Ryshivana Hosts Week-Long Symposium on Administration and Leadership
Ryshivana hosted a week-long Symposium on Administration aimed at equipping religious and institutional leaders with practical insights into responsible administration, leadership, financial accountability and conflict management. The inaugural function was held on October 5 at 9 a.m.
Welcoming the gathering, Rev. Fr Dominic Vas, OCD, Director, Ryshivana, explained the significance of the institution’s name. The acronym RYSHI represents Religion, Spirituality, Health and Integration, reflecting the four dimensions that are harmoniously blended at Ryshivana.
Speaking about the purpose of the symposium, Fr Dominic said the programme would focus on managing resources responsibly, balancing accountability with compassion, remaining spiritually grounded while shouldering administrative responsibilities, and handling conflicts and decision-making effectively.
The chief guest, Dr Laveena Noronha, Founder of Ave Maria Palliative Care Centre, Vamanjoor, shared her long association with Ryshivana and the Carmelite Fathers. Recalling her years of teaching at spirituality centres of the Karnataka-Goa Province, particularly at Ryshivana, she described the place as one of scenic beauty that facilitates inner silence and spiritual reflection. She also recalled her association with the Carmelite Fathers in providing spiritual support to palliative care patients, particularly during the final stages of their lives.
Yogacharya V.L. Rego, Founder and President of Integral Yoga Satsanga, Mangaluru, was the guest of honour. Introducing him, Fr Dominic Vas highlighted his pioneering contribution to promoting yoga in coastal Karnataka.
Yogacharya Rego has conducted more than 500 yoga camps in India and abroad and is associated with the publication To Christ Through Yoga – Integral Yoga. He played a foundational role in the establishment of Ryshivana, having purchased the property and subsequently handed it over to the Carmelites, who have continued its mission of holistic formation through yoga, retreats, symposiums and seminars.
In recognition of his contribution, Yogacharya Rego was honoured with a shawl, memento and sapling.
The inaugural function was presided over by Allen C.A. Pereira, former Chairman and Managing Director of Bank of Maharashtra and Chairman of InSolutaire Global Limited, Mumbai.
In his presidential address, Pereira quoted English poet John Donne, saying, “No man is an island,” and emphasised that human beings are social by nature, making effective leadership and administration essential for the healthy functioning of any organisation.
He highlighted four key pillars of non-profit organisations — efficiency, collaboration, transparency and sensitivity. He stressed that organisations should strive for efficiency without unhealthy competition, promote collaboration, maintain transparency to build trust, and ensure that administration remains sensitive, graceful and affordable rather than simply free.
Drawing an analogy, he said that when the overhead tank has clean water, all the ground-level tanks will also receive clean water. Similarly, when leaders are efficient, trustworthy, sensitive and compassionate, these qualities will naturally influence the entire organisation.
Rev. Fr Archiebald Gonsalves, OCD, Programme Coordinator, compered the inaugural programme and presented an overview of the week-long symposium, which will examine administration from both canonical and legal perspectives.
The symposium will cover a wide range of topics, including financial administration, accountability, FCRA regulations, properties and assets, societies and trusts, new labour laws, the role of a Public Relations Officer, construction works and social apostolate in religious institutions, the use of Artificial Intelligence in administration, and empowering religious men and women in administrative responsibilities.
These sessions will be conducted by eminent professionals and experts, including Chartered Accountant Mr. Sunil Gonsalves of Mangaluru. On the concluding day, former MLA J.R. Lobo will address the participants on “Administrative Challenges Faced by Christian Leadership” and distribute certificates to the participants.
The inaugural programme concluded with a hymn at around 10.45 a.m., marking the beginning of a week of reflection, learning and practical training in administration and leadership.
