18th World Congress of Criminology at Jindal univ
The 18th World Congress of Criminology, which was held for the first time in India was inaugurated at the OP Jindal Global University (JGU). The 18th edition was jointly organised in India by the Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences (JIBS), a value based research institute of JGU, and the International Society of Criminology. The international forum is a congregation of over 700 leading criminology experts, lawyers, scholars, academics and professionals from across the world.
Delivering the welcome address at the inauguration ceremony of the global forum, Prof (Dr) C Raj Kumar, founding vice-chancellor, JGU, said: “We were excited to host this prestigious event at our campus. As an educational institution committed to creating meaningful platforms for intellectual debates on important issues, we see this as an opportunity to bring together prominent voices from all over the world on the challenges faced by the criminal justice system in developing economies.”
The central theme of the Congress focused on the criminological opportunities and challenges of the 21st Century in light of the current trends in urbanisation, globalisation, development and crime.
Panel discussions during the Congress will focused on critical issues pertaining to extremism, terrorism and warfare; mass violence and its impact on society, victimisation of vulnerable populations; crimes against women and children, etc.
The true meaning of Christmas
Christmas the joyous time of the year is here again, when children think about giving and receiving gifts as a part of celebration. However, today, with the growing materialism, the true significance of Christmas has been sidelined and overshadowed.
The peripheral of the season is not the reason for the celebration of Christmas. We need to rise above the peripherals and realise the true meaning of Christmas. What is Christmas all aboutIJ It is the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The historic record of the birth of Christ can be found in the Bible. Unlike any other baby, the one born that night in Bethlehem was unique in all of history. Jesus is the Son of God, who became man to take away the sin of humanity.
Jesus came to die for the salvation of the entire humankind. Christmas, therefore, is God sending His Son, Jesus, into the world. Jesus is God’s greatest gift to the world. This is why Christmas is called the incarnation, a word which means “in the flesh.”
In the birth of Jesus, the eternal, all-powerful and all-knowing Creator came to earth in the flesh. Jesus Christ, the Emmanuel which means God is with us. He is called Christ, Holy One, Redeemer, Emmanuel, Son of God, Teacher, Messiah, Almighty and Saviour of the World.
Jesus lived a life in the essence of love; a life of unconditional love. His teachings call for a complete change of heart, a life free from sin. Christmas is the time of healing and renewed strength. It is the time of sharing God’s love with our friends, neighbours, the poor and needy. While we remember Christ’s undying love for each of us at this Christmas, we need to make every effort to share His love with our dear ones, and with those who are afflicted, sick, lonely and rejected by society thus bringing Christ’s joy in their lives.
Jesus Christ is the message of love, joy, peace and everlasting life which is relevant even today because whoever believes in Him and shares His love through various works of mercy,will be transformed and have eternal life with Him in heaven. In the turbulent world around us, Christ, the Prince of Peace is the ray of hope who promises us peace — Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Each one of us is precious to the Heavenly Father and to His Beloved Son Jesus Christ who loves us unconditionally. On this Christmas Day (December 25, 2016), may lord Jesus bless you with all the success and happiness in life.
May you have a wonderful Christ Centred Christmas with your family and friends and a Prosperous New Year 2017.
The writer is Dr AF Pinto, chairman, Ryan International Group of Institutions