Japanese University students as part of their internship to learn more closely the cultural, social and religious life of India visited Rt. Rev. Dr. Philipose Mar Chrysostom Metropolitan at his official residence in Maramon, Pathanamthitta District, Kerala on 1^st March 2014. The program was organized to widen the attitude of Japanese students to other beliefs and patterns.

Dr. Chrysostom is the senior Metropolitan Bishop of the Mar Thoma Church and the immediate past Head of the strong one million members Syrian Mar Thoma Church. He had also served as the Vice president of World Council of Churches, Geneva.

Metropolitan shared about India’s religious, linguistic and racial diversities and its peaceful coexistence. He also urged students to be more committed to society and well being of fellow being. Students also shared about various subjects ranging from social and economic issues of Japan and natural calamities like tsunami. Students enjoyed Metropolitan’s vibrant knowledge in various subjects along with lots of humor. Students have felt as if they have experienced most blessed moments of life. He also informed them about the interfaith initiatives of Swami Vivekananda, the Indian scholar and monk who founded moderate Hindu mission Rama Krishna Mission to serve the people across the world both physically and spiritually. Bishop also told that diversity of religion is a blessing, God never created anything same, so is religion.

Dr. Thomas Mathew, IARF SACC Chairman and Ferris University India Study Center Director have been giving leadership to India Study tour for the last 12 years.