Pics: Harshini Brahmavar
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Nov 9: Sauharda Samiti, Catholic Sabha Udupi unit, Our Lady of Mother of Sorrows Church and Lions district 317C celebrated Sarva Dharma Deepavali to build harmony and share love and joy among different communities each other on held at Mother of Sorrows Church premises here on Thursday, November 8.
Fr Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of Udupi diocese presided over the programme.
In blessings address Bishop Dr Gerald said, “A lamp spreads light by burning itself. Deepavali is nothing but transformation from darkness to light of knowledge. It is a festival of spreading knowledge, sharing of pure love and joy with each other. Let humans be lamps which spread light to the whole world. This festival brings prosperity. Let the lamps light up ones heart. Let us celebrate the festival by brightening up our inner soul,” he said.
The guest of the event Suma S, lecturer, Government Junior College, Udupi said, “Deepavali is an agriculture based festival. It gives several messages to human society. Achieving peace and development is impossible by one person and it is an effort to be done by all. Let us be a lamp and build harmony in the society. Harmony comes in our heritage itself. So let us accept joy and sorrow equally.”
Moulana Mohammed Sharvani Razvi, Nur-Ul-Huda Masjid, Ranginakere, said in his message, “India is a peace loving country and we have freedom to express our opinion. The Quran teaches us 'You love your enemies'. Today, people are killing each other in the name of religion. Some anti-social powers are sowing poisonous communal seeds in the society. The society should be changed by us. There is no communal disparity for army men as everyone is working for the sake of safeguarding our country. Let us live as one community and spread the message of brotherhood.”
Ln Dr Thallur Shivaram Shetty, Lions 317C district governor said, “We all are one. God is omnipresent. He lives everywhere and in everyone's heart. He will not show any discrimination in his blessings. I believe that He will appear where there is pure heart and soul.”
Santhosh A, pastor, UBM Ebnijar church, Malpe also spoke on the occasion.
Guests and audience who gathered lighted thousands of lamps on a pillar which was installed in the church premises.
The programme began with invocation by students of Udupi diocese.
The guests distributed prizes to winners of Goodudeepa making competition.
Students of Udupi school performed dance on the event, which added spark to Deepavali celebration.
Fr Valerian Mendonca, parish priest, Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi extended the welcome. Michael D'Souza rendered vote of thanks. Alfonso D’Costa compered the programme.