Scholars Hail Jesuit Success at World Sanskrit Conference

Christian and Hindu leaders in India, as well as scholars from around the world, have praised the performance of a Jesuit priest in convening the recent 14th World Sanskrit Conference.

Fr. Noel Sheth SJ, a lecturer in Indian Religions, served as chief convener of the History of Religion section at the meeting in Kyoto, Japan, the first Catholic priest so honored. The International Association of Sanskrit Studies had invited the University of Kyoto to host the triennial conference this year, held Sept.1-5. The Jesuit “did an excellent job as convener”, acknowledged Muneo Tokunaga, head of the university’s Sanskrit Department. He selected “top-rate research papers” and appointed the best person to chair each session, the Japanese scholar said.

Tokunaga, a Buddhist and chairperson of the conference’s organizing committee, added that the priest’s “deep insight” into Indian culture helped promote better understanding between Hinduism and other religions.

In India, Fr. Job Kozhmathadam likewise credited his fellow Jesuit’s lectures and writings with linking various religions. In the process, said the president of Jnana Deepa Vidyapeeth(JDV), a Jesuit-run seminary in Pune, Fr. Sheth has introduced Catholic insights and beliefs into Indian culture and traditions.

The priest’s selection as chief convener is “a great honour to the Catholic Church in India” remarked Bishop Thomas Dabre of Poona, an expert on Indian religions. Fr. Sheth’s scholarship in Sanskrit symbolizes the Catholic Church’s commitment to preserve authentic Indian ancient culture, tradition and heritage, the prelate said.