CARMEL VIDYA BHAVAN

Carmel Vidya Bhavan (CVB) boasts a rich history spanning over seven decades, evolving from a dedicated study house for religious and priestly training into a multi-faceted institution deeply rooted in the soil of Maharashtra. Located in Pune, often called the 'Oxford of the East' due to its numerous educational institutions, Carmel Vidya Bhavan is one of many institutions that developed around Jnana Deepa (JD) and the Papal Seminary, which moved from Kandy to Pune in 1955.

The core mission of CVB and its allied institutions, including Christ College, is to "Enlighten to Excel". It strives to mold students into individuals who are not only intellectually erudite and professionally competent but also spiritually deep-rooted, emotionally mature, pastorally efficient, and socially concerned. Inspired by St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, the founder of the CMI Congregation, CVB aims to be a "home of love," fostering mutual respect and nurturing individuals to become witnesses to Christ and his Kingdom, serving the wider public, and becoming truly rooted in the soil of Maharashtra.

The Genesis:

Sacred Heart Carmel Study House (1943-1977): The journey of Carmel Vidya Bhavan began in June 1943, when the Prior General of the Carmelite Mary Immaculate (CMI) congregation, Fr. John Berchumans Koikara, decided to send CMI seminarians to Pune. This decision came in response to an invitation from Fr. Ledkovski S.J., the Superior General of the Jesuits, who was opening a new seminary exclusively for religious students, as the Kandy-seminary was primarily for diocesan clergy.

The first group of five seminarians, including the late Bishop Paulinus Jeerakath, led by Fr. Eugine Manjooran (superior) and Fr. Alfred Vadakkemury (spiritual director), arrived in Pune on June 1, 1943. They initially resided in the Dolden House of Denis Coelho and his wife in Pudumjee Park, with the right wing reserved for their use. The congregation soon purchased a 10-acre plot of land for a future study house.

However, due to World War II, the Jesuit's De Nobili College was taken over for military purposes in 1944, leading to its temporary relocation and a halt in construction plans for the CMI study house. The CMI seminarians also moved to Kandy and returned to Pune in 1948 when De Nobili College resumed its operations. Fr. Eugine Manjooran was then tasked with constructing the study house. In 1949, the CMI congregation exchanged five acres of their land, which was distant from the seminary campus, for five acres closer to the Jesuit seminary, a move readily agreed upon by the De Nobili authorities.

Construction of the study house on the new plot began in 1949. Tragically, Fr. Eugine Manjooran, who was supervising the work, died on January 21, 1951. Fr. Fabian Kalathil succeeded him. The study house was completed and blessed on May 14, 1951, by Prior General Fr. Vincent Alappatt Palatinkal, and was christened Sacred Heart Carmel Study House. In 1952, it was officially raised to the status of a canonical house.

Evolution into Carmel Vidya Bhavan and Phases of Growth

The institution, known today as Carmel Vidya Bhavan, was officially renamed from S.H. Carmel House on February 17, 1977 (Reg. No. MAH/1220/Pune). Its history is broadly categorized into four significant periods of development:

The First Period (1943-1963): Committed to the Old and Open to the New

• This infancy period, guided by rectors like Fr. Eugene Manjooran and Fr. Fabian Kalam, maintained a strict monastic lifestyle.

The Second Period (1963-1984): Breaks Open for New Experience

• This era witnessed a period of experimentation and adaptation to changes introduced by the Vatican Council II, with rectors like Fr. Rudolf Powath and Fr. Eustace Thottan leading the way.

The Third Period (1984-2002): Smooth Sailing for a Safe Haven

• This period, following the renewal mandated by Vatican Council II, was marked by consolidation and rectors like Fr. Justin Koipuram. During this time, the study house also engaged in farming and poultry to support itself financially.

The Fourth Period (2002-2017): The Carmel Becomes an Open House

• This most recent period saw CVB responding positively to the call for global mission, under rectors such as Fr. Norbert Edattukaran and Fr. Anto Thekkudan.

Expanding the Vision: Pastoral Care and Christ College

From its inception, CVB has been involved in significant transformations, shaping changes in its unique way. What began as an institution solely for religious and priestly training gradually expanded its services.

Pastoral Services and Carmel Parish:

• The involvement of Carmel Vidya Bhavan in pastoral work among Syro-Malabar Christians began to take shape during Fr. Paul Blaze Kadichini's rectorship (1975-1978). Fr. Gabinus Petta (1981-1984) significantly organized the Syro-Malabar Catholics in Pune, leading to the formation of the St. Thomas Catholic Association (STCA). With the erection of the Diocese of Kalyan in 1988, the Mass centre at Carmel Vidya Bhavan became a Parish community, entrusted to the CMI Congregation. Fr. Andrews Athappally (1987-1990) became the first Vicar. The congregation generously donated land for the church. Under Fr. James Aerthayil (1990-1996), the parish community was formed as a Trust, and a spacious church was constructed with contributions from parishioners and a substantial donation from Missio, Germany. The foundation stone was laid on January 13, 1989, and the church was blessed on February 18, 1993, coinciding with the Golden Jubilee of Carmel Vidya Bhavan's inception in Pune. A community hall, christened 'Chavara Hall,' was added and blessed on February 4, 2005. The Carmel Parish was formally established with juridical status on July 3, 2009.

Christ College:

• A significant expansion of CVB's vision was the inauguration of Christ College in August 2007. The idea, which had been dormant, began to take shape under Fr. Thomas Mampra's rectorship (2005-2008), with the support of Prior General Fr. Antony Kariyil. Fr. Thomas Mampra secured the ownership deed for the property and the NOC (No Objection Certificate) for Christ College from the University of Pune, marking the beginning of a new era with a global vision. The College is affiliated with Savitribai Phule University of Pune and is recognized as a Religious Minority Institution, offering programs in BA, B.Com, B.Sc. (Computer Science), BBA, BBA (IB), BBA (CA), M.Com, and M.Sc. (Computer Science). It aims to provide high-quality, value-based education, shaping future leaders with social consciousness and promoting a worldview of universal brotherhood. At present the college is affiliated with the Savitribai Phule Pune University and is accredited by NAAC with A+ grade. 

Carmel Vidya Bhavan continues to respond to the call for global mission, seeking to make a lasting impact by producing a sustainable society grounded in human values, intellectually and spiritually enlightening people, and creating a just society that cares for the poor, sick, and marginalized.