Media Release
Bengaluru, Dec 22: An interreligious Christmas celebration was held on December 18 at the Apostolic Carmel Generalate campus, Jayanagar.
The unique feature of this celebration was the presence of 57 transgenders from Tilaknagar, J P Nagar and Banashankari who were invited by Dr Sr M Clarice AC, principal, Sacred Heart Teachers’ Training Institute and warmly welcomed by offering them a rose by the sisters.
The programme began with scripture readings from the Bhagavad Gita, the Koran and the Bible. Fr Joseph Naveen Kumar, parish priest, Christa Prabhalaya Church, Jayanagar, made a prayer of blessing on the inclusive Christmas celebration and shared his reflections saying that we need to build a world of love including those who are rejected by the society. He appreciated the initiative taken by the Apostolic Carmel sisters to include transgenders for their celebration.
The guest speakers were Dr Akkai Padmashali, A transgender woman, social activist, Rajyostva Prashasthi awardee, founder Ondede, (a human rights organization to advocate the rights of children, women and sexual minorities), and Tanveer Ahmed of Mercy Mission Bengaluru, known as a Good Samaritan who was awarded the World Book of Records, London’s certificate of appreciation for the betterment of the society through various humanitarian activities, especially for his commendable service of burial of the dead who died of COVID-19.
Dr Akkai mentioned in her message that transgenders face tremendous discrimination at every level in society from families, siblings, neighbours and so on. The sexual minorities need to have access to social, economic, and political justice. She appreciated the management for having invited the transgender community for the celebration which reflects the spirit of Christmas.
Tanveer brought out a blend between spirituality and acts of charity and mercy and his strong belief in it. Jesus himself embraced everyone without distinction of caste or creed. We need to promote these values in the society, he said.
Dr Sr Clarice AC, principal, thanked and appreciated the speakers for their service to the society and they were felicitated by Sr Linette, the assistant superior general, Dr Sr Ancilla AC., the general councillor for education and Sr Maria Sujata AC, the superior of Lourdes Covent.
A dance Drama ‘Shanthi Dutha’ was staged by the DEd students of Sacred Heart Teachers’ Training Institute followed by the singing of Christmas carols by the choir group of Christa Prabhlaya Church as well as the DEd students.
The special guests, the transgenders were gifted with a saree and a ration kit.
Newma Jeffy and Aaliya Sulaiman compered the programme.
The celebration ended with a fellowship meal, sharing the joy and peace of Christmas with all.