Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 10: On the occasion of Harmony Week, St Aloysius Pre-University College, Mangaluru, hosted a panel discussion on the theme “Together with Respect, Together in Harmony” at Loyola Hall.
The session began with a soulful prayer song by the college choir, followed by a warm welcome from Fr Clifford Sequeira, principal, who greeted the guests and presented a sapling as a symbolic gesture of growth, harmony, and sustainability.
The distinguished panel included Fr Praveen Joy Saldanha (St Joseph’s Seminary, Mangaluru), Sharfuddin B S (principal, Barakah International School and College, Mangaluru), and Sri Swami Vivekachaithanyananda (Ramakrishna Tapovan, Polali, Mangaluru).
Fr Praveen offered insightful reflections from the Bible, highlighting the importance of compassion, empathy, and respecting one’s neighbours in daily life. He encouraged students to integrate these values into their personal and social interactions, emphasising that small acts of understanding can have a profound impact on fostering harmony in society.
Sharfuddin underscored the role of education and open dialogue in nurturing harmony and mutual respect. Drawing on examples from Kannada poetry, he illustrated how interfaith respect and unity have long been celebrated through literature. He encouraged students to explore their own traditions in depth, to understand the reasoning, stories, and values behind their practices, thereby fostering a more thoughtful and informed approach to cultural and religious identity.
Sri Swami Vivekachaithanyananda spoke about the significance of deeply understanding one’s own faith in order to truly appreciate and respect other religions. He elaborated on how such self-awareness enables individuals to address and overcome disagreements arising from differing beliefs, fostering an environment of mutual respect and collaboration.
The session was highly interactive, with students engaging the panelists with thoughtful and reflective questions. Students had queries on topics such as inter-caste harmony, inclusivity in places of worship, and strategies to resolve religious disagreements.
The panelists responded with insight and empathy, offering diverse perspectives that highlighted the importance of equality, mutual respect, and coexistence. Sri Swami Vivekachaithanyananda emphasised that dialogue, patience, and focusing on shared human values are essential tools in resolving conflicts and building understanding among communities.
The discussion also explored practical aspects of interfaith harmony. Fr Praveen shared examples from daily life where simple acts of kindness and understanding can bridge divides. Sharfuddin encouraged students to engage in conversations that challenge stereotypes and broaden perspectives. The Swamiji highlighted the significance of self-reflection, patience, and cultivating a mindset of inclusivity as foundational steps toward a harmonious society.
By the end of the session, students gained a deeper understanding of harmony- not merely as an abstract concept, but as a way of life grounded in empathy, awareness, and respect for others. They realised that true harmony begins with understanding one’s own beliefs, being open to learning about others, and embracing differences without prejudice.
The discussion inspired participants to recognise that harmony is reflected in everyday actions, decisions, and interactions, and that mutual respect and compassion form the foundation of a peaceful and united society.
The panel discussion concluded with a vote of thanks, acknowledging the invaluable insights shared by the speakers and the active participation of students, leaving the audience with meaningful reflections on living harmoniously in a diverse world.
The session was moderated by Mark Pereira from the Department of Languages. Deyan Crasta, Department of Mathematics compered the programme.