Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Dajiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Dec 21: Annual Sarva Dharma Christmas celebration programme was jointly organised by Sauharda committee Udupi, Catholic Sabha Udupi unit, Mother of Sorrows Church Udupi, Lions Club district 317 C and Lions Club, Udupi Sangam at Mother of Sorrows Church premise here on Thursday, December 20.
The programme was inaugurated by lighting the Christmas tree by guests.
In the presidential address, Bishop of Udupi Diocese, Fr Gerald Isaac Lobo, said, “Brotherhood is a way for achieving souharda (harmony). Brotherhood is nothing but living together without having enmity, jealousy, distrust and doubt.
“No religion proposes harm to others. All religion says sympathy, kindness, forgiveness, peace and non-violence. If we understand these factors, there will be peace on earth. Hindu religion says 'we all belong to one family. Islam religion says, 'Live and Let live', Jains proposed ‘peace can be possible through non-violence’, and Christian religion says 'Look at God in others'. One should understand his own religion first and adopt the principles in his own life. One should respect other
religions as well. If we follow four factors in life, Christmas sammilana is possible,” he said.
Dr Mohammed Rafique Hoode, inspection faculty, Health division speaking on the occasion said, “Today technology has become advanced. There are crores of people sleeping hungry. If there is spirituality and humanity, there will be no religious differences. All religions give message of peace. But today, those messages are misinterpreted in the society. Humanity is the biggest religion. Let Sauharda committee come up with more such programmes to build harmony among people.”
Rev Devid Nirmanik, pastor, UBM Ebenezer Church, Malpe said, “The three religions propose four main points namely peace, forgiveness, love each other and having hope in life. But human beings are becoming selfish. Corruption, enmity, and conflicts can be seen everywhere. It will spoil peace. Where there is no love, there will be no fellowship. Selfishness is increasing now. Jesus Christ joints broken minds. Human beings are not permanent. There is another life after death. Hence, let people lead peaceful life.”
Prof P Shripathi Thantry, retired principal, Udupi, said, “There are sub divisions in all religions. But today, God's children have started fighting with each other. Earlier, there was an unreligious society. But today, we are living in in a religious nation. Things have changed. We should find equality, not differences.
“When we study history, we see that more number of deaths took place over religion when compared to deaths due to sickness. Let us develop humanity in life. Let us take an oath of loving each other and treat the whole world as one family. There is no fear of religious conflict in Udupi, because here people are peace lovers. There
is a strong feeling of unity. Hence, there is no fear of religious conflict,” he said.
Addressing the occasion, Ln Dr Thallur Shivaram Shetty, district Lion Governor said, “There is competition of ‘Me’ and selfishness is increasing today. Let us live a harmonious life.”
Students of St Mary's Kannada and English medium school, Kannarpady, St Cecily's Kannada and English medium school performed cultural programmes.
Udupi Church Carol singing team rendered music.
Followed by the programmes, the Sarva Dharma committee distributed Christmas special Kuswar to the gathering.
Fr Valerian Mendonca, chief parish priest, Mother of Sorrows Church, extended the welcome.
Michael D'Souza, correspondent of Sauharda committee, proposed the vote of thanks.
Alfonse D'Costa compered the programme.