Shankerpura: An inter-Religious Meet towards peace and harmony was held at Subhasnagar, Shankerpura under the aggies of ‘Sarva Dharma SauhardaSamiti’ on the occasion of Muharram celebrations which marks the start of the Islamic New Year. The Inter-faith meet was held on Sunday October 16 at Sarakarigudde Shankerpura.The Muharram celebration was attended and addressed by prominent personalities and religious heads, namely Rev. Fr. Dr. Leslie D’Souza (Convener of Sarva Dharma SauhardaSamiti&Correspondent, St. John’s Academy Shankerpura), Vincent Alva (Professor, Milagres College Kalyanpura), JC. Rajendra Bhatt (National JC Instructor and Shaukat Ali (Youth Leader) respectively.
The program began with a prayer by Nirmala Devadiga followed by hearty welcome by Naveen Ameen(Proprietor Friends Caterers) a prominent personality of Shankerpura and member of “Sarva Dharma Sauharda Samiti”.
Antony D’Sa (member of Sarva Dharma Sauharda Samiti) read out the report and highlighted the activities taken up by Sarva Dharma Sauharda Samiti last year.
Mark Vaz (Vice President – Parish Council St. John Evangelist Church Pangala) introduced Fr. Leslie D’Souza. The traditional lamp was lit by Fr. Leslie D’Souza and inaugurated the Muharam Sarva Dharma Meet.
The first key note address was by JC Rajendra Bhat who highlighted the importance of holding Inter-faith meets to understand every religion better and create a human bond and humanity. He further said, “Humanity is the greatest religion. Every religion teaches good values and virtues and hence it is important to respect each other’s religions.” He cited one example of perfect harmonious living by people of Goa wherein estimated 25 lakhs Konkani speaking people belonging to Hindu and Christian live in a perfect harmony. They speak one language but celebrate every feast and event belonging to other religions unitedly. He said we too must follow their example and mingle with other religions during their celebrations and show our love and respect to them.
A wonderful miming show was presented by ICYM members of St.John’s Parish, Shankerpura.
Prof. Vincent Alva speaking on the occasion, said “ I’m happy to be a citizen of our country. Let our religions stay inside our homes and religious places and let us not exhibit our religion on streets”. He further said that our country has vast culture, a beautiful country with variety of nature. We find unity in diversity. We should be proud of our country and live like true citizens of our country rather than thinking only of our religion and involving in communal activities.” Humanity and respect of others is the true religion, he said. He concluded saying that we should live like true citizens of our nation caring and respecting each other keeping aside our religion, caste or creed. “Let us live like brother and sisters in this great country, “ he added.
A dance performance was presented by Muslim youth and entertained the audience.
The Muslim speaker Janab Shawkat Ali said that Christians are known to be very kind people. Today we have hundreds of preachers shouting from pulpits on their religion rather than thinking of humanity. He further said that he studied in Christian school and never in his life felt like he was forced to convert or learn Christianity. “We must unite and create a brotherly bond for our better future.” he said.
The convener of the “ Sarva Dharma Sauharda Samiti, Fr. Leslie D’Souza addressed the audience and explained in detail the purpose of “ Muharram Celebrations “ by people belonging to all religions. He further said that in his tenure of 7 years in Shankerpura he has learned that anything can be achieved with unity. He was happy to see a large number of people attending this Inter-faith meet and that shows unity among all religions. The purpose of creating Inter-faith meet is to create awareness about unity, humanity and respect for each other’s religions. “Let us keep aside our religions but work for humanity. If anyone has no value for humanity, he can’t boast of his religion.” He added.
He said that he studied at Hindu schools and colleges and found more humanity there. Let us not be prejudiced in our thoughts and actions but be open-minded and see the goodness in people of other religions. He concluded with a quote from Mother Theresa who loved humanity, “I was born in Albania but Citizen of India, In heart I love Jesus “.
Nandan Kumar, Secretary of Sauharda Committee proposed the vote of thanks. Snacks were served to all who attended the program. Hanif compered the entire program.