Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (MS)
Kundapur, Dec 10: "It is important in life to respond to the hunger and pain of fellow human beings. All of us have to take a vow to build a healthy society by brotherhood and feelings," said Esha Vittaldasa swamiji of Sri Kshetra Kemaru Sandipani Sadhanashram.
Swamiji was speaking after inaugurating the 'Souharda Christmas' programme that was organized under the joint auspices of Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh and Kundapur Zone at the Kundapur Junior College grounds on Sunday, December 9.
Esha swamiji further said, "Today's life has become mechanical. We are feeling as if we are living in a world which has no humanity. It is necessary to chant the mantra of oneness to come out of this feeling."
Giving the Christmas message, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of Udupi diocese, said, "Love and peace is the language taught by God. Though our country has various religions, the ultimate aim of all of them is to be with God. All religions profess the message of peace, love and kindness. Every religion says to respect other religions. It asserts that we all belong to the same mankind."
Speaking on the occasion, Akbar Ali Udupi, state secretary, Sadbhavana Vedike, said, "In our country the work of dividing us and creating valley between religions is going on continuously. It is necessary for the work of building the country and merging the hearts to start. Our nature itself tries to see unity in diversity. Everyone has to develop the religious tolerance by following his own religion and respecting other religions. The country does not need Mandir, Masjid or Church. Instead it needs the character of respecting variety and respecting each other."
Social workers B Vasudeva Hande, K Siradil (Siraj) and Lipton Olivera Trasi were felicitated on the occasion. The philanthropists were identified and felicitated also.
Android Mobile App of Amoris matrimony website owned by Melwin Manoj Rodrigues was unveiled on the occasion by bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo.
The guests included Fr Stany Tauro, chief priest of Kundapur zone, Pastor Kishore Kumar, of Kundapur CSI Krupa church, Fr Verghese Pudiyadath, parish priest of Jadkal St George church and Fr Noel Lewisparish priest of Sastan St Thomas Orthodox Syrian church. Michael Pinto, president of Kundapur zonal committee, Leena Tauro, secretary and convener of the programme, Elroy Kishan Crasto were present.
Alwyn Quadros, president of Catholic Sabha, Udupi Pradesh welcomed the gathering. Johnson D Almeida, former president of Catholic Sabha Kundapur zone made the special arrangement of lighting. The programme was compered by Faivan D'Souza and Mabel D'Souza.