Centre for Dialogue between Religion, Education, Science and Society (CDRESS)
Co-ordinator
Susan John Varghese, Ph.D,
Associate Prof, Dept of Physics,
SFS college,
Nagpur.
CDRESS (Centre for Dialogue between Religion, Education, Science and Society) is a forum, launched on 24th January, 2006, to blend harmoniously and creatively the latest findings of modern science and deepest insights of religions to build up a better India in her multi-religious, multi-cultural and multi-racial context, in collaboration with IISR (Indian Institute of Science And Religion) Delhi.
CDRESS was Inaugurated on 24th Jan 2006, by hon’ble Dr. S.N. Pathan , Ex-Vice Chancellor ,RTM Nagpur University & presided over by late Most Rev. Arch Bishop Abraham Viruthakulangara chairman of SFS College, Rev. Fr. Job Kozhamathadam, director, Indian Institute of Science & Religion (IISR), Pune.
It has been carrying out its noble and timely mission by jointly conducting conferences and Techno-value Fest, an intercollegiate event such as seminars, essay competitions, debates, poster competition, elocution etc., on different themes related to science-religion interfacing, for the staff and students of SFS College and other educational institutions. Techno- Value Fest provides a platform for energetic and dynamic their creativity and innovations. It prepares the youth to be a responsible citizen to be of service to society in global prospective using “SCIENCE AND RELIGION”. Throughout the year CDRESS conducts various programmes, conferences etc. Through conferences, seminar and webinar platform scientists, religious thinkers and other scholars of society share their knowledge and experience on various issues related to the relationship between modern science and contemporary religions.
Aims: To link the dynamics of Religion, Education, Science and Society.
Objectives:
1) To promote dialogue between science and religion by involving students institutions and interested persons.
2) To create awareness among students of the physical sciences and social and their interrelationship with religion.
3) Various activities are conducted for student at intercollegiate level every year.









| Sr. No. | Field | Content |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Title | Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Ethics and Humanity (AITEH-2026) |
| 2. | Theme | Science and Religion Interfacing |
| 3. | Date | 9th and 10th October 2026 |
| 4. | Organised By | Centre for Dialogue between Religion, Education, Science and Society (CDRESS), SFS College, Nagpur |
| 5. | In Collaboration With | Indian Institute of Science and Religion (IISR), Delhi |
| 6. | Summary | St. Francis De Sales College, Nagpur, organised the International Conference on Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Ethics and Humanity (AITEH-2026) on 9–10 October 2026, as part of its 20 years of dialogue between Science and Religion. The conference was graced by Dr. Manali M. Kshirsagar, Honourable Chief Guest and Vice-Chancellor of RTMNU, and Most Rev. Dr. Elias Gonsalves, Honourable Guest of Honour and Archbishop of Nagpur. |
| 7. | Total Participants | 273 |
| 8. | Highlights | Inaugural session featuring distinguished dignitaries and experts from academia, science, technology and religion. Keynote and expert sessions exploring the ethical, social and human dimensions of Artificial Intelligence. Interdisciplinary discussions on AI, Science, Religion, Ethics and Humanity. Panel discussions on AI and moral decision-making, accountability, human dignity and AI in religious rituals. Online presentations by international and national speakers addressing AI, spirituality, mental well-being, ethics and social inequalities. 46 abstracts were received, with 38 papers presented in online and offline modes. The conference recorded participation from 115 registered delegates, 124 brothers from different seminaries and 34 SFS College students. The conference concluded with a strong emphasis on keeping human dignity, ethics, conscience and compassion at the centre of AI development and use. |
| 9. | Video Links | Day1: https://www.youtube.com/live/-LVToZrdyLw?si=0mzZ41_rOh09Ow6E https://www.youtube.com/live/PKRDvV2wT2M?si=JLkjC-uGmSIbX1mR Day-2: https://www.youtube.com/live/FB3rXjP0_BA?si=vH0g0dMMf0m-3wbahttps://youtu.be/-ONOTPWa-Dw?si=nWzunxvm94j_QZBO |

