Instead of spreading negativity, Forget and Forgive – Brahmakumari Vishweshwari during Sauharda Christmas
Mangaluru: To create harmony and brotherhood, ‘Sauharda Christmas’ was organized by the Chief Whip of the Karnataka Legislative Council, Ivan D’Souza at the Kankanady Market Grounds, here on December 22.
The programme began with the state anthem. Chief Whip Ivan D’Souza welcomed the gathering and said that celebrating festivals together creates harmony and brotherhood among people from all faiths. “We are all one. We are all the citizens of India. Whichever religion we belong to, whatever beliefs we have, we are Indians first,” he added.
The programme was inaugurated by Blossom Fernandes, wife of Senior Congress leader Oscar Fernandes by illuminating the Christmas tree.
Speaking on the occasion, Prajapitha Brahmakumari Eshwariya Vishwavidyalaya Brahmakumari Vishweshwari said, “We are here to celebrate Christmas. Festivals like Deepavali, Ramzan and Christmas bring people together and unite us. We all need to live in peace and harmony in the society. Even though we have achieved a lot but our desires have not decreased and this makes us lose our peace of mind. Many people can attest to this. For a better peace of mind, we need to think about others. We need to forget our differences and forgive those who have wronged us.”
She further said, “People create negative thoughts in their minds. Spirituality is nothing but creating positive thoughts. We need to respect others and not hurt them. We need to follow the teachings of Jesus, especially ‘forget and forgive’. We need to remember the teachings of Jesus Christ and create a good relationship with our neighbours. We have to accept everyone as they are. We are all one and God will surely bless all of us.” She wished everyone a very happy Christmas and joyous new year.
Addressing the gathering, president of Sayyed Madani Darga Rasheed Ullal said, “Today we are not only celebrating Christmas, but we are celebrating unity here. If we celebrate any festival in this manner, there will not be any communal clashes in the district. Festivals like Christmas, Deepavali, and Ramzan are symbols of peace and harmony. All the religions teach peace and harmony. When we fill our minds with unwanted thoughts, we create violence. Only a few people create violence, while most of us want peace and harmony. Wherever there is a Christian institution, quality education is delivered. We fight in the name of religion but Islam teaches us to live in harmony and brotherhood”.
The director of Father Muller Hospital Fr Richard Coelho, speaking on the occasion said, “Those who work for peace in the society are the healthiest people but those who create violence are sick and dangerous to the society. We need to forgive our brothers and respect other religions. Our life should be holy and be like the salt of the earth. Love your neighbours and forgive them if they have hurt you”. Fr Richard wished everyone a very happy Christmas and a prosperous new year 2017.
MLA J R Lobo speaking on the occasion said, “We need to understand other religions. People fight over religion without having proper knowledge of other religions. We need to inculcate the teachings of Jesus and follow in his footsteps. We are all equal and we need to treat everyone equally”. Lobo wished everyone a very happy Christmas.
Prior to the stage programme, a carol singing competition was held. 22 kgs of cake was exhibited during the cake exhibition.
DC Dr Jagadeesha distributed rice to the needy people on the occasion. Muda Chairman Suresh Ballal, Ibrahim Kodijal, Kavitha Ivan D’Souza, Police commissioner Chandra Sekhar, Mithun Rai, Rajavarma Ballal and others were also present.