Mangalore: Voice of Unity Reverberates at KACES 'Saamarasya 2012'
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
Mangalore, Feb 6: "God is the creaor of all beings. His soul is imbibed in each one of us, and therefore we should try to inculcate His qualities," said Dr Syed Zafar Mahmood, president, Interfaith Coalition for Peace (ICP), New Delhi.
He was speaking at the inaugural of 'Saamarasya 2012', an interfaith peace intiative undertaken by Karnataka Christian Educational Society (KACES) in association with ICP, New Delhi, at KACES ground here on Sunday February 5. The event also marked the 40th anniversary of KACES hostel.
Thanking the organizers for inviting him to the event, Dr Mahmood said, "This is going to be an evening of music and culture. Every form of music revolves around the harmony of musical chords. The chords are put together and manipulated mechanically to produce beautiful music. God is source of that music. It is also what you call interfaith gathering."
He further said, "God has created each one of us differntly to test who among is the most righteous, and righteousness lies in helping each other." He also mentioned that same day Muslims had observed Eid Milad to mark the birthday of Prophet Mohammed, through whom the Quran was revealed.
On the issue of inclusion of Muslims and Christians under Scheduled Castes (SC) quota, he said that back in 1950 the then president had drawn up a list of conditions that quallify one as SC, provided that the person belonged to the Hindu religion. In later years, Sikhs and Buddhists were also added, but Christians and Muslims still remain out of its purview. This is discrimination based on religion which is unconstitution, he added.
"There is insufficient representation of Muslims and Christians in administration and governance, but the governement is not responsible for that, but the people of the communities who do not take up competitive exams. The Zakat foundation has already taken steps in this regard and I urge the Church also to consider it seriously," he said.
Secretary and treasurer of ICP Dr Pakiam Samuel released a souvenir marking the 40th anniversary of KACES hostel. In his address he said that an interfaith dialogue can emerge into a popular activity. "Earlier such interactions were confined within walls where papers were presented and issues debated, but at the end nothing would happen," he said and thanked KACES for making interfaith dialogue more joyful and interactive.
He also said that Mangalore in the past was in the news for the wrong reasons, but last year's interfaith gathering brought everyone together. We should celebrate our diversity, and that way Mangalore can set an example to the rest of the country, he said.
Guest of honour Fr Ronnie Prabhu, director of Fatima Retreat House stressed on the need for being open-minded and accept others wholeheartedly. "We have our own identities and we get stuck with them. Our identities are not inclusive, but one that excludes others. But for those who have a broad-minded view of the world, the whole world becomes one family."
He further added, "We have to keep our identities, but at the same time look beyond them and include others. Then, light comes and darkness disappears. When we do that we broaden our horizon and experience 'Saamarasya'."
On religion he said, "The problem today is that we love our religion more than we love God. We are bringing God to the level of religion. When we love only religion we keep other religions away and then fanatism arises. We must love our religion, but we must love God more."
He further said, "If we want to promote 'Saamarasya' we must have spirit of forgiveness - Catholics and Protestants, Dalit and Brahmins, Hindu and Muslims - they should all forgive each other. Not only forgive but learn not to be hurt, be broad-minded and not be touchy."
M B Puranik, president of Sharada Group of Institutions and KPCC secretary Ivan D'Souza also spoke on the occasion.
KACES secretray Dr Hannibal Cabral who presided over the function, said, "One who lives here lives also in heaven. When u look at others as brothers and sisters, that is when we learn to live together."
Winners of various competitions and tournaments that were held to commemorate 40th anniversary of KACES hostel were given away prizes. Those who had served in KACES hostel over the years, like Rev John Amanna, Rev Emannuel Bhaskar and others were also honoured on the occasion.
Sandeep Theophil, PRO of KACES proposed the vote of thanks. Rev P C James, warden of KACES hostel and others were present.
The stage programme was followed by a colourful display of culture by various groups. Dances and songs presented by groups from CSI Sushanthi Church, St Aloysius School, CSI Bishop Sargent Church, Thokkuttu, Sandesh Foundation, Milau Kalavedike of Husain Katipalla entertained the audience thoroughly. Eternity Rock Band from Bangalore and a humour and mimicry session by the talented Vismaya Vinayak were special attractions that won everyone's hearts.