satellite area of Bangalore, for the project.
Disclosing these details in a telephonic interview with this correspondent, Mar Serpahim said he desires the proposed university to be set up on the lines of Christ University in Bangalore. Managed by priests of Carmelites of Mary Immaculate, Christ University on Hosur Road, is a private deemed to be university and is the first indigenous Syrian Catholic religious congregation in India.
Land acquisition will be the main criteria for the Diocese in the coming days, Mar Seraphim said, adding that this will be the only project of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church if it comes up in future. “Agriculture lands can be used for educational purposes and the project will be launched in a phased manner, in stages of about 4 to 5 years. We will not launch it at one go, but go about in a phased manner – maybe start from primary school onwards and develop it further to extend it to university level,” Mar Seraphim explained.
RETREAT CENTRE AT DIOSCESE: Mar Seraphim has also laid out plans to develop the vast space at the Bangalore Diocese, Dodda Gubbi Village, as a retreat-cum-conference centre, which will bring in additional revenue for the Diocese.
Recently an adjacent plot to the Aramana, about 50 cents, was purchased adding up to 1 lakh square feet additional space which will be rented out for private functions in future. Arterial road leading to the Aramana located in Bidarahalli Hobli of Bangalore East Taluk is to be widened by BBMP for the proposed peripheral highway. This will further develop areas around the Aramana, thus bringing in more connectivity and real estate value. Mar Seraphim also outlined several school projects coming up in Mysore district under the Diocese.
The Metropolitan assumed charge of the Diocese 4 years back which now has 21 parishes and congregations spread across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and 3 UAE cities of Fujairah, Dibba and Ras–al-Khaima (RAK) with about 4,000 families as its members and 23 priests, including 6 Cor-Episcopoi.
The Metropolitan has called upon all to extend their helping hand towards the project.
Those willing to contribute towards the Diocese Fund can contact Mar Seraphim on his mobile at +91-94479 63528 or email: marseraphim@gmail.com
Source:
Independent
