Udupi : Inter-religious discourse spreads message of harmony

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Dec 23, 2012: An inter-religious discourse was organized by the District Minority Forum at Don Bosco Hall here on December 22, Saturday. The event saw the presence of religious heads of  all faiths, in the true spirit of unity and harmony. The function was held under the joint aegis of Catholic Sabha,Udupi and Kallianpur Deanery.

The topic of the  event was ’Importance of Festivals in Religion’. The main guests were  Udupi Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Puttige Mutt and Mohammed Kunhi, Manager of Shanthi Prakashana. The three leaders spoke on the importance of Christmas, Diwali and Eid respectively.

 

The Udupi Bishop who spoke about Christmas, said each and every individual need to understand the message of Christ who advocated peace and harmony in the society. He said the fundamental message of all festivals was one and the same. Religion should build bridges of friendship among people, he said.

Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji in his address, festivals must be devoted to prayers and devotion to God, instead of spending exorbitantly on grand celebrations.

Mohammad Kunhi who also spoke  said  the rise in crime rates in the society has been a cause of concern. He also  pinpointed the fact that people have paid little heed to holy scriptures which advocate  peace.

Benedicta Menezes, President of Catholic Sabha Kallianpur Deanary, Fr Fred Mascarenhas, Parish Priest, Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi, Abdul Rasheed, President of District Minority Forum, Louis D’Almeida, Secretary of Catholic Sabha,  and others were present.