Mangaluru: In order to spread peace, harmony and brotherhood among the people, MLC Ivan D’Souza organised a programme called “Deepavali – Christmas Samagama – 2019” at the Town Hall on Monday, December 16.

The title of the programme was ‘Bhavaikyatheya Sangama’ (Confluence of Unity).

Addressing the gathering, Ivan said, “The festivals of all religions should be celebrated collectively to foster greater inter-faith relationship. I have been organising Ramzan, Diwali and Christmas celebrations every year for this purpose. Instead of fighting each other on the lines of caste and religion, people should join together and celebrate all festivals without discrimination.”

Over 500 people from poor financial background received 5 kgs of rice each on the occasion.

As a part of the celebrations, a drawing competition was conducted for kids on the Diwali celebration, Christmas star making, carol singing, cake baking competitions and other Christmas and Diwali-related events were organised.

Prominent leaders from the three major faiths Hinduism, Christianity and Islam gave their message of peace and harmony.

MLA and former minister U T Khader, MLC and district Congress president Hareesh Kumar, Bishop of Mangaluru Dr Fr Peter Paul Saldanha, educationist Y. Abdul Kunhi, former MLA J R Lobo and others were present.