Mangaluru: Bishop Peter Paul takes up ‘Bandutva’ initiative for harmony in society


Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Sep 25: Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, who assumed office as Bishop of Mangaluru diocese recently, began a great initiative for better harmony in the society in the region. He called a meeting on Monday, September 24 in which religious leaders from different religions, political and community leaders, administrators, intellectuals and heads of media houses participated and discussed openly about bringing about change in society to promote humanity.

Bishop Dr Peter Paul, briefing about Bandutva said, “As I take up my office as the new bishop of this diocese, which has 124 churches and numerous institutions of learning and medical care and social upliftment, I reflect on enhancing the goodness of Mangaluru. Our life flows into the life of another and our decisions give directions to the lives of many. So also the life of others flows into ours. They have unseen impact and we do feel, no two meetings are the same, even with the same person. The experience adds newness every day.”

 



 

“I have also a message to share and you are called to give your observations. We are in the process of making this city and this district a smart city. Surely, for us ‘smart’ would mean different things. A smart city is a designation given to a city that incorporates information and communication technologies (ICT) to enhance the quality and performance of urban services such as energy, transportation and utilities in order to reduce resource consumption, wastage and overall costs. Look at the definition. It is a product -oriented concept and it seems to be less process-oriented. It does not tell us how we are going to train people to work for harmony and create fellow feeling. It does not tell us how it becomes deeply respectful towards human beings and environment and not merely tolerant. It does not tell us, how it will teach the art of loving and compassion. Whose duty is it to do these things?” he added.

Smart City with a heart

“I wish our smart city be a Smart City with a heart. It could be a slogan-Mangaluru, a smart city with a heart. In my childhood, I heard one song in Kannada that always resounds in my heart ‘Devaramakkalu Naavella..’ The song appeals the humanity to help one another, especially the needy, based on the one common brotherhood. We are all the children of the same God. So any discrimination based on any factor is unjust and against our creator. If God is Love and Compassion and Truth, as Christianity, Islam and Hinduism proclaim respectively, then we also have to become Love, Compassion and Truth as his image,” bishop said.

“When the blood is transfused from a Christian to a Hindu, does it become Hindu or does it remain Christian? When a kidney transplanted from a Muslim to Hindu, does it change religion or retains its status quo? If our blood gels well and if our organs can be transplanted, and there is no fear that the body will reject them because, they are of a person of another religion, how is it then we, when it comes to totality of the person, reject one another?” he said.

“To recognize our brotherhood and sisterhood, we need to build Bandutva, fraternity. We have great possibilities of envisioning where we can come together, dialogue with one another whether it is between religious traditions, between cultures or languages. We share the common denominator, humanity. In mathematics, to add or subtract the fractions, we use least common denominator. In life, to add the various fractions, various groups, various traditions, can we not use humanity as the least common denominator?” he asked.

“In the Bible, we are called to love one another as Jesus has loved us, or love your neighbour as yourself. We are not very sure whether we really love God, but if we have love for our neighbour, then, it is a sure sign that we love God.

“I have called this meeting especially to listen, to learn from you, to begin a cordial dialogue with you in whom I see many brothers and sisters, my large extended family. What attitude is needed in this sort of dialogue? All religions insist on the so-called Golden Rule: ‘Do not do to another, what you would not want done to you’. I believe this Golden Rule is found in every culture and religion as a point of encounter which enables us to actualise the ‘Art of Loving’, an authentic method of dialogue,” he said.

“Dialogue first of all means placing yourself on the same level, not having a priori notions, of being better than the others; opening yourself to hearing what the others have inside, putting everything aside in order to enter into their souls and then, naturally, asking them to listen to us. This process allows us to embrace our commonalities that are there – and then agreeing to live those together. That’s concrete dialogue.” he said citing Chaira Lubich. Among the different types of dialogue the bishop insisted on the dialogue of action, that is, working together for common causes.

“Another 50 years, many of us would not be here. Before it is too late, we can make a difference and India can boast of having Mangaluru, a smart city with a heart,” bishop concluded.

Initiative appreciated, support promised

Sri Jitakamandaji from Sri Ramakrishna Mission appreciated the initiative and said, “I am happy to learn about this initiative which will bring a new hope in society. As bishop said we are all children of same God and we are all equals. There should never be any quarrel among people based on the religions. Dialogue between all the communities is the best option to bring harmony in society.”

Prof Vivek Rai said that all the problems should be resolved from the place the problem took place. “Meetings in higher levels will help to some extent. But a visit to the place where the problem took place is more helpful. There you will find more solutions,” he said.

District in-charge minister U T Khader said “I admire the bishop for this special care within days of assuming office. We the government and legislators can make laws. There are many departments to maintain law and order. But to create better human values in society and to maintain greater love among people, the participation of all the people is needed. A dialogue between all the parties concerned will help in achieving this goal. I am sure this concept will definitely help us in bringing perfect peace in the region. Transformation of a human being is more important than anything. I want all the participants to pledge full support.”

Deputy commissioner Shashikanth Senthil said, “The district administration supports such initiatives. We are ready to implement all the policies needed to make the society a better place to live. The administration can perform better with the help of people. Dialogues of this nature will surely have positive impact in the society. the fruits of this dialogue will be seen in the times to come.”

Educationist Dr Mohan Alva appreciated the efforts and promised his support.

MLAs Vedavyasa Kamath, Umanath Kotian, Bharath Shetty, Sanjeev Matandoor, Rajesh Naik and many political leaders took part in the dialogue including MLC Bhoje Gowda, Mayor Bhaskar Moily, Police commissioner T R Suresh, former MLAs Ramanath Rai, Moideen Bava, Shakuntala Shetty, Amarnath Shetty, Abhayachandra, Vinaya Kumar Sorake and former MLC Ganesh Karnik. 

Basti Vaman Shenoy, Roy Castelino, Luvi J Pinto, Vinay Hegde, Daijiworld founder Walter Nandalike, BJP leader Capt Brijesh Chowta, JD(S) leaders Sushil Noronha, Akshith Shetty, commissioner of Mangaluru Central Excise and Central GST Dr M Subramanyam, and PRO of Mangaluru diocese Fr Victor Vijay Lobo were present among others.

Trustees from Kudroli, Kadri and Mangaladevi temples participated.

Former MLA J R Lobo was the convenor of the programme. Diocese pastoral parishad secretary M P Noronha was the co-convenor.

John D'Silva compered. Invocation song was sung by students of Padua College.

  

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Comment on this article

  • Benn Master & Eugine Teacher, Moodubelle/Udupi

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    Congratulations to our dearest Bishop Peter Paul for this great step taken regarding "Bandutva" for harmony in our country. Well begun is half done!!

    May god bless you. Our prayers are always there.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [12]

  • Christine, Mangalore

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    Very welcome step indeed!!!
    Responding to the signs of the time with courage, commitment, wisdom and prudence will surely bear the desired results. Hats off to very Rev. bishop Peter Paul Saldanha and all those who responded to his invitation
    Mangalore once upon a time was a city of peace lovers, compassionate, caring, non vilent people has become the opposit today. Who has brain washed the so called cultured people of Mangalore to give in to violence, hatred and divisive attitudes? I hope that all of will join together to uphold the values of peace, harmonious living, helping one another, respecting each others faith and in fine follow the principle of live and let live. Jai ho.....jai ho... jai ho.....

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [14]

  • Prakash D' Cunha, Bajpe/Ashoknagar/Abudhabi

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    Great initiative. All the best. May God Bless us all.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [9]

  • Philip D Silva, Bengaluru

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    Excellent initiative. Continue the same tempo of botherwood among different communities & be a role model for rest of the country.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [8]

  • DENZIL FERNANDES, MANGALORE, mangalore

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    As District in-charge minister U T Khader said “I admire the bishop for this special care within days of assuming office." This is a fantastic idea by our new Bishop which should be appreciated by each and every single Mangalorean for a peaceful society. Mangalore has always been a city full of love and happiness with all communities coming together as one family.

    Such meetings should take place regularly and every single political and non political party should be a part of such initiative. Comparitively, we have only a handul who create problems in the city Otherwise, every single human being in Mangalore loves one another - be it a konkana, pujari, shetty, beary, porbu or whoever. Let us all resolve in the name of brotherhood and peace to support each other and live like ONE BIG FAMILY. Congrats to our new Bishop for such a noble action. GOD BLESS ALL. DENZIL FERNANDES, MANGALORE.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [15]

  • Don, Mangalore

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    Great initiative.

    However, there should be reciprocal initiatives by all other communities or else it will not be a dialogue, it will be a monologue.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [9]

  • Henry Mathias, Kinnigoli

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    A timely initiative by Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha. We the people of coastal Karnataka are blessed by The Almighty in many ways. Peace and harmony is the need of the hour for the overall progress and prosperity of our region. Congratulations Dear Bishop and all those responsible for the program.

    Henry and Jacintha Mathias, Kinnigoli.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [6]

  • Sajan, Bajpe/Mumbai

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    "Bandutva" A critical need of the day for the whole of India to keep it ONE. Bandutva is real Nationalism, which speaks about love of your neighbour and ultimately creates a stronger Nation. Lets join hands and change the minds.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [13]

  • Walter Sequeira, PUTTUR

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    Divided by Tatva (ತತ್ವ)
    United by Bandutva (ಬಂದುತ್ವ)

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [16]

  • Vincent Rodrigues, Katapadi/Bangalore

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    Peace and harmony amongst the people need to be promoted by all the religious leaders to save the people targeted from the selfish motto of the political parties

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [8]

  • Jd, Mangalore

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    Congratulations to the bishop for initiating, and all others for actively participating.

    Let our slogan be, Mangalore, the smart city, kudla, the heart city.

    It is said that the nature, God bless with what humanity needs. With this initiative of all leaders, we can be sure, Mangalore will see it's glory again.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [10]

  • Vaishak, Mangalore

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    Very good move and Keep it up. Bandutva is the need of the hour for coastal people. Thanks for all those supported.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [15]

  • Anand, Mangalore

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    Good initiative by Bishop. I think only having dialogue is not enough. We have to help each other in good and bad times. Now the Hindus have objection to cancel Dasara holidays. I appreciate our Christian and Muslim Brothers support them . When there is united protest and support no doubt our Mangalore will become smart city very soon.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [14]

  • Fr Felix Monteiro, Mangalore

    Tue, Sep 25 2018

    Congratulations dear Bishop Peter Paul for your Bandutva initiative which is the need of the hour. May this good gesture become a starting point to have harmony and brotherhood in this region. May the almighty bless your special initiative and let us all live like good Samaritans.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [7]

  • Gregory, Vamanjoor/Muscat

    Tue, Sep 25 2018

    Congtrats dear Rev. Bishop Peter Paul for this great initiative in taking up Bandutva for harmony in our society.
    Your words "I wish our smart city be a Smart City with a heart. It could be a slogan-Mangaluru, a smart city with a heart. In my childhood, I heard one song in Kannada that always resounds in my heart ‘Devaramakkalu Naavella" will be remembered for long time and will be echoed all Mangaloreans.

    We appreciate your efforts in taking such an initiative immediately after assuming the great position. We pray to Jesus to give you good health and wisdom to work towards your mission and make our society worth living.
    We salute those from other religion who came forward in joining hands with you in this Bandutva. God Bless You and all who work for humanity.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [7]

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Tue, Sep 25 2018

    God Made Man,
    Man Made Religion,
    Total Confusion ...

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [11]

  • Valson Mendonsa, Mangalore/USA

    Tue, Sep 25 2018

    ‘Bandutva’ brotherhood and sisterhood, is a GREAT words....from Honorable Bishop Peter Paul takes up words in Right Time..
    Every citizen take it practically as long as you walking in same public roads, using same pubic bridges, using same public offices/schools/Hospitals......etc ....Make a BRIDGE today within you.. called BANDUTVA!!

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [10]

  • Fr Roopesh Madtha, Director, YCS/YSM, Diocese of Mangalore, Mangaluru

    Tue, Sep 25 2018

    Positive initiative by the new Bishop. He has begun his work from the day one. Harmony in the society is very close to his heart. Right person at right place at right time.
    As we admire his thoughtfulness for the society we appreciate the goodwill of all the leaders who join hands to make this 'Bandutva' a full reality.

    'Mangaluru/Kudla - Smart City with Heart' will be the slogan for the days to come.
    Every one has a heart. When all of us recognise it in each other and respect it, we have God's Kingdom established. We hope for the best.
    Prayers and support assured.

    Fr Rupesh Madtha, Mangaluru

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [13]

  • VALERIAN RODRIGUES, UJIRE

    Tue, Sep 25 2018

    CONGRATULATIONS OUR BELOVED BISHOP.THIS IS THE VERY GOOD MOVE.MAY GOD GIVE STRENGTH TO LEAD ALL RELIGION PEOPLE TOGETHER IN MAIN FLOW.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [4]

  • Ina Carmelita D'Souza, Mangalore

    Tue, Sep 25 2018

    Amen!!! Praise, Glory, Honor, Thanksgiving, Wisdom, Power and Might belong to God now and evermore Amen. Hallelujah amen.

    "Bandutva and Balaga" - May glorious bondage among people of the region prevail.
    May they be one Balaga in the Smart City!!!

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [6]

  • Mango, Mlore

    Tue, Sep 25 2018

    They have said it all...
    Mlore & Udupi has all the ingredients to be a model district in India.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [15]

  • Reshmi Salian, Mangalore

    Tue, Sep 25 2018

    This is the need of the hour and Bishop of Mangalore is doing a great job. God bless him abundantly and let us live in peace like brothers and sisters as before. I was watching on youtube installation ceremony of new bishop and at that time thought that he has a vision. Though I am a hindu, I also watched his first mass and really impressed with his teaching which was very simple and best.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [70]

  • Alwyn, Canada

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    Reshmi I always read your comments. Your comments are very positive. God continue to bless you. people like you makes a true difference in the world and a better place for all. God bless. Mass is one of the best ceremony to listen to. Jesus presence is always in it.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [34]

  • Reshmi Salian, Mangalore

    Wed, Sep 26 2018

    Thanks Alwyn for your kind words. God bless you as well. My policy is live and let live. God is one though with different names. Basic teachings of all religions is the same. Ultimately we are in this world for four days...so why we need to fight on the basis of religion/caste/creed.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [30]

  • Jack, Mangalore

    Thu, Sep 27 2018

    Very rightly said

    Report Abuse Agree [3]

  • Basil D'souza, Mangalore

    Tue, Sep 25 2018

    If there is not involve religion into politics... then all is well

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [17]

  • KIRAN LASRADO, DUBAI

    Tue, Sep 25 2018

    Good Initiative of HUMANITY.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [6]

  • dk shetty, mangalore/Oman

    Tue, Sep 25 2018

    very genuine and inspiring initiative from Chraistha dharmadhikari of mangalore,
    This is certainly what is needed in our society reeling from misconceptions, ignorance & political interference to deepen the divide and communal harmony.

    As he rightly said we are children of same god and we are all equal, no religion is better of greater but equal and leads to same one super consciousness called variously.
    As the saying from our sanathana sharma says......sarvam kalvidam brahma, everything is divine, everyone is divine too, but efforts are needed to discover that divine in our own hearts!!

    good efforts and shining example set by Bishop of Mangalore.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [49]

  • Paul, Mangalore

    Tue, Sep 25 2018

    What a lovely message... Lets us all support this & stop blaming, pointing out each other religion,poltical parties etc.
    I hope in future we don't see press meets criticizing each other.
    Lets bring up our mangalore beautiful & make it a smart city.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [10]

  • Joe Gonsalves, Mangalore

    Tue, Sep 25 2018

    What a great initiative..... What a great theme.......What a kind thought. Obviously Bishop Peter Paul means COMMUNAL HARMONY which in today's world is a very important aspect

    Hope there will be many more meetings where Hindus, Muslims, Christians and other communities join, work together and try to MAKE THIS WORLD A BETTER PLACE to live in.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [25]

  • Gangaram, Moodbidri

    Tue, Sep 25 2018

    Very good initiate from new Bishop...

    I can see all the people here who do not want to fire entire DK and Karnataka, those wanted to fire are Nalin and shobha missing here, kindly invite them for next get together so they understand the value of living humans and dead persons also.....

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [42]

  • Francis Saldanha, Bahrain

    Tue, Sep 25 2018

    A step in the right direction and moving forward with a lot of conviction ...we will be able to see a "Smart city with a Heart" for sure in the days to come!

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [15]

  • Vinod Wilfred Tauro, Madanthyar, Dubai

    Tue, Sep 25 2018

    Congratulations Rev Bishop PP Saldanha for your great initiative towards our brothers. It is a great step to live in harmony, where educated people of undivided DK is lacking now, what used to be during 1980s. Henceforth, we wish all are enlightened and respect each other, live in peace for ever.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [11]

  • Dr Edward Nazareth, Mangaluru

    Tue, Sep 25 2018

    Great initiative.. as he said in his maiden speech after occupying office, here we are to lower the walls of differences and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood. We have lived like brethren in this region for centuries and this initiative will carry forward the ethos of the land. All the best Rev. Bishop.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [33]

  • Lionel Dsouza, Mangalore

    Tue, Sep 25 2018

    GOD BLESS ALL.....

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [6]

  • Agoli Manjanna, Bappanaad

    Tue, Sep 25 2018

    Good initiative and need support from all the community.. All the best.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [36]

  • Vasant Raj, Mangalore/Abudhabi

    Tue, Sep 25 2018

    Congratulations....

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [21]

  • V. Rama, Kadri

    Tue, Sep 25 2018

    Wow, bishop this is a great move and need of the hour initiative. If all religions do this, I think comunalism would die in Mangalore .

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [49]

  • Flavian, Mangaluru/Kuwait

    Tue, Sep 25 2018

    Good initiative indeed to enlighten us and bring peace and tranquility among all the people of Mangalore. Mangalore used to peaceful during those days.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [20]

  • RkR, Mangalore/ Dubai

    Tue, Sep 25 2018

    Human

    If your ego starts out, 'I am important, I am big, I am special,' you're in for some disappointments when you look around at what we've discovered about the universe. No, you're not big. No, you're not. You're small in time and in space. And you have this frail vessel called the human body that's limited on Earth.

    Human created different Modes-

    Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism. Zoroastrianism, Judaism and the Baha'i Faith

    Today its Money.

    Reply Report Abuse Agree [27]


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Title: Mangaluru: Bishop Peter Paul takes up ‘Bandutva’ initiative for harmony in society



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