Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Oct 21: On the occasion of the 200th birth anniversary of Baha'u'Ilah, the founder of Baha'i faith, Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Mangaluru organized a summit on universal peace and brotherhood on Saturday, October 21 at SDM Law College auditorium here.
Walter Nandalike, founder of Daijiworld inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp along with CA Lokesh Putran, president BMS Yoga Kendra, Dubai, Dr Devaraj K, director, SDM College of business management, Ashu Bedra, cine actor, Muniraja Renjala, head master, Jain High School, Moodbidri, Parveen Singh, Sikh priest, Dr C S Mala, associate professor, BMSITM, and CA Roshal D’Sa.
In his inaugural speech, Walter Nandalike said, "In the past I have received several opportunities to participate in various cultural, religious and social events in India and abroad. But I feel extremely fortunate today, because for the first time in my life I have been blessed to participate and inaugurate a summit which is inspired by Bahaullah's teachings, and a faith followed by nearly six million people worldwide.
"The religion of God is for love and unity; make it not the cause of enmity or dissension - this teaching of Bahaullah is very relevant for today. At a time when people are fighting for supremacy and power in the name of religion, Bahahulla's teachings help in staying united, and spread love and peace among mankind.
"I congratulate the Baha'i community on the occasion of the 200th birth anniversary of Bahaullah, the founder of Baha'i faith. I think all of us, irrespective of the faith we are following, must try to understand and follow Bahaullah's teachings which are not restricted to any particular community, but relevant for the entire mankind.
"Though the Baha'i faith was founded outside India, it is heartening to note that India is home to the largest Baha'i community in the world. It is truly a matter of pride. The Mahatma, the father of our nation, himself famously said that 'The Baha'i Faith is a Solace to humankind'. Mahatma Gandhi also learnt from Baha'is. He was impressed with their teachings of peace and harmony. Humanity is the main pillar of every religion. The Baha'i community is a role model for all of us. This is a good platform to talk about universal peace and brotherhood. I thank the organizers for the wonderful event."
Lokesh Putran said, "We have to balance our life with material things and spiritual life. If we succeed in balancing our life, automatically we can succeed in gaining peace. In our name itself the plan of God is mentioned. We should behave on the basis of that plan. The belief in one God has not come from humans. God himself has showed this through his teachings which is given through various religious founders. All religions teach the importance of peace and salvation. No religion promotes violence. Present world should learn this."
Parveen Singh said, "First of all, I want to congratulate the Baha'i community on organizing this programme. Religions are living on earth and not just in a particular country. For religion, world comes first and then the country. The mantra of peace always relates to universe. Peace means God and He is the creator of peace. God does not engage in cruelty or violence.
"We cannot say one person is good and another is bad. We do not have the right to point at anyone about their behaviour. Only God can decide who is good and bad. He is controlling everyone and everything," he added.
Ashu Bedra, Rochelle D’Sa, Muniraja Renjala, C S Mala spoke on the teachings of peace which included religious teachings of Islam, Christianity, Jainism and Hinduism.
In his presidential speech S S Nayak said, "The whole world is a single country and we are part of this country. In the matter of religions also we come under one religion and one God. Baha'u'llah’s teachings highlight this ideology. Every religion teaches goodness in different ways. Everyone looks at and feels God in different ways. But ultimately, we are united on one point, that is peaceful life in this world.
"Harming others in the name of religion is the biggest form of violence. Enmity, revenge and negative aspects start from the mind which is often self-centred. We should live promoting humanity. Without humanity we cannot feel or meet God which we believe in any religion," he said.
Basti Ganesh Shenoy welcomed the dignitaries and gathering. CA Yashaswini Ameen compered the event.