Media Release
Mangaluru, Jan 31: Around 2000 people converged at Kaikamba, BC Road to participate in a 'Peace Rally' jointly organized by CODP® here and Namana Okkoota, Bantwal on January 30.
The rally was inaugurated by B Ramanath Rai, minister of state for forest and environment at 10.00 am by unfurling the rally flag and handing it over to Bharathi Chowta, president, Namana Okkoota. In his inaugural message, Ramanath Rai said that people of all faiths should come together to work for peace. He then wished God’s blessings and success on the rally.
Thereafter, people walked a stretch of about 1 km from Kaikamba and convened at Modankap Church Grounds.
The stage programme commenced with a prayer song by members of Sneha Mahasangha, Fajir. This was followed by a song and dance skit conveying the message of peace enacted by students of St Agnes College in the city.
Thereafter, Fr Oswald Monteiro, director of CODP Mangaluru introduced and welcomed the guests on the dais and the participants.
Fr Oswald Monteiro, in his welcome address said, “Martyrs' Day marks the death anniversary of the Father of our Nation, Gandhiji, who was assassinated on January 30, 1948. Mahatma Gandhi worked for harmony, peace and brotherhood among the people of different faiths in India. But his ideals are fast vanishing from our society. Hence, on the occasion of Martyrs’ day, in order to create awareness and promote mutual respect, unity, understanding and peace among people, this Peace Rally is held.”
“In these days of disharmony we all have to work together towards peace and harmony. Only when we work together we can build a happy and healthy society and country,” he added.
The programme was formally inaugurated by releasing doves to symbolize peace and freedom.
Next to speak was Vidya Dinkar, a well known social activist of Mangaluru, who said that all of us must practice peace and harmony. The basis of Hindu religion itself promotes peace. If we wish to experience real peace we should study the Sciptures of Hinduism and epics.
Maulana U K Abdul Aziz, Imam of Chokkabettu Masjid, Surathkal said, “If we wish to establish peace in society, it is very important to live in harmony with each other. Human beings are themselves the most cruel beings on earth and hence we have to first get rid of the cruel mentality within us, to establish peace.”
Chandrahasa Karkera, president, taluk panchayat; said that the values of harmony and peace are to be taught to our younger generation and children, and thereby they will inherit good values and the society will be peaceful.
Ramakrishna Alva, president of gram panchayat, Bantwala, in his address to the gathering, said that this kind of peace conventions are to be held everywhere and every time. So he appreciated the initiative of CODP in promoting peace.
Fr Maxim Noronha, parish priest of Mondankap spoke from the point of view of Christianity. Quoting the Holy Bible, he said Jesus is the Prince of Peace foretold in the Scriptures. He lived in a society of economic, social and political turmoil and preached peace by his words and life. This is what CODP and other Christian institutions do down the centuries. Therefore, we need to co-ooperate with their mission.
William Fernandes, president Sahajeevana Okkoota, administered the Oath of Peace to the gathering.
The formal stage programme concluded with the vote of thanks by Bharathi Chowta, president Namana Okkoota.
A colourful cultural programme then followed; a patriotic dance, two patriotic and folk songs and two folk dances were presented.