Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 1: St Joseph’s Institute of Philosophy (SJIP), Jeppu, in collaboration with the Chair in Christianity (CIC), Mangalore University, organised an interreligious exposure programme for philosophy students under the theme “Exploring Religions: A Journey Across Faiths and Traditions.”
As part of the World Religions initiative, the students visited several places of worship in and around Mangaluru. They visited the following places:
• Ramakrishna Mission and Math, Mangaladevi
• Shri Digambar Jain Temple, Bunder
• Zeenath Baksh Jumma Masjid, Bunder
• Kudroli Gokarnath Temple
• Brahma Kumaris, Urwa
• Bangara Gurudwara, Kuloor
• St Francis Xavier Church, Bejai
• Sri Manjunatha Temple, Kadri
• Thousand Pillars Temple - Saavira Kambada Basadi, Moodbidri
At each sacred place, the students were warmly welcomed by representatives of different faith traditions, who shared their history, practices, and spiritual values. These encounters offered the students not only first-hand knowledge of diverse religions but also an awareness of the values that unite humanity, such as peace, compassion, service, and reverence for life.
The experience became a living classroom where religion was encountered not just as an academic subject but as a vibrant reality shaping cultures and daily lives. For many students, it was a deeply personal and eye-opening journey. One student reflected, “When I entered the Brahma Kumaris centre, I realised how prayer unites people beyond language and culture.” Another shared regarding the visit to the Gurudwara: “The spirit of service in the langar reminded me how small acts of kindness can create bonds stronger than words.”
The visit to the mosque opened the students’ eyes to Islamic spirituality, prayer practices, and the impressive architecture they possess. The vision of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda inspired the students with the message of service. The students were amazed at the rich architectural and religious heritage at the temples. It spoke of a timeless search for harmony between the human and the divine. The students were also enriched with profound life lessons on the architectural structure of the Church, the Community’s faith, and the pastoral needs.
What began as an academic exercise transformed into an invitation to openness and mutual respect. By listening, observing, and engaging with people of various traditions, the students returned enriched with a renewed appreciation for the beauty of religious diversity and a deeper commitment to being bridge-builders in society.