Pics: Spoorthi Ullal / Stanly Bantwal
Mangaluru, Sep 9: Retired judge of Karnataka High Court Justice H N Nagamohan Das inaugurated the 'Preethi Haradali Ellede' programme which means 'Let love spread everywhere' to mark the 25th death anniversary of St Mother Theresa here at Town hall on Friday, September 9, organised by St Mother Theresa Vichara Vedike.
Speaking on the occasion, H N Nagamohan Das said, “during the difficult situation, organising such events needs to be appreciated. St Mother Theresa is always known for serving the poor and the needy. It is not enough to remember her only for a day, we need to be inspired from her and walk in her footsteps, at least a small humanitarian service in the society will be a form of respect to St Mother Theresa. Love is the most powerful weapon we have, we need to spread love around and to give love to all. The tolerance should start from our house which needs to be spread all over which will in building society with harmony.
Today’s education lacks values and the scientific, economical growth is of no use when there is no morality. Why we still remember St Mother Theresa is I recall Swami Vivekananda’s quote where he says they only live who live for others, the rest are more dead than alive, even after 1000 years St Mother Theresa will not be forgotten,” said H N Nagamohan Das.
He also said, “secularism means equal treatment to all religion. There are assaults and murders in the name of religion because of undemocratisation of religion. Enforcing religious farmaan against my will is the undemocratisation of religion and it needs to be opposed. When religion gets mixed with politics then it will turn to communalism and secularism under the constitution is the separation of religion from politics. Today, there will be a discussion on sensitive and emotional issues but unfortunately none of them speak about dalits, unemployment, hunger, women safety and destitutes.”
Speaking on the topic 'Humanitarian Service in the Indian Pluralism, well-known writer Pallavi Idoor said, “charity survey has proved that when it comes to charity, Christian community contributes the highest in charity because according to them it is the highest form of love. 49% of people do charity because of self satisfaction while 8% of them do charity to get tax benefit. Self satisfaction is more important and whenever we do good things we need to do it for self satisfaction, without questioning ourselves. St Mother Theresa is an inspiration for many and we need to walk in her footsteps.”
“Today, we are in a situation where we approach certain organisations to do work for us. At the same time we forget to ask questions to those who are failing to do their work as people representatives. Communalism, conflict between religions is on the rise and there is not much difference between hatred between religion during pre-independence era and today. As a liberal and secular mind we have a lot of responsibility to instil harmony in society and do good as for every bad thing there is a saturation point and it will come to end at any point of time,” she said.
In response, PRO Mangalore diocese Fr J B Saldanha and Social activist Muneer Katipalla also spoke on the occasion.
President of St Mother Theresa Vichara Vedike, Roy Castelino said, “The main goal of this movement is to promote values like service, harmony, love, peace and goodwill in the society. Being inspired by St Mother Theresa who worked for the poor, sick and needy in our society beyond caste and religion, the movement aims to spread the fragrance of brotherhood around us. The theme of this movement is 'Preethi Haradali Ellede' which means 'Let love spread everywhere' which gives positive vibes in the society. St Mother Theresa herself was a gold mine of mercy, kindness and humanitarian service to the society. She is a great example and inspiration to the post-modern society where individualism, selfishness and religious polarization thrives without curb. The young generation must learn the values practiced by St Mother Theresa whereby they can be catalysts of generosity and service to humanity.”
Sauhardha singing programme ‘Preethiya Sinchana' was held by Nada Mani Nalkooru and team. The display of paintings on St Mother Theresa and spot painting art was the attraction of the event.
Activist M G Hegde, K Ashraf, Sushil Noronha, ex-district governor lions club Ronald Gomes, Catholic Sabha president Stany Lobo, Joseph Crasta from Snehalaya, Dr Rita Noronha, Fr Sudeep Paul, Mother Theresa vichara Vedike advisor Dr Krishnappa Konchady, Yashwanth Maroli, Shareef, Vasanth Kumar, Sr Loriane and others were present.
Program convenor Fr Rupesh Madtha welcomed the gathering, St Mother Theresa vichara vedike general secretary Sunil Kumar Bajal compered the event.