Mangaluru: Writer and school principal Zora Abbas on Friday said that the incidents of communal violence has poisoned the minds of children. The country will not walk in the path of development, if its citizens are dipped in the thoughts of communalism, she said.

The speaker highlighted the point at a program organized by Catholic Sabha, Mangaluru to celebrate the season of Christmas with various associations, irrespective of religion. 

Ms. Abbas said any region which has been affected by communal riot need at least ten years to come back to normalcy. Communalism is parasite, which spreads. It’s heartening to see even the children being affected by such thoughts. We identify ourselves as Indian when we go abroad. But, we identify ourselves by our religion here in the country. This is where we have to change, she said.

Fr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangaluru said it is of no use going to the churches or any other religious centers, if the person does not help the poor or if engages in misdeeds. The festival of Christmas means sharing. The diocese will hand over 24 houses to the very poor families on December 22, he added. The mass killing of children in Peshawar is saddening. The message of peace has not reached all mankind, he added.

SCDCC Bank chairman Dr. Rajendra Kumar said that the celebration of Christmas will only be meaningful, with the spreading of peace among people. Mayor Mahabala Marla asked to adopt the values of communal harmony. 

Meanwhile, Christmas carols were sung at the occasion, which created an atmosphere of Christmas celebration. Nearly twenty associations took part in the function, organisers said.