Pontifical Athenaeum Jnana Deepa Pune
About Us

Welcome to Pontifical Athenaeum

Pontifical Athenaeum also known by its Indian name Jnana Deepa has a history going back to 1893 when Pope Leo XIII founded the Papal Seminary in Kandy, Sri Lanka, and entrusted its direction and administration to the Society of Jesus. The charter of July 27, 1926, issued by the Holy See, elevated the Papal Seminary to the status of a Pontifical Institute with the rights and privilege... Read More

Prof. Dr. Francis Gonsalves, SJ

President's Message

Welcome to the Pontifical Athenaeum, Jnana Deepa (JD) Institute of Philosophy and Theology... Read More

Pontifical Athenaeum Jnana Deepa Pune
Pontifical Athenaeum Jnana Deepa Pune
Pontifical Athenaeum - Student Activities

Student Activities

At the Pontifical Athenaeum, also known as Jnana Deepa in India, student activities are diverse and enriching. The institution promotes holistic development through various clubs and societies that focus on theology, philosophy, and social service.

Pontifical Athenaeum - Student Activities

Women Forum

The Women's Forum significantly contributes to the empowerment of both female students and faculty members. This platform serves as a vital space for discussing gender equality and leadership, fostering an environment of support and growth.

Pontifical Athenaeum Media

Media

Pontifical Athenaeum provide students with a robust understanding of communication theories and practices. The program focuses on various forms of media, from traditional print to digital platforms, emphasizing the ethical dimensions of communication.

Our Programme

Discover the enduring wisdom of the world’s greatest philosophers and theologians, and how their teachings can illuminate our lives today.

Our Facilities

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    Academic

    Pontifical Athenaeum offers a comprehensive range of facilities and academic programs in philosophy and theology.

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    Books & Library

    Pontifical Athenaeum is equipped with a well-stocked library, which supports interreligious dialogue and academic study in a wide range of religious and philosophical topics.

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    Vibrant Environment

    The campus is described as urban, located in Ramwadi, Pune, and provides a vibrant environment for both local and international students​.

Pontifical Athenaeum Teachers

Meet Our teachers

Our teachers are more than educators; they are mentors on a mission to illuminate minds and enrich souls through deep philosophical and theological exploration.

Publications

Exploring the Depths: Recent Advances in Theological Research

JD PHILOSOPHY SERIES

Since 1893 Jnana Deepa, Institute of Philosophy and Theology, has been pioneering philosophy discussion and debate inspired by prominent personalities like Richard De Smet, Jean de Marneffe, Salvino Azzopardi, Cyril Desbruslais, Noel Sheth, John Vattanky, etc. JD has been at the forefront of promoting Indian philosophy and making philosophical thinking relevant for contemporary times. In its effort to reach out to like-minded scholars, JD Philosophy Series is visualized as a catalyst for interdisciplinary thinking and contemporary exploration of social issues fostering holistic liberation, integral development, and creative engagement among various wisdom sources. Fr Dolichan Kollareth SJ is the General Editor. This year's publications are:

1. Roney George: Respect, Reverence and Responsibility (2023)
2. K. Pandikattu: Ethics, Artificial Intelligence and Human Destiny (2023)
3. S. Stephen Jayard: Can We Ever Know How Much We Don't Know? (2023)
4. D. Kollareth: Beyond the Binaries: Transgender Identity and the Philosophical Questions (2024)
5. C. Desbruslais: Interpretations of Transcendence: With Special Reference to the Hermeneutics of Paul Ricoeur (2024)

The JD Theological Publication Series:

The JD-ISPCK Theological Publications' Series is a new venture of Jnana Deepa (JD) in collaboration with the Indian Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge (ISPCK), Delhi, with the aim of promoting Christian Literature, specifically in the fields of theology, scripture and spirituality. It seeks to promote interdisciplinary thinking and dialogue among religions, cultures, communities and secular movements. It also intends to provide academic perspectives on contemporary theological issues, and to share theological knowledge and expertise in a credible and convincing way. A committee has been formed to coordinate this series. The JD-ISPCK Theological Publications' Series was initiated in 2020. We had three publications earlier and two this year. This year's publications were Doctoral dissertations.

1) The Doctoral thesis of Dr. Herman Tirkey is titled Church and Cultural Identity: The Challenges of Mission among the Uraons.
2) The title of Dr. George Cordeiro's book is Journeying Together: Exploring an Interdisciplinary Model for an Effective Christian Spiritual Accompaniment.

Testimonial

What they say

Testimonial

I found JD Pontifical Athenaeum as a sanctuary where, intellectual reflection flourishes, dreams are woven and women lead confidently. This campus fosters empowerment, equality, and excellence. Every corridor echoes with encouragement, every classroom nurtures ambition, and every interaction uplifts. Proud to be part of a campus that celebrates women’s strength and resilience. More than just an education I discovered a home that empowers, mentors, and inspires, where women thrive, break barriers, and create their own narratives.

Soniya Joseph UMI
Baccalaureate in Theology
Testimonial

I am delighted to offer my heartfelt testimonial to the Pontifical Athenaeum, Jnana Deepa, Institute of Philosophy and Theology, Pune. My time at Jnana Deepa has been incredibly transformative and enriching. The faculty’s dedication, the holistic curriculum, and the supportive community have all contributed to my personal and academic growth. The institute's integration of traditional teachings with contemporary perspectives has not only imparted academic knowledge but also provided me with invaluable insights into myself and my societal role. I wholeheartedly endorse Jnana Deepa as a beacon of knowledge and enlightenment, and I am immensely grateful for the experiences and wisdom gained during my time there.

Fr Satya Prakash
Doctorate in Theology
Testimonial

I am happy to share my compliments about JD Institute of Philosophy and Theology, Pune. where I did my two years of licentiate program in philosophy (2022-2024). During this time, I really enjoyed all the input sessions given to enrich my knowledge of philosophy and the atmosphere conducive for my stay and study. I thank all the teaching and non-teaching staff for their service.

Fr A. Charles
Licentiate in Systematic Philosophy
Testimonial

I value Jnana Deepa Institute of Philosophy and Theology (Pontifical Athenaeum), Pune for its dedication to technological progress, benefiting student education and readiness for today's world. Their advanced technology demonstrates a commitment to innovation, enriching academic, administrative and student life.

Sr Agnes Rungsung
Licentiate in Biblical Studies
Latest News

From the news

Faculty of Philosophy inaugurated a new blog, SophiaWaves.com

The Faculty of Philosophy inaugurated a new blog, SophiaWaves.com, an enthralling online platform meticulously crafted exclusively for the philosophy students of Jnana Deepa,  on 4 December 2023. The ceremonial proceedings were presided over by Prof. Francis Gonsalves, the President, Prof....

Valedictory Function

On February 16, 2024, the Valedictory Function was organized to bid farewell to three outgoing staff members Profs. Selva Rathinam, V.M Jose, and Thomas Chillikkulam and outgoing students.

George Lobo memorial lecture

George Lobo memorial lecture was held on February 12, 2024. The entire programme was divided into two sessions dealing with two interrelated topics.