Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Jan 28: "We Christians are an integral part of this country. There is no question of minority or majority. We are not interested in these types of arguments. We want to live as per the Constitution of this country and ensure the rights which are given to us by the law of this land. Now we can see there are two types of nationalisms in India - one is Mahatma Gandhi's nationalism and another is Nathuram Godse's. We are following Mahatma Gandhi's nationalism," said auxiliary bishop of Ranchi Theodore Mascarenhas, who is also the secretary general of CBCI, New Delhi.

He was addressing a seminar on 'Christianity in India: Opportunity and Challenges' held at St Agnes College auditorium here on Saturday, January 27. The seminar was jointly hosted by Christian Planters' Guild and Catholic Association of South Kanara.

NRI entrepreneur and philanthropist Ronald Colaco and executive editor of Mirror Now Faye D'Souza were felicitated for their achievements and service to society.

Acknowledging the honour, Ronald Colaco said, "At the time of our marriage, my wife and I pledged to give something from our earnings to society. So based on that pledge, I am doing some social service. When we help the poor and helpless, we can see God who controls every moment of our lives. There is no caste, religion or region when it comes to social service. It is based upon requirement. When donating to someone, I never felt I was losing something. My parents taught me how to alleviate someone's sorrow. I always have their blessings in my work. I am thankful to the organizers for this honour. It is special to me because an organisation from my native is honouring me."

Faye D'Souza said, "I am grateful to the organizers for this honour. My parents, teachers and relatives helped me to reach this level, which paved the way for this felicitation. In my personal life and career I have never betrayed my conscience. My inner voice has always led me towards the right and true things. I will never compromise on truth until someone put a full stop to me. If you believe in the truth and facts, there is no need to fear anyone."

"Christians are running more than 25,000 educational institutions in this country. Christians are the second largest education providers in India after the government. As much as 60% of the leaders and public servants who are leading the nation have obtained education from our institutions. Majority of our former Prime Ministers and Presidents completed their studies from Christian management schools," the bishop said.

"In the health sector also, our contribution is remarkable. Over one million people visit our hospitals, clinics and dispensaries. More than 500 NGOs run by Christians are working in rural areas, especially in North India. Still, some people say we have done nothing for this country. Some say they do not need our votes, and some allege we are doing conversion. It is condemnable. If we are doing conversation despite all the charity works and social service, how could our population remain at 2% from so many decades?" he pointed out.

"India has always been a secular country. Here there is no question of 'we' and 'they'. At the time of its formation Pakistan chose a country based on religious nationalism. But in India, a majority of Indians belonging to the Hindu community opted for secular nationalism. It is the greatness of our country and our leaders. Here there is no place for hate speeches, violent mobs and communal dealings," he said.

In his presidential speech, Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, bishop of Mangaluru diocese said, "We should not think that we are insecure in this country. Instead, we should involve ourselves actively in the administration system. We should teach our children to be part of the service sector. By doing this, we can achieve a lot and come forward to the mainstream of the society."

Philomena Peris, president, Christian Planters Guild welcomed the gathering. R C Rodrigues, president, CASK, introduced the guests to the gathering. Dr Derik Lobo rendered the vote of thanks.