Faculty members and students of Philosophy, Don Bosco College, Tura.
The Department of Philosophy, Don Bosco College, Tura, organized a departmental seminar for the 5th Semester Honours students on the theme “Understanding Punishment: A Philosophical Exploration of Reformative, Preventive and Retributive Theories” on 9th October 2025 at Bosco Hall. The seminar, which began at 11:00 a.m., saw the participation of 96 students, including Honours students from the first, third, and fifth semesters.
The event was graced by the Vice Principal, Rev. Fr. John Paul Tirkey, the IQAC Coordinator, Dr. Mueller Buel M. Sangma, and the faculty members of the Department.
The seminar commenced with a welcome and introductory speech by Dr. Wanphai Mary K. Japang, Head of the Department, who set the tone by briefly outlining the objectives of the seminar and the philosophical relevance of the theme. This was followed by an address from Dr. Mueller Buel M. Sangma, who highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary learning as envisioned in the NEP 2020 and the deep interrelation between Education and Philosophy. She encouraged students to cultivate critical thinking and analytical skills through such academic engagements.
The seminar was formally inaugurated by Rev. Fr. John Paul Tirkey, who, in his address, reflected on the moral and ethical dimensions of punishment. He emphasized that understanding the philosophical foundations of punishment not only enhances intellectual formation but also shapes one’s moral perspective toward justice and reform.
The technical session featured four group presentations by the 5th Semester Honours students.
- The first group presented an overview of the concept of punishment from a philosophical lens, establishing a foundation for deeper inquiry.
- The second group discussed the Reformative Theory of Punishment, emphasizing rehabilitation and moral transformation of offenders.
- The third group examined the Preventive Theory, which aims to deter future crimes and ensure societal safety.
- The fourth group elaborated on the Retributive Theory, highlighting justice and moral balance through deserved punishment.
Each presentation effectively illustrated the essence and criticisms of the respective theories, enriching the audience’s understanding. Jerry Amami R. Marak, a fifth semester student, presented a comprehensive summary of all four sessions, reiterating the role of punishment in nurturing ethical and moral consciousness.
An interactive session followed each presentation, during which participants engaged in thoughtful dialogue with the presenters, further deepening their comprehension of the topic.
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