Media release
Udupi, Dec 16: True meaning is added to the celebration of festivals only when one lives by the core constitutional values of equality, liberty, fraternity, and social justice, said noted folklorist and president of the Dr Shivarama Karanth Trust, Dr Gananath Ekkar.
He was speaking as the chief guest at the Sarva Dharma Festivals Harmony Meet, jointly organised by the Samanvaya Sarva Dharma Souharda Committee, Thottam, and the Catholic Sabha, Udupi Region – Thottam Unit, held on Monday evening.
Dr Ekkar stated that development is possible in any nation only when harmony prevails. Anyone who strives to uphold harmony is a true patriot, he said. All religions convey the message of forgiveness, compassion, love, and humanity. Harmony can be achieved when individuals practise their own faith while also understanding and respecting other religions. The core principle of all festivals is living with love and unity, and above all, the religion of humanity is the greatest of all, he added.
Addressing the gathering, social worker Rafiq Master said that every religion imparts values of love, faith, and trust to the world. If people look at others with trust instead of suspicion, many problems can be avoided. He remarked that individuals should not become knives that cut hearts, but needles and threads that stitch them together. When one grows while helping others grow, the values of every religion are truly upheld, he said.
Earlier, Dennis D’Souza, honorary president of the Samanvaya Sarva Dharma Souharda Committee, Thottam, delivered the introductory address.
During the programme, Malpe diving expert Ishwar Malpe and his team, known for their selfless service and support during emergencies, were honoured. District Rajyotsava Award recipients Ramesh Thingalaya and Reginald Furtado were also felicitated.
Cultural programmes were presented by members of Thottam Church, CSI Church Malpe, and others.
Among those present were Vinay Sandesh, pastor of CSI Ebenezer Church, Malpe; Yahya Naqwa, vice president of the Samanvaya Sarva Dharma Souharda Committee, Thottam; Agnel Fernandes, coordinator of the Interfaith Dialogue Commission, Thottam Church; Siraj from Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Malpe Unit; Shanthi Picardo, secretary of the Catholic Sabha; Leslie Aroza, vice president of the Church Pastoral Council; Blesilla Crasta, secretary; Sister Sushma from the local convent; and office-bearers of the Souharda Committee and Catholic Sabha.
Veena Fernandes, president of the Catholic Sabha, welcomed the gathering, while Ramesh Thingalaya, president of the Samanvaya Sarva Dharma Souharda Committee, Thottam, proposed the vote of thanks. Lavina Fernandes compered the programme.