Inter-Religious Peace meet held on ’Muharram’ Celebrations at Shankerpura

By Alphonse Mendonsa
Bellevision Media Network

Shankerpura, 17 Oct 2016: An inter-Religious Meet towards Peace and Harmony was held at Subhasnagar, Shankerpura under the aggies of "Sarva Dharma Sauharda Samiti" on the occasion of Muharram Celebrations which marks the start of the Islamic New Year. The Inter-faith meet was held on Sunday the 16th of October 2016 at Sarakarigudde Shankerpura.

 

The Muharram Celebration was attended and addressed by prominent personalities and religious heads of Christian, Hindu and Muslim, namely Rev. Fr. Dr. Leslie D’Souza (Convener of Sarva Dharma Sauharda Samiti & Correspondent, St. John’s Academy Shankerpura), Mr. Vincent Alva (Professor, Milagres College Kalyanpura), Mr. JC. Rajendra Bhatt (National JC Instructor and Mr. Shaukat Ali (Youth Leader) respectively.

 

 

The program began with a prayer invoking Gods blessings by Ms. Nirmala Devadiga followed by hearty welcome by Naveen Ameen (Proprietor Friends Caterers) a prominent personality of Shankerpura and member of “Sarva Dharma Sauharda Samiti”.

 

Antony D’Sa (member of Sarva Dharma Sauharda Samiti) read out the report and highlited the activities taken up by Sarva Dharma Sauharda Samiti last year.

 

Mark Vaz (Vice President – Parish Council St. John Evangelist Church Pangala) introduced Fr. Leslie D’Souza. The traditional lamp was lit by Fr. Leslie D’Souza and inaugurated the Muharam Sarva Dharma Meet.

 

A beautiful welcome dance was performed by two little children.

 

The first key note address was by JC Rajendra Bhatt highlighted the importance of holding Inter-faith meets to understand better of every religion and create a human bond and humanity. He further said, Humanity is the greatest religion. Every religion teaches good values and virtues and hence it is important to respect each other’s religions. He sited one example of perfect harmonious living by people of Goa wherein estimated 25 lakhs konkani speaking people belonging to Hindu and Christian live in a perfect harmony. They speak one language but celebrate every feast and event belonging to other religions unitedly. He said we too must follow their example and mingled with other religions during their celebrations and show our love and respect to them.

 

A wonderful miming show was presented by ICYM members of St. John’s Parish, Shankerpura. Anil D’Sa introduced Prof. Vincent Alva.

 

Speaking for Christians Prof. Vincent Alva said “I’m happy to be a citizen of our country. Let our religions stay inside our homes and religious places and let not exhibit our religion on streets”. He further said that our country has vast culture, a beautiful country with variety of nature, etc. We find unity in diversity. We should be proud of our country and live like true citizens of our country rather than thinking only of our religion and involving in communal activities. Humanity and respect of others is the true religion he said. He concluded saying that we should live like true citizens of our Nation caring and respecting each other keeping aside our religion, caste or creed. Lets live like brother and sisters in this great country.

 

 

A dance performance was presented by Muslim youth and entertained the audience.

 

The Muslim speaker Janab Shawkat Ali said that Christians are known to be very kind people, also quoted in Quran he said. Today we have loads of preachers shouting from pulpits on their religion rather than feeling of hearts or thinking of humanity. He further said that he studied in Christian school and never in his life felt like anyone forced him to convert or learn Christianity. We must unite and create a brotherly bond for our better future he said.

 

The convener of the Sarva Dharma Sauharda Samiti Fr. Leslie D’Souza  addressed the audience and explained in detail the purpose of Muharram Celebrations by people belonging to all religions. He further said that in his tenure of 7 years in Shankerpura he has learned that anything can be achieved with unity. He was happy to see a large number of people attending this Inter-faith meet and that shows unity among all religions. The purpose of creating Inter-faith meet is create awareness of unity, humanity and respect for each other religions. Let us keep aside our religions but work for humanity. If anyone has no value for humanity, he can’t boast of his religion.

 

He said that he studied at Hindu schools and colleges and found more humanity and bond in diversity. Let us not be prejudice in our thoughts and actions but be open-minded and see the goodness in people of other religions. He concluded with a quote from Mother Theresa who loved humanity “I was born in Albania but Citizen of India, In heart I love Jesus" Fr. Leslie said if we love our religion in our hearts we can overcome anything and can respect other people. It is we love our preachers blindly rather than our God that creates disharmony in the world he said. He concluded saying that lets remove that black spot from our heart and develop a clean and spotless heart to love other person.

 

Mr. Nandan Kumar, Secretary of Sauharda Committee proposed the vote of thanks. Snacks were distributed to all who attended the program. Mr. Hanif compered the entire program wonderfully.