Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Jun 19: In an act which promotes religious harmony, Sauharda committee, Catholic Sabha Udupi unit, Mother Sorrows Church, Udupi and Lions Club celebrated ‘Sarva Dharma Eid fest’ at Mother of Sorrows Church hall, Udupi here on Monday, June 18.
Addressing the gathering, Moulana Abdul Azeez Misbai, priest of Rahamaiya Jumma Masjid, Manipura said, “There is no discrimination of class while practicing fast. The fasting is mandatory after one reaches the age 15. During this time, Muslims pray Allah Hu Akbar, keeping aside feelings such as hatred and jealousy. All people have one God. We serve him. There might be different ways of worshipping. When there is harmony, a peaceful atmosphere will prevail in the community.
However, he regretted that today people ask caste of people before helping them. “Everyone must uphold humanity, instead of creating divide on basis of caste, community and religion,” he advised.
Akshay Ammanna, Sabha Palak at Christjyothi church, Korangrapady said, ''Everyone wants to be keep their family happy. We pray to God in grief and happiness. Ramzan is a fest, where a part of income is shared with the needy and poor. When we see other people’s happiness, our happiness doubles. Love, trust and confidence are important in one’s life and to live in society. God is expecting good things from us. We need to believe in his strength and have intimacy and unity in our life.”
Neelavar Surendra Adiga, president, District Kannada Sahitya Parishat, Udupi says, “We will not take wealth with us after death. Only Karma (whatever noble work done by us during lifetime) remains forever. Let us all live like one family. These days, godliness is decreasing and wickedness is dominating the world. Cruelty has increased. When we develop love and friendliness in our life, we can achieve the global family concept. Let us develop consciousness that the whole world is one.”
Fr Valerian Mendonca, the parish priest of Mother of Sorrows Church presided over the programme. In his address, Fr Valerian said, “Indians have a built in nature of treating others as brothers and sisters. As Swami Vivekananda pronounced, we are all children of one God, we need to live in peace as children of mother India.”
Michael D'Souza welcomed the gathering and Maxim D’Souza rendered the vote of thanks.
Alfanso D'Costa compered the programme.