About Us

The Association of Christian Philosophers of India (ACPI) is a registered society of Indian Christian philosophers committed to rigorous philosophical inquiry, research, education, and dialogue rooted in India. It brings together scholars engaged in teaching, research, and publication in philosophy to foster critical reflection, creative thinking, and constructive engagement with contemporary challenges. Membership is open to Indian Christians competent in philosophy (typically holding a Master’s degree or higher or engaged in teaching/research in philosophy or related fields), subject to application, sponsorship by an existing member, and acceptance by the Governing Body. The Association’s principal activity is its annual research seminar, held at different venues across India, where carefully chosen themes are explored through research papers and discussions. These proceedings, along with other publications—including the landmark ACPI Encyclopedia of Philosophy (2010)—form a significant contribution to Indian Christian philosophical literature. ACPI remains dedicated to providing a firm philosophical foundation for theological formation, cultural understanding, and social engagement, while promoting human dignity, pluralism, justice, and inclusive development.

History #

ACPI had humble origins, steady growth, and notable achievements. The ACPI was conceived in 1975 and became an informal group in 1976 in Aluva, Kerala, inspired by Dr Richard De Smet, SJ, and initiated by Dr Albert Nambiaparambil, CMI. For a few years, this small group of Indian Christian philosophers gathered once a year for informal sharing on relevant philosophical questions. Eventually, it was felt that the ACPI should engage itself in more serious and creative philosophical discussions. Thus, the desire to do more serious philosophising marked the beginning of the ACPI holding annual three-day meetings to present short papers and discuss recurring philosophical themes from the curricula of Institutes of Philosophy. This too continued for a few years.

In 1989, the ACPI was registered as a Society (Reg. Soc. No. 384/89, Eluru, A.P.) with its statutes, laws, and by-laws, and thus gained a formal structure in its functioning and administration. The registered office was established at Vijnana Nilayam, Janampet, Eluru – 534 002, Andhra Pradesh. The ACPI opened membership to Indian Christians involved in philosophical research through lecturing and/or publishing on philosophical questions. The Annual Meetings were held regularly with better planning, during which members thoroughly studied a relevant theme through research papers and group discussions.

Originally, the Association often met in conjunction with the Indian Philosophical Congress; later it began holding independent annual research seminars at various locations across India. From around 2000 onward, the Association has systematically published the proceedings of these meetings. A major scholarly milestone was the publication of the two-volume ACPI Encyclopedia of Philosophy in 2010. Over the decades, ACPI has grown into a national forum that continues to address pressing philosophical, cultural, scientific, and social questions from Christian and Indian perspectives. The revised and enlarged three-volume ACPI Encyclopedia of Philosophy is scheduled for release on 21 October 2026 at the Pontifical Athenaeum Jnana Deepa, Pune.

Vision #

To be a leading forum of Christian philosophers in India that cultivates rigorous, contextual, and dialogical philosophical reflection, contributing to human development, inclusive society, and the enrichment of Indian intellectual and spiritual life through open inquiry, critical thinking, and collaboration across cultures and disciplines.

Mission #

ACPI’s mission is to promote the study, research, and teaching of philosophy from Christian and Indian perspectives; to foster dialogue among philosophers, scholars, and society; to encourage the involvement of young talent (including women) in research and development; and to advance educational and developmental initiatives that uphold human dignity, pluralism, justice, and the common good. Through annual seminars, publications, and collaborative programmes, the Association seeks to provide a firm philosophical foundation for theological formation, cultural understanding, and constructive engagement with the challenges of contemporary India and the wider world.

Objectives #

As stated in the Memorandum of Association, the objectives for which the Society is established are:

• To engage in the educative process which leads to development.
• To undertake study and research on all matters pertaining to philosophy and development.
• To help the involvement of young and talented ones for research and development process.
• To initiate and encourage the education of women and research among them and help them towards their liberation.
• To seek the collaboration and cooperation of other voluntary and government agencies for development activities and programmes, especially in the field of research in Philosophy and values.
• To advance and diffuse information on educational matters, formal and informal, and development, and with that object, to subsidise for, collect, document, print, publish, issue and circulate bulletins, papers, periodicals, books, journals, etc., on education, development and other related matters.
• To conduct and/or participate in seminars, study circles, camps, field trips, lectures, conferences, statistical/economic/sociological surveys, research and training programmes, audio-visual and mass media services, exhibitions, etc., in accordance with and in furtherance of the objectives of the Society.
• To organise, promote, administer, and aid centres of community activity in accordance with and in furtherance of the objectives of the Society.
• To aid and support deserving individuals, especially the socially deprived and physically challenged, wherever and whenever necessary, financially and otherwise.

These objectives are pursued through annual and special sessions, seminars, publication of papers and books, support for education and training, and openness of membership and benefits without restriction based on caste, class, or community (while remaining a Christian philosophical association).