Kuruvilla Pandikattu

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Template:Infobox philosopher Kuruvilla Pandikattu (born 28 November 1957) is an Indian Jesuit priest and Professor of Philosophy, Science and Religion at Jnana Deepa, Institute of Philosophy and Theology, Pune, Maharashtra, India.[1] He is also Director of JDV Centre for Science-Religion Studies (JCSR) and Association of Science, Society and Religion (ASSR), Pune.

He has authored/edited thirty-six books and written more than 160 academic articles. He has been involved as co-founder and co-publisher with two journals, Jnanadeepa: Pune Journal of Religious Studies and AUC: Asian Journal of Religious Studies. Further, he has organised more than forty academic conferences. His weekly column on "Contemporary Spirituality" appears on Tuesdays in Financial Chronicle.[2] He has been contributing regularly to both academic and popular journals.[3]

He is involved in science-religion dialogue and science-related activities,[4] in which topic he has been teaching four courses. His areas of interest (and specialisation) include: Science-Religion Dialogue;[5] Philosophical Anthropology (Emerich Coreth); Hermeneutics (Paul Ricœur) and Inter-religious dialogue (Bede Griffiths).

Philosophical approach

The two starting points of his academic research works are in physics and religion: quest for the unification of the fourfold forces of nature in physics and the hermeneutics of dialogue in Paul Ricoeur.[6] This led him to seek further the interpretative and symbolic (or mythic) nature of religious experience and resulted in his first doctoral thesis: "Idols to die, so that symbols might live". He traces the idol-symbol tension in every aspect of human experience.

Dialogue as Way of Life

Then he look up the dialogical dimension of not only of religions, but also of human existence. So his second doctoral thesis on Bede Griffiths was published under the title, "Dialog as Way of Life." Further, he took up issues in science-religion dialogue, which according to him is "not an option but an obligation" for the very survival of the human species. This calls for radial commitment. Two main areas of his research are physical immortality[7] and viable or sustainable life-style.[8][9]

God as "Ever Approachable, Never Attainable"

This infinite or God (also The Reality) is the enticing and elusive dimension of our human life. God is ever approachable, but never attainable exhaustively. Like the horizon, that invites and cajoles us and recedes from us, God is always near and far at the same time. He bases this insight on scientific details like the lowest temperature reachable (t →0) and knowing that the beginning of Big Bang (T →0) and is like the "horizon",[10] which is never fully attainable.

Reality as Relational and Paradoxical

He says that reality is relational and at the same time paradoxical. The paradox of love is that when two people, who have accepted their own emptiness and recognises their own nothingness, affirm each other, there emerges authentic love, that is infinite. Thus, when one truly looks at reality, accepts its nothingness (even absurdity) there emerges traces of infinity. That is the paradoxical beauty of love and of our existence.[11]

Major Activities

He has been actively involved in science-religion dialogue.[12] He is interested in looking at both science and religion critically and creatively,[13] so that they can enrich each other and the humanity. In this area he has delivered numerous lectures, written numerous articles and books and organised conferences.[14]

Journals

  • Editor, Jnanadeepa: Pune Journal of Religious Studies
  • Editor, AUC: Asian Journal of Religious Studies

Books

Scholarly Books (14)

Scholarly Books (Edited; 24)

  • Have Courage, I am with You: Christian Responses to Covid-19.2020. Template:ISBN
  • Fully Human and Fully Alive: Essays on Being Human Today in Honour of Dr Cyril Desbruslais SJ. 2020.Template:ISBN
  • Fully Spiritual, Fully Human - Fostering Diverse Spiritual Experiences: Essays in Honour of Dr Stephen Chundanthadam SJ. 2020. Template:ISBN
  • The Philosophy of God: Faith and Traditions. 2019. Template:ISBN
  • Logic and Love: Reflecting on Professor John Vattanky's Contribution to Indian Philosophy and Spirituality. 2019. Template:ISBN
  • Everything is Interrelated: Christian Trinity and Hindu Advaita as Experienced by Raimundo Panikkar and Francis D'Sa SJ. 2019. Template:ISBN
  • Metaphysics: Philosophy of Be-ing for Today. 2019. Template:ISBN
  • Melodies from the Flute: Dialogue among Religions and Cultures. 2019. Template:ISBN
  • Epistemology and Phenomenology of Religions: Creative Insights into Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue. 2018. Template:ISBN
  • The Indian Ending: Rediscovering the Grandeur of Indian Heritage for a Sustainable Future : Essays in Honour of Professor Dr. John Vattanky SJ on Completing Eighty Years. 2013. Template:ISBN
  • The Philosophy of Liberation: Revisiting Genuine Religious Experiences with Special Reference to Christianity. 2017. Template:ISBN
  • The Dancing Peacock: Indian Insights into Religion and Development.2010. Template:ISBN* Depth of Death Scientific Insights Religious Openness. 2010. Template:ISBN
  • Dancing to Diversity: Science-Religion Dialogue in India. 2008. Template:ISBN
  • Lifting up the Spirit, Uplifting the Body: Interfacing Religion, Spirituality and Social Work in India. Pune: Samajdarshan Prakashan, 2013. Edited with Suresh Pathare. Template:ISBN
  • Committed to the Church and the Country: Reflections on Christian Living in India in Honour of Professor Kurien Kunnumpuram SJ. Delhi: ISPCK, 2013. Edited with James Ponniah and Thomas Kuriacose. Template:ISBN
  • Postmodernity: An Indian Appraisal. 2008. Template:ISBN
  • Reasons for Hope: Its Nature, Role and Future. (Cultural Heritage and Contemporary Change Series IIIB, South Asia Vol 10) Washington: Research in Values and Philosophy, 2005.Template:ISBN
  • Gandhi, Ganga, Giriraj. Ahmedabad: Navajivan Pub, 2004.(associate editor with Lachman M. Khubchandani & Siddharth N. Bhatt) Template:ISBN
  • Bend Without Fear: Hopes and Possibilities for an Indian Church: Essays in Honour of Professor Kurien Kunnumpuram SJ. New Delhi: ISPCK, 2003. Edited with Rosario Rocha. Template:ISBN
  • Religion, Society and Economics. Frankfurt u.a.: P. Lang, 2003. (with A. Vonach)[17] Template:ISBN
  • Hopefully Yours… Pune: Jnanam, 2002 (CD).
  • Let Life Be. Pune: Jnanam, 2002 (CD).
  • Dreams and Visions: New Horizons for an Indian Church: Essays in Honour of Professor Kurien Kunnumpuram SJ. Pune: JDV, 2002. Edited with Rosario Rocha Template:ISBN
  • Human Longing and Fulfilment: East Encounters West. Pune: JDV, 2002 (with Josef Quitterer).
  • Gandhi: The Meaning of Mahatma for the Millennium. (Cultural Heritage and Contemporary Change Series Iiib, South Asia Vol 5.) Washington: Research in Values and Philosophy, 2001. Template:ISBN
  • Insights from LOVE and LOGIC. Christian World Imprints, New Delhi, 2016. Template:ISBN.
  • Insights from SCIENCE and SILENCE. Christian World Imprints, New Delhi, 2016.Template:ISBN.
  • Insights from REASON and RELIGION. Christian World Imprints, New Delhi, 2015. Template:ISBN.
  • Insights into SCIENCE and SPIRITUALITY Christian World Imprints, New Delhi, 2014.Template:ISBN.
  • JOY: Share It! Jnanam, Pune, 2017. Template:ISBN.
  • LIFE: Relish It! Mumbai: Better Yourself Books, St. Paul, 2012. Template:ISBN.
  • LOVE: Be It! Mumbai: Better Yourself Books, St. Paul, 2009. Template:ISBN.
  • DEATH: Live It! Jnanam & Media House, Pune & New Delhi, 2005.Template:ISBN.
  • FREEDOM to Free.Delhi:Media House. 2004. Template:ISBN.


  • (Ed.) The What and So What of the God Particle.Pune: JDV Centre for Science-Religion Studies, 2012.
  • Life as Love. New Delhi: Media House, 2005 (Revised edition of Promises of Love). Template:ISBN.
  • This Too will Pass Away! The Scientific Explanation and Religious Experience of Time Based on Michael Ende’s Momo. Jnanam, Pune: 2003. Template:ISBN.
  • Promises of Love. Jnanam, Pune: 2003. Template:ISBN
  • TAMAS (There Are Many Alternative Stories). Mumbai: World-Web-Life, 2002.Template:ISBN.
  • Promises of Life (with K. Suriano) New Delhi: Media House, 2001. Template:ISBN.
  • (Ed.) Pope Francis on Creation and Evolution Pune: Jnanam & Association of Science, Society and Religion, 2014. Template:ISBN. Booklet.
  • (Ed.) Laudato Si': Reflections and Responses Pune: Jnanam & JDV Centre for Science-Religion Studies, 2015. Template:ISBN. Booklet.

Book in His Honour

  • Science-Religion Dialogue and Its Contemporary Relevance: Interdisciplinary Essays in Honour of Prof Dr Kuruvilla Pandikattu. Binoy Pickalakkattu (Ed). 2018. Template:ISBN

Early life and influences

Pandikattu was born in Areekara, Kerala, India.[18] He was born to Uthuppan and Mary Joseph.[19] He had his early education at Government LP School, Veliyannoor (1962–65) and St. Rockey's U.P. School,[20] Areekara (1965–70). Then he pursued his basic studies at Sacred Heart School, Changanashery, Kerala (1970–73).

After completing School Secondary Leaving Certificate (S.S.L.C.) at Changanashery, he left for Guhiajori, Dumka, Bihar (now Jharkhand). Other places of his studies are: St. Xavier's School, Sahibganj (1976–78); Loyola College, Chennai (1978–81); St. Joseph's College, Trichy (1981–83); Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth, Pune (1983–85), and University of Pune (1988–91).[21]

References

  1. ↑ Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth (2010), Handbook and Calendar, Pune: JDV, p. 20.
  2. ↑ http://www.mydigitalfc.com/2008/kuruvilla-pandikattu-sj
  3. ↑ http://www.smartcompanion.in/client/index.php
  4. ↑ See Mialil, John (2008) Wonders in Nature, New Delhi: Media House, 2008, pp. 121–130.
  5. ↑ It may be noted that together with Prof Job Kozhamthadam, he has started the first Master's Programme in Science and Religion at Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth, Pune, India. See also Kozhamthadam, Job (2002) Contemporary Science and Religion in Dialogue, Pune: ASSR, pp.98–111.
  6. ↑ Idols to Die, Symbols to Live (Paul Ricoeur){{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Interculturual(1999)
  7. ↑ See https://sites.google.com/site/kurusj/articles
  8. ↑ Kuruvilla Pandikattu, "Global Village vs Gandhian Villages: A Viable Vision," See https://books.google.com/books?id=YrGadHsc1bUC&pg=PA171&lpg=PA171&dq=viable+or+sustainable+life-style+pandikattu&source=bl&ots=esgCrSb21f&sig=8IsOmubP9enLNHf3yREFKqs0gAk&hl=en&ei=7HtWTaf9L5DSrQeE-pzWBw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBgQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=viable%20or%20sustainable%20life-style%20pandikattu&f=false
  9. ↑ "Kuruvilla Pandikattu" See http://www.counterbalance.org/bio/kuru-frame.html
  10. ↑ Ever Approachable ... - Kuruvilla Pandikattu.
  11. ↑ See http://www.fig.usv.ro/socio-umane/arhiva/2010I.pdf
  12. ↑ http://www.science-religion-news.org/regular-courses.asp
  13. ↑ Sapnaonline:Search Page.
  14. ↑ JNANA-DEEPA VIDYAPEETH – Pune.
  15. ↑ Kuruvilla Pandikattu Joseph - Authored Books. sites.google.com. Retrieved 2020-08-21.
  16. ↑ Read online http://www.crvp.org/book/Series03/IIIB-3/contents.htm
  17. ↑ Read the Review online http://www.acton.org/sites/v4.acton.org/files/pdf/7.2.573-575.REVIEW.%20Pandikattu,%20Kuruvilla%20and%20Vonach,%20Andreas--Religion,%20Society,%20and%20Economics.pdf
  18. ↑ Directory South Asia, New Delhi: JCSA, 2010, p. 47
  19. ↑ He is the oldest of 4 children from his mother but has two older sisters from his father's previous marriage. He once quoted his true inspiration came from his niece Meera Joseph who he has known since her birth. He has an younger brother who has two children, a sister with three children who came to America in the early 80's, and he also has another sister who has two children, Christy Joseph and Sherin Joseph.
  20. ↑ https://schools.org.in/kottayam/32101200509/st-rockey-s-ups-areekara.html
  21. ↑ His early intellectual life has been influenced by inspiring figures like Emmanuel Stellini (English, Sahibganj, Jharkhand), Prof Joseph Inchackal (Physics, Chennai) Prof G.A. Savariraj (Physics: Trichy), Prof Salvino Azzopardi (JDV, philosophy, Pune) and R. Sundararajan (Philosophy, University of Pune). Right from the beginning of his academic life, interests in physics and philosophy have accompanied him.

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