Pareekshith Shet

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jun 29: Speaking to Daijiworld, Fr William Martis hailed Paryaya Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejawar Math here for his initiative in organizing Iftar party in the Math premises for Muslims. He also said that the Swamiji had, at the same time cleared the air over Babri Masjid demolition.

Following the Iftar party hosted in Srikrishna Math premises in the presence of Pejawar Swamiji on Saturday, similar party had also been conducted at Mother of Sorrows Church here. Priests from three religions had taken part in this programme.

Speaking to Daijiworld about the controversy over Iftar party organized at Srikrishna Math premises, Fr William Martis noted that Iftar parties are being held regularly since the last 30 years and there is nothing new about it.

"Although Christians have been organizing harmony programmes since long, this is new as far as Hindus are concerned. After the demolition of Babri Masjid, such harmony meets are being held through public meetings. In the recent past, an ill feeling that Hindus, Christians and Muslims are different is being implanted in the minds of small children. In this background, Pejawar Swamiji is right in organizing this programme on the face of it,” Fr Martis said.

“Till now, Christians and Muslims alone used to host such friendly unions. However, before Pejawar Swamiji came out with his explanation about the programme, doubts had been there about the programme. Because, there had been a feeling that Swamiji and such other leaders who had taken part in preparatory meetings before Babri Masjid was demolished, had to bring together people from different religions and give a message by interacting with them that all are one and they stand united. He has now done this,” Fr Martis added.

“We wish that the Swamiji will continue with similar initiatives. The work of erasing a sense of enmity and alienation that is getting deep-rooted in the minds of people should be continued to be undertaken. I congratulate the Swamiji," he stated.

At the same time, he observed that whenever such parties are held by Christians, most of the participants are from Christian community, and similarly in parties held by Muslims, most of those present are from Islam. "This is a matter of concern. At the same time, all efforts to strike harmony should be continued without fail," he stressed.