Shillong/Rome 12th December: On 11 December 2025, Rev. Fr. Kenny Nongrum, SDB, defended his doctoral thesis in the Università Pontificia Salesiana, Rome, under the Department of Theology. Fr. Kenny presented and defended his dissertation entitled: THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF FR. SYLVANUS SNGI LYNGDOH SDB (1921-2016) TOWARDS THE INCULTURATION OF THE GOSPEL AND CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY AMONG THE KHASIS OF NORTH-EAST INDIA.
The dissertation was carried out under the guidance of Prof. Michal Vojtáš, who accompanied the candidate throughout the research and writing process. The thesis was evaluated by two official readers: Prof. Samuel Komlanvi Amaglo sdb and Prof. Shaji Joseph Puykunnel sdb. The defense was chaired by Prof. Sahayadas Fernando SDB, the Dean of the Department of Theology.
The defense opened with a brief introduction by Prof. Sahayadas who outlined the academic protocol and highlighted the relevance of the research topic within contemporary theological studies, especially in the context of cultural and pastoral engagement in North-East India.
Fr. Kenny then presented and defended his dissertation with clarity, scholarly depth, and pastoral sensitivity. His work explored the life, mission, and theological contribution of Fr. Sylvanus Sngi Lyngdoh, SDB, focusing on his pioneering efforts in inculturating the Christian message within Khasi culture and nurturing a contextualized Christian spirituality among the Khasi people. The examiners engaged the candidate in a rigorous and enriching dialogue, raising questions related to the theological foundations of inculturation, the pastoral legacy of Fr. Sylvanus Sngi sdb, and the methodological approach employed in the study. Fr. Kenny responded competently and insightfully, demonstrating mastery of the subject and its wider implications for missiology and indigenous Christian expression.
The defense was attended by a large and enthusiastic assembly. Among the dignitaries present were: Rev. Fr. Biju Michael, SDB, Regional Councillor for South Asia, Fr. Jose Anibal, SDB, Provincial of the Vice Province of UPS, Rev. Fr. Jose Kuruvachira, SDB (Rector), Fr. George Thadathil, SDB. A number of priests and religious from North-East India currently pursuing studies in Rome too came for the defense.
Following the deliberation of the examination committee, the chair solemnly proclaimed Rev. Fr. Kenny Nongrum, SDB, as Doctor in Theology. The announcement was met with warm applause and heartfelt congratulations from all present. The formal session concluded with a moment of fraternal celebration, followed by refreshments for all present.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Fr. (Dr.) Kenny Nongrum, SDB, and invoke God’s abundant blessings upon him as he returns to his province to continue serving the Church and the Salesian province of Shillong with renewed academic and pastoral vigour.
