Media Release

Report by: C V Joseph

Bengaluru, Dec 18: Archbishop Bernard Moras, president of the All Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights (AKUCFHR), along with the leaders of other Christian denominations representing all Christians in Karnataka hosted a Christmas Sneha Milan for the leaders and friends from other religions.

Poojya Veerabhadra Channamalla Mahaswamiji of the Sri Nidumamidi Maha Samsthana was the chief guest at the gathering which was held at United Theological College in Bengaluru recently.

Archbishop Moras welcoming the religious leaders and all others explained the meaning of Christmas. He said Christmas brings peace, joy and love among other good qualities. Jesus came on earth to give peace to the humanity and not only to Catholics or other Christians alone. He said "Christmas is time when we recall God’s love for us, how he becomes human so that we might recognize Him in all human beings. Hence Christmas is a time for recognizing Him, not only in Jesus but in everybody. It is also time for renewing relationships and reaching out to one another. It is for this reason, families come together, people send greetings to one another and Christians are happy to greet all our brothers and sisters of other religions. The Sneha Milan is organized with the same goal and purpose".

Dr. Moras also introduced to all AKUCFHR. He wished everyone present God’s blessings during this Christmas and throughout their lives.
Swamiji Sri Veerabhadra Channamalla speaking on the occasion stressed the importance of moral life for entire humanity. He held high the teachings of all religions and considered all religions as holy and great. "Jesus was a perfect leader who brought peace, justice, love and harmony among all sections of the people at that time. People everywhere need these even today. People need redemption which Jesus gave. ". He said.

Swamiji who spoke at length touched upon various aspects of religious teachings throughout centuries and the occasion of various religions coming into existence according to the need of time and situation. People of various faiths claim as per each one’s stand but we are one in many ways including culture of India.

Bishop Dr Mar Seraphim of Syrian Orthodox Church who spoke on the meaning of Christmas asked the gathering to stand in silence for a while to express solidarity for the children died in Pakistan. He spoke of a wider ecumenism which is the manger. H esaid "Peace, the need of the hour, is particularly the message of Christmas and all can be united with this message. We live in a world of selfishness and lead a self-centred life. But God gave humanity a self-sacrificial life. That is Christmas. Flesh which is inclined towards evil is made holy. To keep body and mind pure is a challenge and a difficult task. Jesus gave his body for all. He came to give direction and progress to the world. Christmas is not an event to celebrate but it is a reality of life broken for others so that others also have life,." Bishop Abraham elaborated. He greeted everyone a happy and holy Christmas in advance.

Shreyar Vakil from Parsee Fraternity spoke of secularism and its meaning in the present context. "Parsee is a minority within minority. They are only about 80,000 in the world. All religions teach to follow after good thoughts, deeds and words. I wonder whether Santa Claus is real or a myth! Christmas, according to me, is a gift of love, sharing, caring, harmony and many more which contribute positively towards building up of a good society. All can become Christians who follow the tenets of Christ and not necessarily someone is born as a Catholic or a Protestant. Christmas is a time and a day of introspection and not only for joy and rejoicing. Water was changed into wine at the instance of Mary. From that day on, He became Christ from Jesus."

Masood Fouzdar, chairman, Karnataka Minority Development Corporation, said Christmas is happiness. He said that on Christmas, world was blessed with happiness and marked the history with the birth of Jesus Christ. He said that the birth of Jesus brought the world peace, love, happiness and future to look for. He called upon all to get together to nurture the love and harmony brought about by Jesus Christ. He also assured the minority community that he and his department would extend all help towards empowering through education and employment.

Among others who spoke included Gyani Baldev Singh, Head Granthi, Guru Singh Sabha, Ananda Bhante, Head Mahabodhi Society and Fr Ronnie Prabhu, SJ who was the main organizer and spokesperson. Fr Ronnie enlightened all with his brain teasers intermittently and between the speeches and cultural items.
Other religious leaders present on the occasion were Rajesh Bhantia, Jain representative, Mar Thoma Church, CSI, Orthodox Syrian, Believers Church, Assemblies of God, Lutheran, FCCO, Baptist, Jacobite Roman Catholic, Seventh Day Adventist, and Methodist Churches.

Earlier, the religious leaders were honoured with shawls and garlands. The Christmas Sneha Milan began with lighting of the traditional lamp.
Students of Mount Carmel College and St. Joseph’s College of Commerce performed splendid dances and students of Jyanajyoti, Anekal, sang a prayer song.
Among others present were Ivan Nigli, former MLA, Congress youth president, priests, nuns, high ranking officials and people of all walks of life.

A lucky dip fetched prizes for many and Santa distributed prizes to the winners. The first prize went to a retired IAS officer and presently BBMP official.

Some of the people behind the scene were Pericho Prabhu, Kiritappa, AmithNigli and several others. After vote of thanks by P C Anthonyswamy , the get-together concluded with a closing anthem.