Shirva: Communal harmony stressed in the Catholic Sabha organised “Christmas SnehaKoota”

By Melwyn Aranha, Shirva
Bellevision Media Network

Shirva, 19 December 2011: The Shirva Unit of the Catholic Sabha organised the Christmas ‘Snehakoota’  on Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 5 pm in which representatives from three predominant communities participated with great enthusiasm.

 

The ‘Snehakoota’ programme began with a grand procession from the Church to the  Manchakal township. The chief attractions of the procession were Santa Clause, a tableau depicting the crib and the decorated truck carrying the  representatives of the three communities and the parish priest of Shirva. The Hindu community was presented by Kemaru Shri Shri Isha Vittaldas Swamiji, chief of Sandhipani Sadhanashrama of Shri Kshetra Kemaru, Muslim community was represented by Ms. Shahanaz M-Editor of ‘Anupama Patrike’, monthly  magazine published from Mangalore and  Walter Cyril Pinto-President of Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh represented the Christian community.

 

 

 

At the programme held at the Manchakal Bus Stand, Kemaru Swamiji said that humanity is the greatest religion of mankind. What we see in modern times is that corruption pervading in all fields of life has strained the relations between human beings. Further he said that in Indian culture and tradition, respect and honour to mother is held in high esteem. It is only through cultured women that a strong society can be built.

 

Ms. Shahanaz M. In her message emphasised the fact that it is only in India that India has be known for excellent communal harmony and friendship. However, she pointed out that since the last 25 years this mutual respect towards each other’s community and harmony has been on the decline. She said that ignorance, misinformation, selfishness and narrow minded attitude have hardened the hearts and minds of the people. She made an appeal to the religious leaders of all communities to give positive message to their respective followers and held in building bridges across various communities in programmes such as ‘Snehakootas’.

 

Rev. Fr. Stany Tauro, parish priest of Our Lady of Health Church, in his Christmas Message stressed on the virtues of peace, love and respect among the members of all communities.

 

Vice President of the Shirva Parish Pastooral Council-Irwin D’Souza,  Secretary and the Progeamme Coordinator-Melwyn Aranha,  Catholic Sabha Central Committe General Secretary-William Machado, President of the Shirva Varado President-Lancy Corda, member of the Udupi Zilla panchayat-Mrs. Ida Gibba D’Souza and Former President of the Udupi Zilla Panchayat-Mrs. Gladys D’Almeida were on the dais.

 

Mrs. Agnes Barboza, Vice President of the Shirva Unit of the Catholic Sabha welcomed the guests and participants; Gilbert Pinto compeered the programme and Mrs. leena Machado, Secretary of the Shirva Unit of the Catholic Sabha proposed the vote of thanks.