Peter Gonsalves | Università Pontificia Salesiana (original) (raw)

BOOKS by Peter Gonsalves

Don Bosco is popularly admired and known around the globe as a saint, priest, ‘father, friend and... more Don Bosco is popularly admired and known around the globe as a saint, priest, ‘father, friend and teacher of youth’. This book investigates, perhaps for the first time, the peace traits he imbibed and nurtured and the peace culture he displayed. To confirm the validity of this curious yet unique choice, the author adopts an unconventional approach with three separable yet interconnected research trends. The first presents Don Bosco’s peace response to twenty conflicts in his own life. The second widens the popular understanding of peace to embrace the scientifically accepted notion proposed by Johan Galtung and to test participant perceptions about Don Bosco’s peace traits. The final study, the major part of the book, explores the personal, social, political, cultural and transcendental aspects of Don Bosco’s peace culture, thereby highlighting its universal and ever-relevant applicability.
(17X24 cms, pp. 470, €29,00)
www.editricelas.it

'Exercises in Peace Education' (2018) is a resource manual consisting of a series of lesson plans... more 'Exercises in Peace Education' (2018) is a resource manual consisting of a series of lesson plans for educators of South Asia for promoting peace and nonviolence among young people from ages 5 to 17. Through experiential and participatory learning, they are encouraged to develop their knowledge, attitudes and skills in order to become peace-filled persons and proactive peacebuilders. The lessons raise awareness, provoke thinking, challenge stereotypes, point to solutions and incite to action. To be relevant to all South Asians without distinction, an attempt has been made to sustain a multi-ethnic, pluri-cultural and inter-religious viewpoint.

Tej-Prasarini (Light-Spreader), 2018

WE CHOOSE PEACE ! is a workbook for South Asian peace-builders from ages 5 to 15. It is best used... more WE CHOOSE PEACE ! is a workbook for South Asian peace-builders from ages 5 to 15. It is best used along with the teachers’ resource manual EXERCISES IN PEACE EDUCATION (2018 edition), which provides easy lesson plans for educating children to peace.

SAGE, 2012

BOOK REVIEWS "Gonsalves’ study is exceptional – and brilliant, and, may one add, deeply emotive.... more BOOK REVIEWS
"Gonsalves’ study is exceptional – and brilliant, and, may one add, deeply emotive."
(M. V. Kamath, Free Press Journal)

"A powerful critique of the whole political economy of India. This book is a rare achievement."
(Arvind Sivaramakrishnan, The Hindu)

"Noteworthy for the originality of its approach, the richness of the documentation it supplies, and the clarity with which the relevance and depth of Gandhi’s thoughts and actions are demonstrated"
(Yogesh Vajpeyi, The New Indian Express)

"A beautifully produced book. Gonsalves’ communication angle leads to a creative reading of what is no doubt one of the most powerful communication events in world history […] the communication dimension penetrates the book in more ways than one: the careful collection of photos, the figures and tables that intersperse the chapters, and the crispness and raciness of the narrative."
Ivo Coelho & Clement Mathera: 'Divyadaan - Journal of Philosophy and Education'

This book "lays out the historical foundation for the theoretical claims on Gandhian sartorial communication published in his previous work. It covers new ground by highlighting the ′subversive′ nature of Gandhi′s sartorial choices through a range of disciplines, and has brought Gandhian communication through attire to centre stage. I am sure the academic community and communication specialists would welcome its effort to highlight brilliantly the communicative power of an ordinary cloth to mould a national movement that dethroned colonialism while subverting the values it upheld." (John S Moolakkattu, Editor: Gandhi Marg)

"Investigates the power of symbol to qualitatively transform society. Threading together historical evidence by discussing the complex challenges in Gandhi’s highly polarised environment...the present work is noteworthy for the originality of its approach, the richness of documentation it supplies, and the clarity with which the relevance and depth of Gandhi’s thoughts and actions are demonstrated."
(The Sunday Standard)

"Yet another addition to the remarkably diverse Gandhian scholarship."
(Ammara Khan, The Dawn)

SAGE, 2010

BOOK REVIEWS "This is the first analysis of Gandhi’s dressing style in terms of communication th... more BOOK REVIEWS
"This is the first analysis of Gandhi’s dressing style in terms of communication theory and an exploration of the subliminal messages that were subtly communicated to large audience.
(Peer reviewers at SAGE publications)

"Gonsalves makes you see Gandhi in an academic light that permits you to both name some of the characteristics of Gandhi and see them in the larger perspectives of communication and revolution for liberation."
(Gaston Roberge, Educationist and Media Critic)

The book is an immensely insightful resource for students of communication, politics, history and semiotics.
(Gerson Da Cunha, Deccan Chronicle)

"My highest reading recommendation for this book goes to those interested in the power of clothing, not just as a sign system, but as an aspect of our material reality that is always already embroiled in political, economic, and even spiritual struggles. ... Gonsalves’s book is well dedicated “to communicators and educators of peace.” - (Bridget R. Cowlishaw, Southwest Journal of Cultures)

"For scholars of semiotics, social movements, nonviolence and Gandhi, this is a welcome addition to the ever-growing oeuvre of Gandhicentric analysis. Gonsalves contributes a ﬁrm piece of scholarship to the study of Gandhi’s life and how he became the message".
(Tom Hastings, Portland State University)

Sage-Bhasha, 2018

SVTANTRTA KE LIYE PARIDHAN

Sage-Bhasha, 2018

VASTRADVARE SVATANTRYPRAPTI

Gandhi today is universally recognised as an international icon, but did his influence extend to ... more Gandhi today is universally recognised as an international icon, but did his influence extend to the Vatican as well? The author unravels the answer by pursuing six research targets. The book opens with a historical inquiry into Gandhi’s unsuccessful attempt to meet Pius XI, and then goes on to examine the writings and speeches of the Popes from Pius XI to Benedict XVI who alluded to Gandhi. Adopting a hermeneutical slant, it also engages in a comparative study of the thoughts and actions of Pope Francis and Gandhi, and highlights some remarkable similarities that call for an explanation. In the process, the book explores and assesses the popular claim that Gandhi was influenced by Christ, and the not so popular conjecture that Francis was influenced by Gandhi.

Divyadaan, Journal of Philosophy & Education

While much has been written on the preventive dimension of Don Bosco's educational method, its ex... more While much has been written on the preventive dimension of Don Bosco's educational method, its expressive, communicative aspects need to be brought into greater relief, especially in a time when communication technologies – with young people as protagonists – are fast converging our cultures and altering the ways we think, live and socialize. In January 2012, 'DIVYADAAN Journal of Philosophy & Education' published a set of articles by authors willing to write on themes related to Salesian Expressive Education. The catalyst that triggered their reflections was an article published a year earlier in the same journal called “Don Bosco’s ‘Expressive’ System, An alternative perspective for a communication age”. This web-book in a PDF format brings together both publications: the reflections in Chapters 1-7, and the original article in the Appendix.

A silver jubilee tribute to the pioneers of the Salesian Province of Bombay comprising four parts... more A silver jubilee tribute to the pioneers of the Salesian Province of Bombay comprising four parts: the historical beginnings, the leaders, the situation of the province in 1998 (the year of publication) and good wishes for the road ahead.
"The vision, the plans, the anxieties, the toil, the supplication, the expectation, the sacrifices, the sorrows, the joys - all experiences integral to any foundational enterprise, can never be adequately enshrined within the pages of a history book. Faith and devotion as motivating forces that have kept men at their post in creative fidelity day after dreary day, through the 70 years of labour in this western part of India and 25 years of the Bombay Salesian Province, are, once again, incalculable and elude documentation. Many who laid the foundations have expired. Few are still alive. It is to them - our pioneers, our leaders, our benefactors, our aged, our departed - to them that we dedicate this work - a symbol of our sincere LOVE, ESTEEM AND GRATITUDE." (From the Introduction)

A teachers' manual to develop a critical understanding of communication and mass media through 95... more A teachers' manual to develop a critical understanding of communication and mass media through 95 lessons, 'Exercises in Media Education' is essential, systematic and fun. It wears its research and erudition lightly and strikes a blow at several ills. It fits well into schoolwork where this kind of stimulus could do lasting good but is usually absent. It provides a simple, hard-to-find framework for an understanding of the media, for study and discussion of the subject beyond the classroom and for that most important of requirements, responsible participation in the use of media. (Gerson da Cunha, Ex-Communication Executive in UNICEF)
Publisher: Tej-prasarini, Don Bosco Communications, Matunga, Mumbai, India.
Year: 1994/1999, Pages: 206, ISBN 81-87060-10-7,
Email: <tej_dbc@vsnl.net>

Tej-Prasarini, 1996

The authors (Albano Fernandes, Kennedy Saldanha, Ian Doulton, Lionel Braganza, Nelson Carvalho & ... more The authors (Albano Fernandes, Kennedy Saldanha, Ian Doulton, Lionel Braganza, Nelson Carvalho & Peter Gonsalves), as members of an international educational society called Salesians of Don Bosco, are proficient in youth work and have at various times lived and worked with young people of different age-groups, socio-economic backgrounds, creeds and cultures. This book is a compendium of practical methodologies for youth leadership culled from the storehouse of their vast and varied experiences.
Publisher: Tej-prasarini, Don Bosco Communications, Matunga, Mumbai, India.
Year: 1996, Pages: 207
Email: <tej_dbc@vsnl.net>

"Khadi: Gandhi's Mega Symbol of Subversion" investigates the power of a symbol to qualitatively t... more "Khadi: Gandhi's Mega Symbol of Subversion" investigates the power of a symbol to qualitatively transform society by studying Mahatma Gandhi's use of clothing as a metaphor for unity, empowerment and liberation from imperial subjugation.

The book brings together historical evidence of Gandhi's search for a semiotics of attire in his quest for personal integrity and socio-political change. From a multidisciplinary perspective, it closely examines the 'subversion' underlying his sartorial communication.

The symbolic potential for change which khadi has, is therefore seen, not merely as 'revolution' or 'sedition', but as a sustained, well-organised strategy for achieving full independence or purna swaraj.

The author also discusses the complex challenges in Gandhi's highly polarized environment, such as the conflict between the British Empire and the Indian National Congress, Hindu-Muslim tensions, the urban-rural divide, and the question of untouchability.

Photographs, illustrations and an extensive appendix considerably add to the historical value of the study, making it useful for students and scholars in various fields of South Asian research." - Sage Publications

'Khadi: Mega Symbol...' is also translated into Hindi and Marathi by Sage-Bhasha, India.

""This is the first analysis of Gandhi’s dressing style in terms of communication theory and an e... more ""This is the first analysis of Gandhi’s dressing style in terms of communication theory and an exploration of the subliminal messages that were subtly communicated to large audience. Peter Gonsalves chooses three famous theorists from the field of communication studies and looks at Gandhi through the lens of each one, to ...give us a fascinating and new insight into one of the most famous men from South Asia.

The author first prepares the ground for the theoretical investigation by exploring the breadth of Gandhi’s communication skills. He provides essential information on a wide range of Gandhi’s communication skills, with a view to proposing interesting areas of research for communication scholars.

The book deals with the qualitative and quantitative aspects of Gandhi’s verbal output, his linguistic capacity, his journalistic and letter-writing style, his peace communication in an atmosphere of conflict, his organizational ability and the international repercussions of his mass mediated messages. It also elaborates the different types of non-verbal communication he used, such as silence, fasting, clothing, personal presence and charisma.

The book closes with, perhaps for the first time, a Gandhian approach to symbolisation for socio-political change. Photographs of Gandhi in different phases of his life have been used to provide a visual chronology of sartorial change and emphasise the arguments in the book." - Sage Publications

'Clothing for Liberation' is also translated into Hindi and Marathi by Sage-Bhasha, India.

PAPERS on Gandhi by Peter Gonsalves

Questo articolo inedito presenta un piano motivato e annotato per un corso breve del Giornalismo ... more Questo articolo inedito presenta un piano motivato e annotato per un corso breve del Giornalismo di Pace che è idoneo per l'insegnamento agli studenti del giornalismo, delle comunicazioni, degli studi dei media, pace e conflitto. Si basa su corsi che l'autore ha insegnato per molti anni, e l'obiettivo dell'articolo è quello di stimolare gli insegnanti a realizzare i propri corsi.
I traduttori: Peter Gonsalves e Paola Springhetti

Divyadaan, 2021

The author explores the differences in the ways of knowing God, with a particular focus on the ra... more The author explores the differences in the ways of knowing God, with a particular focus on the rational proofs of God’s existence as perceived by noteworthy authors from Christian and Hindu traditions. He deepens the study with insights put forth by Raimundo Panikkar in his seminal work on the encounter between both religions. A possible blend of the two traditions is proposed.

Tej-Prasarini (Light-Spreader), 2018

SAGE, 2012

"A powerful critique of the whole political economy of India. This book is a rare achievement."
(Arvind Sivaramakrishnan, The Hindu)

"Yet another addition to the remarkably diverse Gandhian scholarship."
(Ammara Khan, The Dawn)

SAGE, 2010

The book is an immensely insightful resource for students of communication, politics, history and semiotics.
(Gerson Da Cunha, Deccan Chronicle)

Sage-Bhasha, 2018

SVTANTRTA KE LIYE PARIDHAN

Sage-Bhasha, 2018

VASTRADVARE SVATANTRYPRAPTI

Divyadaan, Journal of Philosophy & Education

Tej-Prasarini, 1996

'Khadi: Mega Symbol...' is also translated into Hindi and Marathi by Sage-Bhasha, India.

'Clothing for Liberation' is also translated into Hindi and Marathi by Sage-Bhasha, India.

Divyadaan, 2021

Mysterion, Rivista di Ricerca in Teologia Spirituale, ANNO 13 NUMERO 2 , 2020

La domanda sottesa all’articolo del prof. Peter Gonsalves su “Gesù di Gandhi” ricorda che cosa Ga... more La domanda sottesa all’articolo del prof. Peter Gonsalves su “Gesù di Gandhi” ricorda che cosa Gandhi accettò, rifiutò o reinterpretò per arrivare a una percezione di Gesù veramente sua, ma diversa dal “Gesù” in cui credono i cristiani. Gandhi si sentì attratto dalla vita e dagli insegnamenti di Gesù Cristo e nel 1926 accettò l’invito ad insegnare
la Bibbia al Gujarat National College di Ahmedabad, in India. Il prof. Peter dimostra che Gandhi ha rivendicato il suo diritto personale di essere ispirato da Gesù, ma senza aderire ad una denominazione cristiana e senza respingere la pari dignità di tutte le scritture. Ha creduto che “l’imitazione di Cristo o l’identificazione morale con lui” fosse l’imperativo universale, ma ha respinto il “cristianesimo” a causa della sua dipendenza dal potere imperiale, dalla cultura lassista e dalle pretese di salvezza esclusiva che ha offuscato la sua identità originale. Ha “respinto il cristianesimo per amore di Gesù”.

Mysterion, 2022

Lo studio di Peter Gonsalves, Il ‘Gandhi’ dei cristiani, si presenta come continuazio- ne del su... more Lo studio di Peter Gonsalves, Il ‘Gandhi’ dei cristiani, si presenta come continuazio-
ne del suo studio precedente su Il Gesù di Gandhi (Mysterion 2020/2) in cui mostrava
come Gandhi aveva assimilato i Vangeli per ciò che riguarda il comportamento etico,
ma, allo stesso tempo, rimproverava ai cristiani di non metterlo in pratica. In questo
lavoro mostra come alcuni pensatori cristiani (Jacques Maritain, Dorothy Day, Lanza
del Vasto, Dietrich Bonfoeffer, Martin Luther King Jr, Paolo VI, Giovanni Paolo II,
Desmond Tutu, Papa Francesco) si professano seguaci o ammiratori di Gandhi. Pur-
troppo, conclude l’autore, Gandhi rimane un enigma anche per i credenti della sua stes-
sa fede che preferiscono vedere in lui un traditore della causa indù perché ha cercato di
fare la pace con i musulmani e ha contaminato la sacra gerarchia delle caste con l’equità
e la giustizia cristiana. Per altri, com’è il caso del suo primo biografo, Joseph Doke, le
opinioni religiose di Gandhi sono troppo strettamente legate al cristianesimo per essere
interamente indù ed egli è troppo profondamente saturo di induismo per essere chiama-
to cristiano. Sono affermazioni paradossali che però descrivono bene l’atteggiamento
ecumenico di Gandhi verso una fede basata sulla più ampia tolleranza possibile.

The Examiner, 2001

An article published in 2001 to offer a glimpse of the harm caste-discrimination has done through... more An article published in 2001 to offer a glimpse of the harm caste-discrimination has done through the centuries.

The Examiner, 1990

An article published in 1990 on the importance of the Mandal Commission for creating a more equit... more An article published in 1990 on the importance of the Mandal Commission for creating a more equitable India.

A speech by Antonino Drago, at the prayer vigil for the 50th World Day of Peace, in the Diocese ... more A speech by Antonino Drago, at the prayer vigil for the 50th World Day of Peace, in the Diocese of Pisa, 27 January 2017 (translated by Peter Gonsalves). Drago (1938 - ) won the 'Italian Culture of Peace Award' in 2000, for his commitment to Nonviolent People's Defense and for his search for an alternative to war through methods of conflict resolution. He is the author of many articles and books on peace and non-violence. (Cf. <https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonino_Drago_(pacifista)>

EduFocus, Archdiocesan Board of Education, Mumbai, India , 2019

Gandhi once declared: "The message of the [Indian] spinning wheel is much wider than its circumfe... more Gandhi once declared: "The message of the [Indian] spinning wheel is much wider than its circumference." When he shared this metaphor with American friends in September 1925, no one ever imagined that people from all over the globe would one day embrace his nonviolent political philosophy to dismantel colonialism, apartheid and dictatorships. This article briefly describes the impact Gandhi still has on the world 72 years after his assassination.
NB: This article was submitted for publishing in November 2019, a month before young people in universities across India woke up to protest against a discriminatory law in the style and manner of a Gandhian 'satyagraha'. This fact alone is a welcome corrective to my negative impression expressed in the introductory part of the article.

Live Encounters, 2019

To conclude the 150th year of Gandhi's birth, this brief article highlights the great regard and ... more To conclude the 150th year of Gandhi's birth, this brief article highlights the great regard and admiration (Saint) Pope John Paul II had for the Mahatma. It places on record his efforts to promote Gandhi's 'Satyagraha' among members of the "Solidarność", the Movement that freed Poland from Communist rule.
Published also in «Gandhi Marg» 41/4 (2020) pp 465-472.

Live Encounters , 2019

In the 150th year since Gandhi's birth, this article commemorates the 'Live Encounter' of (Saint)... more In the 150th year since Gandhi's birth, this article commemorates the 'Live Encounter' of (Saint) Pope Paul VI with the Mahatma through the latter's value-laden legacy of writings and sterling example of 'right against might'.
Also published in 'Gandhi Marg' vol 40/1-2, 2018, 91-96.
https://gandhimargjournal.org/2018/04/05/volume-40-issue-12-april-september-2018/

This paper makes the case for a revival of Peace Education in India today. It begins with a prese... more This paper makes the case for a revival of Peace Education in India today. It begins with a presentation of the key concepts of Johan Galtung’s peace theory and throws light on the pioneering role played by Indian saints and reformers in promoting personal and socio-political peace on a global scale. The reader is then acquainted with reliable national and international surveys on peace in India in recent years, as well as with the disconcerting rise in violence on many fronts with grave consequences for the future of India’s children. As a response, the author argues for the urgency of peace education in schools and non-formal educational settings. To avoid any further delay, he proposes that 'Exercises in Peace Education' (2018), a free online and updated version of the ready-to-use 2003 manual tailored for South Asian youth from ages 5 to 17, be put to good use once again.

A discourse to peace educators and activists from Palestine and Israel on the techniques of 'Saty... more A discourse to peace educators and activists from Palestine and Israel on the techniques of 'Satyagraha', created and employed by Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for Indian independence. While the techniques are identified and briefly explained, a diagrammatic presentation of the context within which he acted reveals the courage and discipline required in a Gandhi-inspired subversion of structural and cultural injustice.
Date of discourse: 10, March, 2007.
Date of publication on Academia.edu: 2012

In the year marking the birth centenary of the renowned semiotician Ronald Barthes, the article i... more In the year marking the birth centenary of the renowned semiotician Ronald Barthes, the article investigates a painting that was commissioned by the members of the British East India Company and installed in the central hall of their office in London. After establishing its historical context, the text employs Barthesian theory to unravel the cultural, symbolical and hermeneutical myths underpinning the ideology that sustained and promoted the colonial enterprise for more than a century.

Salesianum, 2012

In December 1931, Mahatma Gandhi visited Rome with a desire to meet the Pope. It was Mussolini, h... more In December 1931, Mahatma Gandhi visited Rome with a desire to meet the Pope. It was Mussolini, however, who was eager to meet him. Could 'Il Duce' have seized the opportunity to boost his own image and to further his own devices? Whatever his intentions, history bears testimony to the adverse effects of that ten-minute encounter - for Gandhi and for India's march to freedom. In this paper the author reconstructs the intriguing turn of events based on the writings of the key persons involved, especially the diaries of Romain Rolland, Mahadev Desai and Gandhi himself.

LAS, Roma, 2018

Ottant’anni fa, il Mahatma Gandhi visitò Roma con il desiderio di incontrare il Papa. Era Mussoli... more Ottant’anni fa, il Mahatma Gandhi visitò Roma con il desiderio di incontrare il Papa. Era Mussolini, però, che desiderava incontrarlo. Voleva cogliere l’occasione per rafforzare la sua immagine e per promuovere se stesso? Qualunque siano state le sue intenzioni, la storia testimonia gli effetti negativi di quell’incontro per Gandhi e per la marcia dell’India verso la libertà. In questo articolo l’autore ricostruisce questa vicenda intrigante basandosi sugli scritti dei principali soggetti coinvolti, in particolare i diari di Romain Rolland, Mahadev Desai e Gandhi stesso.

È appena trascorso il cinquantesimo anno dalla pubblicazione dell’Enciclica Pacem in Terris scrit... more È appena trascorso il cinquantesimo anno dalla pubblicazione dell’Enciclica Pacem in Terris scritta dal santo papa Giovanni XXIII per richiamare tutti i popoli del mondo ad impegnarsi per la costruzione di una pace solida e duratura. Sfortunatamente la guerra è ancora una realtà attualissima, cruda e cruenta. Tanti studi dimostrano come i conflitti vengano provocati, controllati e condizionati con il linguaggio usato dai media (che includono parole, testi, immagini, audiovisivi). È ovvio che per alcuni la pace non è un buon affare, la guerra è più remunerativa. In questo contesto, tra le domande che legittimamente ci si pone, vi sono anche le seguenti: come le Facoltà e gli Istituti di Comunicazione sociale di varie Università Pontificie rispondono a questa “vocazione” a promuovere la pace? Quante di esse hanno inserito nei propri curricula corsi che contribuiscono alla promozione della comunicazione nonviolenta? Come possiamo “ripensare la comunicazione” mettendo al centro il tema della promozione della pace?

This second of the two articles on the Swadeshi Movement published earlier in 'Gandhi Marg' bring... more This second of the two articles on the Swadeshi Movement published earlier in 'Gandhi Marg' brings into relief its symbolic impact with the help of a few theories from the vast field of nonverbal communication. As a result, Gandhi’s rare ability to invest clothing-related objects and events with extraordinary socio-political significance is amply demonstrated.

RASSEGNA CNOS , 2023

Questo articolo è una sintesi del libro "Don Bosco's Peace Culture" scritto appositamente per il ... more Questo articolo è una sintesi del libro "Don Bosco's Peace Culture" scritto appositamente per il mondo non anglofono. Con più di 400 pagine, è pubblicato da LAS, Roma, e co-pubblicato da Kristu Jyoti Publishers, Bangalore, India.

This unpublished paper consists of a random list of areas essential to the expression-prevention ... more This unpublished paper consists of a random list of areas essential to the expression-prevention dialectic in Don Bosco's Way (of educating young people for a happy life). It is the result of a personal brainstorming on pointers or proposals for further reflection and study, and a response to requests from participants of the course on the DBWAY (www.dbway.in).

The Examiner, 2004

A six-part guide to practising Don Bosco's Educational Method at home.

A media analysis of websites to determine criteria for the creation of a website of an internatio... more A media analysis of websites to determine criteria for the creation of a website of an international organization called Salesians of Don Bosco. An action research involving young members, presented in fulfilment of the 'British Film Institute Education' and 'Open University MA Certificate in Media Education', UK.

Salesianum, 2020

This article explores a wide range of issues linked to the central theme: the use of the smartpho... more This article explores a wide range of issues linked to the central theme: the use of the smartphone in the period of early formation of candidates intending to join the Salesians of Don Bosco. It begins with a brief presentation of the growth of the Internet and highlights some of its social consequences. It looks back at the founder's attitude to technological change, and examines the Salesian documentation already available on social communication. A mini opinion poll among members of an international group of young religious and priests accustomed to smartphone-use helps to concretize the dilemma, while the Salesian World Coucillors of Communication and Formation are invited to share their views. The article concludes by providing some guidelines for the formation of candidates to Salesian consecrated life in a globally networked society.

Divyadaan , 2018

In an earlier article, Paolo Gambini (Italian psychologist and Salesian of Don Bosco) had empiric... more In an earlier article, Paolo Gambini (Italian psychologist and Salesian of Don Bosco) had empirically demonstrated the correlation that exists between the concept of the self and the search for meaning in adolescence. He had partly anticipated what he investigates through this article: the theory underpinning the search for meaning, in as much as it is the motivational dynamism that unifies, guides and supports the construction of identity. He believes it is important to continue the reflection on the relationship that exists between these two factors because of their pivotal role in the development of adolescence. The novelty of this present study is the theoretical perspective that combines the contribution of social psychology with that of dynamic psychology by highlighting how the journey towards the search for identity and meaning moves most of the time at an implicit rather than self-conscious level. This article is translated from the Italian by Peter Gonsalves.

Les intuitions pédagogiques de Don Bosco, Sous la direction de Guy Avanzini, Chronique Sociale, Lyon, , 2016

Cette contribution est une tentative pou r retracer l' histo ire de l'application du sys tème pré... more Cette contribution est une tentative pou r retracer l' histo ire de l'application du sys tème préventi f de Don Bosco au cours des 110 an s de la présence des sa lésiens en Inde. En commençant par les grands défis de la multi-cultura lité dans le sou s-continent , elle explore l' évo lution et l'expansion du système préventif à travers les étapes de l'implantation, de l'adaptation et de la réinterprétation. Les salésiens de Don Bosco sont arriv és en Inde en 1906. Le P. Geor$es Tomatis dirigeait la premi ère communauté à Th anjavoor, dan s l'actuel Etat de Tamil Nadu. Ils avaient la charge d 'un orphelinat, d ' une école et d 'une paroisse.i" En 1922, un second groupe de salésiens arriva à Shillong et ava it pou r mission d 'évangéli ser la rég ion de l'Assam. On leur confia la charge de deux orph elinats, qui atteignirent très vite le nombre de sept. Le ur responsable était le père Loui s Mathias , un visionnaire et un homme d 'une audace singulière. Il devint préfet apos tolique de l'Assam cett e même an-née et, quatre ans plu s tard, supérieur de tou s les salésien s en Inde. 236 Sans tard er, il proj eta d 'établir une forte présence salésienn e dans trois villes, à partir desquelles il en visageait l'expansion salésienne tout autour. Il cher-cha d 'abord à s'établir à Calcutta, où il commença les activités en 1926. 237 L' une des raiso ns du choix de Calcutta était le fait d ' être l' ancienn e capitale des Indes Britanniques jusqu'en 1912, et la ville la plu s peuplée. Ma is il y avait aussi une moti vation plus profonde: faire en sor te que le rêve de Don Bosco en 1886 à Barce lone-" devienn e une réalité. En 1928, il lança éga le

Don Bosco’s Way (DBWAY) is a teachers' manual that presents the educational method of St. John Bo... more Don Bosco’s Way (DBWAY) is a teachers' manual that presents the educational method of St. John Bosco to the multi-religious, multi-cultural population of South Asia and beyond. It offers educators the concepts, themes, attitudes and skills that are essential to understanding his 'way' currently practised in over 2000 youth development institutions throughout the world.

This article is an attempt to trace the practice of Don Bosco’s Preventive System through the 110... more This article is an attempt to trace the practice of Don Bosco’s Preventive System through the 110 years of the Salesian presence in India. Beginning with the daunting challenges of the vast multicultural subcontinent, the author explores the evolution and expansion of the System through the stages of implantation, adaptation and reinterpretation.

Salesianum 77 (2015) 127-163

Based on the premise that the effectiveness of educators is intrinsically linked to their compete... more Based on the premise that the effectiveness of educators is intrinsically linked to their competence as communicators, the author sets out to analyse the early life of Don Bosco through the autobiographical 'Memoirs of the Oratory'. He identifies six communication skills and three personality traits which are examined under the lens of various theories from the social sciences. Through this exercise, he demonstrates how the 'communication competence' of the young Johnny Bosco was an essential foundation for the prolific communication activity of the future priest-educator, founder-saint and friend of youth.

'Orientamenti Pedagogici', vol. 60, 4 (354)

This article highlights Don Bosco's place in the history of nonviolent education. It contrasts Do... more This article highlights Don Bosco's place in the history of nonviolent education. It contrasts Don Bosco’s educational approach with the excessively repressive methods that were common practice before and during his time.

Salesianum, Jan 1, 2009

In calling his pedagogical experience the 'preventive system', Don Bosco, a ninteenth century edu... more In calling his pedagogical experience the 'preventive system', Don Bosco, a ninteenth century educator, clearly wished to be in line with the progressive humanistic response to the rampant juvenile delinquency of his time, while also manifesting his abhorrence for the 'repressive' method of discipline. The article pushes further and asks whether Don Bosco's 'preventive' metaphor adequately encapsulates the wealth of his unique educational intuition and experience. After surveying the related literature, it proposes that a complementary metaphor - 'expression' - may just be the key to fresh thinking and researching on the Salesian pedagogical discourse for our communication age.

PUTHENANGADY Paul (ed.), 100 Years in South Asia – Research Seminar, KJC Publications, Bangalore, January 2006, pp. 161-200. , 2006

Written for the centenary year of the presence of the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) in South Asia,... more Written for the centenary year of the presence of the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) in South Asia, this article looks back at their methods of communication during the pioneering years, describes the many communication initiatives undertaken across the century, takes stock of the situation in the year of its publication, and proposes possibilities for the flourishing of SDB communication in South Asia beyond 2006.

Vidyajyoti Journal of Theological Reflection, 2023

This is the SECOND part of the article, which takes its cue from the Greek word parrhesia – to bo... more This is the SECOND part of the article, which takes its cue from the Greek
word parrhesia – to boldly speak the truth – which, when
Christianized with charity, is one of the principal concerns of the
Pope’s Message for World Communications Day, 2023. In the
first part, the author journeys back in time to understand the term’s
original context. This is followed by a recounting of some soul-
stirring spiritual experiences of the disciples in proclaiming the
Gospels, leading to persecution and martyrdom even as individuals
and communities harken to Christ’s call. In the second part, the
author discusses Gandhian Satyagraha (strategic nonviolent truth-
force) which widens the meaning and application of parrhesia to
socio-political transformation on a national and international scale.
A selection of two historical models for each of the two parts, and
a conclusion of three recent papal documents, will help confirm
the relevance and need for prophets today.

Vidyajyoti Journal of Theological Reflection, 2023

This is the FIRST part of the article that takes its cue from the Greek word parrhesia – to bold... more This is the FIRST part of the article that takes its cue from the Greek
word parrhesia – to boldly speak the truth – which, when
Christianized with charity, is one of the principal concerns of the
Pope’s Message for World Communications Day, 2023. In the
first part, the author journeys back in time to understand the term’s
original context. This is followed by a recounting of some soul-
stirring spiritual experiences of the disciples in proclaiming the
Gospels, leading to persecution and martyrdom even as individuals
and communities harken to Christ’s call. In the second part, the
author discusses Gandhian Satyagraha (strategic nonviolent truth-
force) which widens the meaning and application of parrhesia to
socio-political transformation on a national and international scale.
A selection of two historical models for each of the two parts, and
a conclusion of three recent papal documents, will help confirm
the relevance and need for prophets today.

FABC, 2020

An online-presentation for the 25th Annual Meeting of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conference... more An online-presentation for the 25th Annual Meeting of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conference (FABC), Manila, November 19 to 20, 2020 on the theme: Covid Pandemic: Implications for Christian Communication.

Here is a list of important elements to consider when drawing up a Communication Plan for a Dioce... more Here is a list of important elements to consider when drawing up a Communication Plan for a Diocese. It was presented at the 'Seminar for New Bishops’ organized by the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples in Rome, on 17 September 2016. The number of Bishop who attended were 94. Forty-two were from 19 countries in Africa; 36 from 9 states in Asia; 12 from 9 countries of America; and 4 from 2 nations of Oceania. (Source: fides.org) The list is not meant to be exhaustive.

I germogli della Buona notizia, Comunicare speranza e fiducia nel nostro tempo (Editors: Vittorio Sammarco, Simonetta Blasi, et. al.), LAS, Roma, 2017, pp. 27-46.

A conference to Bishops on how the Catholic Church used media from Jesus to Francis, and how the ... more A conference to Bishops on how the Catholic Church used media from Jesus to Francis, and how the media in turn shaped the Church through the two millennia of its existence.

Vidyajyoti Journal of Theological Reflection, Volume 79/6, June 2015, pp. 405-423

This study is an attempt to show the inherent link between Pope Francis’ linguistic style and his... more This study is an attempt to show the inherent link between Pope Francis’ linguistic style and his thinking. It is based on the Conceptual Metaphor Theory of George Lakoff and Mark Johnson, authors of the seminal work, 'Metaphors We Live By'.

Salesianum 76 (2014) 529-536, Dec 1, 2014

This brief article concentrates on the media stories of Pope Francis' nonverbal communication and... more This brief article concentrates on the media stories of Pope Francis' nonverbal communication and modestly interprets them in the light of Marshall McLuhan’s famed, ‘The medium is the message’.

In pursuit of a probable Gandhian influence on Pope Francis, the author of the book "Gandhi and t... more In pursuit of a probable Gandhian influence on Pope Francis, the author of the book "Gandhi and the Popes - from Pius XI to Francis", was drawn to explore the impact of Gandhi’s life and teaching on Indian Jesuits in the last quarter of the twentieth century. As ancillary research, some of the findings presented here would require further investigation and elaboration - which is why this article appears among the appendices of the above mentioned book published by Peter Lang in 2015. To view the book, kindly access the link:
https://www.peterlang.com/view/9783653975147/appendix8.html?rskey=Xu81wJ&result=1

Divyadaan, Journal of Philosophy & Education, 2019

A review of the book "Gandhi and the Popes - from Pius XI to Francis" (Peter Lang Publications, F... more A review of the book "Gandhi and the Popes - from Pius XI to Francis" (Peter Lang Publications, Frankfurt, 2015) by Peter Gonsalves, author of two other books on Mahatma Gandhi: "Clothing for Liberation" (Sage, 2010) and "Khadi: Gandhi's Mega Symbol of Subversion" (Sage, 2012).

'The Catholic Historical Review', 2017

Review of 'Gandhi and the Popes - from Pius XI to Francis' by Mario Prayer, in 'The Catholic Hist... more Review of 'Gandhi and the Popes - from Pius XI to Francis' by Mario Prayer, in 'The Catholic Historical Review', Volume 103, Number 2, Spring 2017
pp. 364-365 | 10.1353/cat.2017.0089.

Review of "Gandhi and the Popes" by J. Scheuer s.j, in "Nouvelle revue théologique" 138/3 (2016).

Book Review of 'Gandhi and the Popes - From Pius XI to Francis'

Review of 'Gandhi and the Popes'

Foreword - John S Moolakkattu Introduction I : SUBVERTING THE SELF The Passion to Be an 'Engl... more Foreword - John S Moolakkattu Introduction I : SUBVERTING THE SELF The Passion to Be an 'English Gentleman' (1869-1891) In Search of Sartorial Significance (1892-1913) 'Unclothing' of the Mahatma (1914-1948) II: ECO-POLITICAL SUBVERSION The Rape of India Gandhi's Eco-political Subversion Controversy III: PSYCHO-CULTURAL SUBVERSION Inferiorisation of the People Gandhi's Psycho-cultural Subversion Controversy IV: SOCIO-RELIGIOUS SUBVERSION-UNTOUCHABILITY India's Shame Gandhi's Socio-religious Subversion-Untouchability Controversy V: SOCIO-RELIGIOUS SUBVERSION-MILITANCY India's Schism Gandhi's Socio-religious Subversion-Militancy Controversy VI: THE PHILOSOPHY OF GANDHIAN SUBVERSION THROUGH KHADI Foundational Principles of Gandhian Subversion The Metaphysics of Khadi Conclusion Appendix Glossary of Sanskrit and Indian Vocabulary Timeline of Gandhi and the Swadeshi Movement Index

Contents: Gandhi unable to meet Pius XI - Popes praise Gandhi - Pope Francis' communication r... more Contents: Gandhi unable to meet Pius XI - Popes praise Gandhi - Pope Francis' communication revolution - Gandhi and Bergoglio on religion - Gandhi influenced by Christ? - Pope Francis influenced by Gandhi? - Appendix containing Popes' writings on Gandhi - Being Jesuit the Gandhian Way.

Don Bosco called his pedagogical experience the "preventive system" in his effort to id... more Don Bosco called his pedagogical experience the "preventive system" in his effort to identify his educational method, to show that it was in keeping with his times, and to disassociate it from the "repressive system" which he abhorred. In this article we ask ourselves if this choice made about 150 years ago appeals to the men and women of our twenty-first century who are unacquainted with Salesian discourse. Does the formula express the full richness of Don Bosco's educational intuition? Are there newer metaphors by which his method can be simultaneously relevant today and faithful to his original spirit? This is the concern at the heart of the paper. It investigates the history and debate underpinning the traditional "preventive system" terminology. It proposes new metaphors by which to reframe, rethink and research Don Bosco's pedagogy for our times.

This article highlights Don Bosco's place in the history of nonviolent education. It cont... more This article highlights Don Bosco's place in the history of nonviolent education. It contrasts Don Bosco’s educational approach with the excessively repressive methods that were common practice before and during his time.

This is the first of the two articles on Gandhi’ s Swadeshi Movement. It deals with his sartorial... more This is the first of the two articles on Gandhi’ s Swadeshi Movement. It deals with his sartorial choices involving the organization of persons, objects and events that strategically dethroned a proud empire, liberated a subservient people and ultimately decolonised the world.

Clothing for Liberation: A Communication Analysis of Gandhi's Swadeshi Revolution, 2010

Salesianum, 2009

Résumé/Abstract Don Bosco called his pedagogical experience the" preventive system&q... more Résumé/Abstract Don Bosco called his pedagogical experience the" preventive system" in his effort to identify his educational method, to show that it was in keeping with his times, and to disassociate it from the" repressive system" which he abhorred. In this article we ask ...

Salesianum, 2015

Studien zur interkulturellen Geschichte des Christentums / Etudes d'histoire interculturelle du christianisme / Studies in the Intercultural History of Christianity, 2014