Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Mar 14: “The programme 'Laudato si' is a new ideology to save nature to hand it over to our next generation in a better way. Through this, we aim to protect each and every creature on the earth along with us human beings. The ideology raises the slogan of 'Leave the place better to live’. Protection of nature should be our most important mission because without nature, we cannot even imagine our existence," said Bishop of Mangaluru Dr Peter Paul Saldanha.

He was addressing the gathering at the symposium on 'Religion and Ecology’ organised by 'Laudato si' committee of Mangaluru diocese at Milagres Senete Hall on Wednesday, March 13.

“We all practice our religions the way we want. Now it is time to think about protecting nature which is as importance as practicing religion. It is very easy to deliver talks on protection of environment, but no one is ready to practice it. When religious leaders and religion takes this mission, it will become easy and everyone will come forward to save mother earth. So our programmes should be on this direction,” he said.

Presenting his views on the topic, Swami Ekagamyananda, pontiff, Ramakrishna Mission, Mangaluru said, “We cannot define the word ‘Hindu’ as a religion. It is a culture. In Hindu culture, earth is equal to mother. The followers of Sanathan Dharma adore sun, tree, and animals as God and goddesses. It means that they are see divinity in all creatures created by God. The term 'Swachh' comes from Upanishads which is mandatory to follow in Sanathan Dhrama. 'Swachhatha' is required inside and outside of every individual. But now, we are practicing every aspect of our religion, but forgetting the main thing which is 'Swachhatha'. When we become clean heart persons, automatically we will start thinking about the betterment of others. In the matter of betterment of environment, it is protection and safely handing it over to the generation of tomorrow.”

Explaining Islamic views on Ecology, Moulana U K Abdul Azziz Darimi, Imam of Chokkabettu Masjid said, “Holy Quran compares religion to a fruitful tree. It says that laziness and greedy mind of humans is a big danger for earth. Humans only harm the nature. All other creatures become a part of saving and protecting the nature as well as environment. We have to think about Mother Nature and it should become like a religion which everyone should follow who live on this earth.

Muniraj Renjala, headmaster, Jain High School, Moodbidri said, “'Jeeva' is one of the important teachings of Jainism. It explains that every creature has life and it lives on this earth. To protect nature, we practice ‘Ahimsa’. It includes protection of everything on earth. As per Jainism, if anyone hurts nature, he is not a true follower of the religion. Hence, our slogan should be ‘Live and let live’. Through this, we can experience peace and inner happiness."

Presenting the Biblical mentions on nature, Fr Alwyn Serrao , principal, Padua College said “When a religion takes the responsibility of protecting nature, it becomes a religious practice and makes a positive impact. The Holy Bible says that God gave the lordship to human over nature. It means that mankind was given the responsibility of nature. God made him the lord to show sympathy towards co-creatures. Violence against nature is a sin against God. In the Old Testament, many a times, God warned mankind for his cruelty towards nature. ‘Justice in the world’, the papal letter issued in 1971, clearly says that Holy Church has always upheld the respect towards other creatures and nature. It also emphasizes that earth is not a raw material which we can use according to our wish.”

J B Saldanha, parish priest, St Sebastian Church, Permannur, moderated the symposium. Fr Richard D’Souza, convener, 'Laudato si' committee of Mangaluru diocese, welcomed the dignitaries and gathering.

Fr Mathew Vas, parish priest, Kinnigoli Church, Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, parish priest , Bondel Church, Fr Antony Serra, Fr Vincent Victor Menezes, Louis J Pinto and a large number of religious priests, brothers, sisters and lay people from various communities were present.