Pics: Edgar Cardoza
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (EC)
Udupi, Dec 17: The spirit of Christmas came alive as leaders of different communities participated in an inter-faith celebration held at Dendoorkatte Ganeshotsav Samiti stage, Manipura, here on Wedneday December 16. The 'Sauharda Christmas' was jointly organized by St Anthony’s Church, Kuntalnagar and Sarvadharma Sauharda Samiti.
The programme was inaugurated in a unique way by watering a Christmas tree, portraying the need to protect the environment.
Addressing the gathering, Sri Esha Vittaldasa Swamiji of Sandeepani Sadhanashrama, Kemar said, "I am very happy that for the first time in my life I have inaugurated a programme by watering a plant. The action just touched my heart.
"Let us all make up our minds to plant trees on our birthdays and encourage our children to do so too. In this way we will nurture and see our children as well as the trees grow. Today religion, caste and creed are being exploited to create fear in the hearts and minds of people. Today one must learn to be happy, because by being happy one can easily see God in others. Those who do not practise patience in life, they become patients of life."
He also expressed concerns over effect of modern lifestyle on today's families and stressed that proper planning for family welfare was neceassary. He also called upon everyone gathered to help the poor and needy children in getting basic education.
Bishop of Udupi diocese Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo in his presidential address said, "We must practise unity in diversity. The mission of every religion is to serve God. Hence we must respect all religions. All religions preach truth and good principles, and one must follow them in life. There may be different religions but God is one for all. Our traditions and practices may be different but ultimately they send out only one message, that is peace, love, mercy, brotherhood and unity."
He quoted Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa and said, "See God in your brothers and sisters, for we are His image and reflection. When we are able to see God in our neighbors, then only we are capable of seeing light in our lives."
In the end, the bishop put forth the plan for Christmas eve, where all the offertory collected would be sent as relief fund to the flood victims in Chennai.
Rev Mohan Manoraj, bishop of CSI Southern Diocese and Moofar Hameed, president of Rehamania Jumma Masjid, Manipur, conveyed their greetings on the occasion.
Aneef, the youngest person to crack IAS exam was felicitated on the occasion.
Fr Denis D'Sa, parish priest, Kuntalnagar and president of Sarvadharma Sauharda Samiti, Fr Clement Mascarenhas, parish priest of St Lawrence Church, Moodubelle, Sakaram Shetty, president, Sarvajanika Ganeshotsav Samiti, Dendoorkatte, Vedavyasa Upadhyaya, chief priest of Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple, Kelmanje, Joseph Kunder, convener, Sarvadharma Sauharda Samiti, Wilfred Mendonca, secretary, Sarvadharma Sauharda Samiti, Valerian Mathias, vice-president, parish pastoral council, Kuntalnagar, Alphonse Alva and others were present.
Fr Denis D'Sa welcomed the gathering; Roshan Sequeira compered the programme, while Joseph Kunder proposed the vote of thanks. Various cultural programmes on different religions performed by the young and the old added more charm to the event.