Media Release

Udupi, Nov 19: Rev Dr Hemachandra Kumar, president of the CSI Karnataka southern diocese, emphasized the need to instil social concern in children from a young age, encouraging them to live in harmony with all communities to become a beacon of light to the world. He was speaking at the inauguration of the Udupi district unit of the All-Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights (AKUCFHR) held on Tuesday at the Kakunje Anugraha pastoral Centre of Udupi Catholic diocese.

“Jesus Christ’s message of love for all should guide us in building a society rooted in compassion. By embracing the social concerns of Jesus and fostering unity among neighbouring communities, the Christian community can exemplify a model of solidarity and purpose,” Dr Hemachandra stated.

Presiding over the event, Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo of the Udupi Catholic diocese stressed the significance of unity. “Strength lies in togetherness, whereas division leads to the community's downfall. Unity is crucial in today's world, enabling us to advocate for the rights of our community and achieve success through collective efforts,” he said.

The event also honoured Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo for completing 75 years of his life, Fr Baptist Pais for being elected as the national secretary of the Christian Forum, and Fr Denis D'sa for being appointed as a national member of the Forum.

Fr J B Saldanha, public relations officer of the Mangalore diocese, conducted a workshop outlining the forum's activities and future plans.

The programme witnessed the participation of representatives from various Christian denominations, including Roman Catholic, Syro-Malabar, Syro-Malankara, CSI, UBMC, Syrian Orthodox, Mar Thoma, and independent Christian congregations.

The event began with a prayer by Ivan D Soans, CSI Udupi pastorate presbyter. Prashanth Jattanna, vice president of AKUCFHR, delivered the welcome address, while Fr Leo D'Souza, diocesan secretary of the Christian Forum, proposed the vote of thanks.