THEOLOGICAL STUDENTS INTERNSHIP 2023
Theological Students Internship program for the year 2023 was from 3rd to 28th May. Sixteen students from eleven different theological institutions enrolled for this year’s program. And these are some contemplations they shared:
“These are the most memorable days. I’ve benefited a lot; the fellowship I received, especially with sixteen of us coming from different seminaries gave a new ecumenical understanding. Getting to know different worship tradition was a rich experience.” Samji Roy, Bishop’s College, Kolkata
“Integrating research in theological sector is one of the most amazing and great experience. When we step into pastoral ministry, this exposure will help us to be sensitive to problems the church/individual is facing; and we can take corrective measures. Integrating Theology and research I feel is one of the best things.” Gregory George Ninan, Orthodox Seminary, Kottayam.
“We always try to theologise many things but I think after coming here I realized that this is not just theological research but also social research. We actually got to meet with people and understand their concerns. I had the mindset that only theology is needed but this internship helped me to gain an insight; that theology in society is as important as theology in itself.” Jayson Joyes, St. Thomas Orthodox, Nagpur.
“This internship has broadened my mindset. I have come across many different topics which I’ve never heard of. One take away from this internship will be the research which I am learning now, it will really benefit me in a long run, and if I decide to go for PhD studies then this will be a preparatory ground for me.” Matsunginla Jamir, Clark Theological College, Nagaland.
“My research was related to Christian professors. It gave me the privilege to talk to eminent people. Interacting with them and hearing their response made me very thoughtful and opened me to new ideas. This internship is relevant.” Jisho K Daniel, Dharma Jyoti Vidya Peeth, Faridabad.
“When we talk about mission and evangelism, we have a very traditional idea of going and saving souls and preaching the gospels. But here at TRACI, mission is quite different and the effort is to integrate secular knowledge with theology. This is something very unique and needed; this helps the churches, theological students and the community at large.” Walichenla Walling, SAIACS, Bangalore.
“I got an opportunity to interact with different students as I chose University Engagement. It was a blessing for me to interact with different people and ideologies; this is one of the best things I had in my life.” Sonu George Thomas, Marthoma Seminary, Kottayam.
“I was just expecting some class but the experience is entirely different. Other than the class, the field exposure, resource persons, visiting churches gave me a deeper understanding on how to do research. Never expected this, TRACI and this internship program is God’s blessing for me.” Chandresh Paul, The Kerala United Theological Seminary, Trivandrum.
“It has been very much helpful, inspirational. The resource people inspired me with their teachings, I never had these perspectives. Whatever they taught are new and very much useful. We moved beyond the books to be with people and understand ground realities. In doing this research, it became very special for me.” Raja Sourya, Luther W. New Jr. Theological College, Dehradun.
“This internship has helped me to be more outgoing because I had to interview people. So, I had to use my social skills. At first, I was skeptical, little prideful because I thought I knew things but coming here made me realize that there are so many things I don’t know. As a person, this research has helped me to humble myself.” Anili Awomi, Serampore college, Kolkata.
“It’s a different exposure with social realities and through visiting different churches I have learnt so many things. I’ve learnt how to approach people and do research.” Krupa Sastry, United Theological College, Bangalore.
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Note: On account of the National Election in India in the month of May 2024, the Internship for the year 2024 stands cancelled. -TRACI