Report and pics from Jessie Rodrigues
for Daijiworld News Network - Bangalore (MB)

Bangalore, Apr 2: The NBCLC  is a place owned by Roman Catholics. 

But as the word 'Catholic' stands for a universal outlook of encompassing everyone, NBCLC respects every religion and honours the neighbours.  

As part of this programme, NBCLC   honoured HH Sri Sri Ravi Shanker on Saturday April 1, 2006, the theme being "Pilgrimage towards inner Harmony" and "Living with people of other faiths".

Sri Sri is the founder of the 'Art of Living Foundation', which propagates to live in harmony with other religions.   This foundation is wide-based and spread all over the world and it recently celebrated its Silver Jbilee in Bangalore in a fitting manner.

The NBCLC took this opportunity and held a function to honour him. Fr Ronnie Prabhu presided over the function, while the local Corporator Mohan and Carmelite superior general Sr Victorine were chief guests.

The programme began with Bhajans – Karuna Sagara followed by dance programme by Nrityavani of NBCLC, which depicted that Wisdom is divine and the divine gifts are to be distributed freely.

NBCLC director Fr Thomas D'Sa in his welcome speech said that Sri Sri may be called the "Apostle of Harmony".  Rector Ronnie Prabhu introducing Sri Sri to the gathering, said that with prayer and love one can become Pandit and Sri Sri has shown the way. He was proud to mention that Sri Sri was a student of St. Joseph's College, Bangalore.

Sri Sri advised the assembly to have strong faith in God.  He said that the faith makes one to believe in oneself and to see God within. The next step is, he said, to see God in neighbours.  Always believe in the positive qualities and abilities of people around you and try to acknowledge and recognize them, he exhorted.   Regarding other faiths, he stated that there is no 'other' at all. It is like all lengths of waves in one ocean.

During the question and answer session that followed, Sri Sri said by celebrating the diversity, and adoring  it, one can bring harmony in life. He concluded with "Keep Smiling, come what may," which he said is the essence of "Art of Living".

The programme came to a close with a vote of thanks by Sr Lily Fernandes who  added  that simple truths of life bring  peace and inner freedom as we all are part of the divinity.

• Click here to read about the artist specialized in drawing pictures of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar