To contribute to the transformation of individuals and communities through education, research and meaningful engagement with the realities of our world.
To facilitate education, interdisciplinary research and collaborative initiatives that equip people to engage thoughtfully with theology, religion and contemporary realities, and to contribute to the transformation of individuals, communities and society.
Marina Initiatives for Transformation began with a conviction, held over several years by its founder, Dr. Joshua Iyadurai, and Mrs Hema Joshua. They believed they were called to a mission that fit a changing India and a changing world. They shared the idea with theological scholars, pastors and professionals, who agreed that a venture like this was needed.
On 24 December 2013 the Trust was registered in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, as a Religious Education Trust (Reg. No. 360/2013). The name “Marina” was chosen to reflect the Trust’s character. It is rooted in a particular place, like Marina Beach in Chennai, yet open to people from every walk of life.
One of the Trust's first initiatives was THEOn, developed to make theological education accessible beyond traditional institutional settings. THEOn was envisioned as a means of equipping Christians to understand their faith, discern their calling and engage meaningfully in the places where they live and serve. This vision expanded through online theological education, resources and workshops.
The Trust subsequently developed the Marina Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Religion (MCISR) to advance interdisciplinary study and research in theology and religion. MCISR brings theology and religious studies into conversation with the humanities and social sciences, with particular attention to lived religion, pluralistic contexts and the realities of individuals and communities. Through research, academic programmes, publications, seminars and collaboration, MCISR seeks to contribute to better understanding of religion and its role in society and to foster transformation.
Today, Marina Initiatives for Transformation provides the institutional framework for these initiatives, bringing together education, research and engagement with a shared commitment to equipping people and contributing to personal and community transformation.
Founding Trustee & Chairman
Ministry & Institutional Wisdom
Rev. Dr. Samuel Prabhakar holds a PhD in History from the University of Madras, Chennai, and serves as a presbyter in the Church of South India (CSI), Diocese of Madras. He is a former General Secretary of the National Missionary Society, Chennai. His experience in Christian ministry, mission and institutional leadership brings valuable wisdom and perspective to the Trust.
Founder & Managing Trustee
Vision & Academic Leadership
Dr. Joshua Iyadurai holds a PhD in Christian Studies from the University of Madras, Chennai, with research focused on religious conversion. He has undertaken postdoctoral research at Fuller Theological Seminary, California, USA, and Trinity College Bristol, UK. He is the author of Transformative Religious Experience and Social Research Methods for Students and Scholars of Religious Studies, and has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals. His academic and research interests include interdisciplinary approaches to theology, religion and lived experience. As Founder and Managing Trustee, he provides the vision and academic leadership for the Trust, translating its vision into educational, research and transformative initiatives.
Co-founder & Trustee Secretary
Creativity & Implementation
Mrs. Hema Joshua is currently pursuing a PhD in Practical Theology at the South Asia Institute of Advanced Christian Studies (SAIACS), Bangalore. Her doctoral research explores children's perceptions of Jesus and seeks to develop a children's Christology. Her interests include practical theology, theological reflection and the experiences of children in faith communities. As Co-founder and Trustee Secretary, she contributes creativity, practical organisation and collaborative leadership, helping to develop and bring the Trust's initiatives into action.
Founding Trustee & Treasurer
Educational & Financial Stewardship
Dr. Vijayakumar Srinivasan holds a PhD in Business Studies and brings nearly 22 years of experience in academia, particularly in higher education in India and abroad. He currently serves as the Principal of Christwood School, Chennai. His experience in educational leadership, institutional administration, and financial management contributes to the effective governance of the Trust, responsible stewardship of its resources and its continued development.
Member Trustee
Corporate & Operational Expertise
Mr. H. D. Christopher has held senior leadership positions in the corporate sector with multinational companies, overseeing business and operational functions. He currently leads a consulting practice providing expertise in factory operations, automation, furniture production and finishing. His extensive experience in corporate operations, management and problem-solving brings a valuable professional perspective to the Trust.
Member Trustee
Research & Scientific Perspective
Dr. Jerritta S. holds a PhD in Bio-signal Processing from Universiti Malaysia Perlis. She currently serves as Director of Research at Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies, Chennai. Her academic and research experience, particularly in science and technology, contributes to the Trust's commitment to interdisciplinary research, innovation and learning.
