MLC Ivan D’Souza Holds All Religions Prayer Meet for Rain
Mangaluru: “Water rationing system has started in Mangaluru. In this world, we have enough technology to do almost anything. However, there is no technology that can make it rain. We have to turn to God alone in this matter. That is why this programme is being conducted. They say that whoever prays together with others, their prayers are heard by God. All of us have come together for a special cause”, said MLC and Parliamentary Secretary Ivan D’souza at a prayer meet (seeking divine intervention to bring an end to the district’s water crisis) held at Kankanady Grounds here, on May 17.
Addressing the gathering Ivan D’Souza said, “By now, the Monsoon season should have begun. However, this year, the rains have been delayed and there are no signs yet that the monsoon is going to start soon. I have read media reports that it might rain from the first week of June. Man can do anything, but he cannot create water. No animal or bird can survive without water. That is why I wanted to gather the public and pray together so that God might grant us rain. Whenever there are troubles, we have to turn to God. I welcome all of you to this unique programme.”
Speaking to the public Fr Maxim Pinto said, “Brothers and sisters, this is a unique programme. Our collective belief in God can make it rain. All of us have gathered here irrespective of religion, caste, and creed. When we develop this type of attitude and stop being selfish, God will surely listen to us. I received an interesting story on Whatsapp. A traveler, while travelling on his path, comes upon a pot of gold. In his selfishness, he tries to take the gold but won’t have anywhere to put it. Instead, he empties his pot of water and fills it with the gold. However, as he continues travelling in the heat, he realizes the importance of water. We must value water and not turn to God only during troubled times.”
Later, Islamic Priest Yaseer Arafat addressed the gathering and said, “Regardless of religion or caste, the way in which all of us have come together makes this event auspicious. God’s greatest gift is rain. Sometimes, the rain is too much and we have pray for it to stop raining. However, this is not the case here. Ivan D’Souza has to be appreciated for bringing people from all religions together for this cause. When we are praying this way, our belief is the most important thing. But it is not enough to just pray for water. We have to make proper use of water and not waste it.”
Former Mayor Jacinta Aldern, JDS leader MB Sadashiv, Sushil Noronha, Mohammed Hanif, and others were also present.