Udupi: Message of Peace, Harmony Resounds at Inter-religious Meet

Pics: Hemanath Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SM)

Udupi, Dec 23: Spirit of unity and harmony reverberated at Don Bosco hall here on Saturday December 22 as prominent persons from the three major communities came together to share their views on religion and promote peace.

The inter-religious discourse, organized by the district minority forum was held on the topic 'Importance of Festivals in Religion'. Udupi Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Sri Sugunendratirtha Swamiji of Puttige Math and Mohammed Kunhi, manager of Shanthi Prakashana, spoke on the importance of Christmas, Diwali and Eid, respectively.

In his address, Bishop Dr Gerald Lobo termed the programme as unique and said that it is necessary to understand the meaning of and inculcate the message of Christmas in one's life.

"Christmas and Easter are the most important festivals for Christians, just as Diwali is for Hindus and Eid-ul-Fitr for Muslims. We have many festivals in India, but the fundamental message of all festivals is the same," he said, adding that Christmas is not limited to Christian community alone.

"Jesus Christ came to earth with the message of peace and sacrifice. He was not born in a rich family. He was always with the poor and the needy. He only wanted devotion and committment and nothing else," he added.

"Religion should bring everyone together and not divide people in terms of communities and sects. Everyone should live together. This harmony meet is a sign of unity in celebration," the Bishop said.

He further added, "This year we will organize such inter-religious meets during every major festival. Let us be examples of unity to the world."

Sri Sugunendratirtha Swamiji in his message said that 'Christmas is the second Krishna Janmashtami', a statement which was received with a huge round of applause from the audience.

"Festivals should not be about only spending money, they should also be about prayers, belief and devotion to god," he said, "Just as we distribute sweets, our celebrations too should carry sweetness and destroy bitterness towards other communities."

He drew a parallel between Lord Krishna and Jesus Christ and said that love is important and not war. Festivals should foster love and togetherness, and not enmity, he added.

"Unity is what god wishes from us, whatever be our community. God is the father and He wants his children to live together in peace," the Swamiji said.

Mohammed Kunhi in his address said, "Unity is the speciality of this inter-religious meet. Mohammed and Jesus both were prophets. Islam and Christianity have a lot of similarities and common elements, including holy scriptures. Hence, Muslims too have many reasons to be happy on the occasion of Christmas."

He further added, "Technology is advancing at a rapid pace these days, but religiously and socially man is moving towards disaster. Crime rate is increasing and man is competing with animals. Nobody seems to following the holy books."

He said that more programmes will be organized in the near future to foster unity and harmony among communities.