Treasures of Human Personhood
By Fr (Dr) Patrick D'Souza, Vasai
The depth of our emotions, the richness of our experiences, along with our natural capacity for empathy, creativity and resilience blend to create the treasure of human personhood. This treasure can be nurtured through education, compassion, and a deep understanding of ourselves and others, thus fostering a society where every individual's potential can flourish. This is the core message that springs from Fr Dr Patrick D'Souza's book entitled 'Treasures of Human Personhood'. Fr Patrick has a rich repertoire of experience educating young adults, as he was a lecturer at St Gonsalo Garcia College, Vasai. 'A good teacher takes a hand, opens a mind, and touches a heart.' Fr Patrick regularly conducted a Supplementary Education Programme (SEP) for college students, and touched their lives, revealing to them the wonders they carry within themselves. Under the mentorship of Dr Robin Kakde, former Associate Professor of Vidyavardhini College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Fr Patrick's work culminated into his doctoral thesis. The gist of his work was published as 'Treasures of Human Personhood' and released on July 16, 2024 in the august presence of many dignitaries.
About the book:
The book has seven chapters. In the very first chapter, the author elucidates the concept of human personhood, examining the same from perspectives shared by different philosophers, psychologists and religions. The concepts of Emotional Quotient and Spiritual Quotient are elaborated, thus forming the foundation to assimilate the further contents of the book. The second chapter highlights the need for enhancement of human personhood and the role of education therein. Academics that focus on mere cognitive development will lead to lopsided development. Hence the third chapter aptly emphasises the need for a Supplementary Education Programme (SEP) that focuses on development of human personhood. Chapter Four of the book traces the genesis of the SEP, with due clarification of its objectives and principles. Various constructivist approaches that can be dovetailed into the SEP are elaborated in detail.
The fifth chapter guides persons conducting the SEP to lead participants to understand various emotions, deal with challenging situations and nurture healthy responses to issues like human suffering. This chapter focuses on different activities that can help participants showcase their latent talents which undoubtedly form an integral part of human personhood. Chapter Six discusses the author's experiences regarding the impact of the SEP on development of human personhood. Chapter Seven elucidates the concept of human personhood quotient. The author has also provided a standardised tool to measure the same. Human personhood has eight facets viz physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, moral, religious, personal and social. Each of these facets can be blended seamlessly to nurture a balanced and responsible human who contributes to making the world a better place.
Highlights of the book:
The book 'Treasures of Human Personhood' is the result of Fr Patrick's in-depth study, well planned sessions, empathetic attitude and deep reflection. Fr Patrick has referred to the thoughts of philosophers, psychologists, authors, and has delved deeply into many religious and spiritual works. This gives the book a robust base that appeals to the reader. The language is simple, and the instructions regarding the use of the Special Education Programme for Development of Human Personhood are very lucid and easy to follow. The wide range and variety of activities suggested speak volumes about the author's experience and expertise.
The book can be used by educators to plan and conduct programmes for development of human personhood. Mature readers can apply the takeaways from the book to enhance the quality of their own human personhood. Personality development camps for young adults or recruits in workplaces can utilise the programmes outlined by the author. Parents will benefit from the book as they can provide the right ambience at home to nurture the human personhood of their children.
The book is available freely as an E-book and as an audiobook at https://worldofemotions.in. Ralph Peters, a retired US Army colonel says, 'The great paradox of the 21st century is that, in this age of powerful technology, the biggest problems we face internationally are problems of the human soul.' Indeed, we need a solution to the problems of the human soul, and the book 'Treasures of Human Personhood' by Fr Dr Patrick D'Souza will help us arrive at this solution.
Hard copies of the book available with: 1) Fr Patrick D'Souza, Clergy Home, Opp. St Thomas Church, Sandor, Vasai West 401201. (Mob: 70304 47934)
2) Dr Vishakhadutt Patil, Claryxis Publications, Andheri West (Mob: 98203 56506).
Dr Agnes (Cynthia) D'costa
(Associate Professor at Pushpanjali College of Education, Vasai; Managing Editor of Shantidoot, magazine of the Diocese of Vasai)