St Aloysius College celebrated Islamic Feasts as part of ‘Inter-Faith Harmony Day’

St Aloysius College celebrated Islamic Feasts as part of ‘Inter-Faith Harmony Day’

Mangaluru : St Aloysius College (Autonomous) celebrated Islamic feasts as part of ‘Inter-faith Harmony Day’ on Saturday, September 14 2019 at LCRI Hall. Rev. Dr Ivan D’Souza, Professor of Philosophy, St Joseph’s Seminary, Mangaluru; Dr Balakrishna Shetty, Principal, Sri Ramakrishna College, Mangaluru and Dr Javed Jamil, Head of Chair in Islamic Studies, Yenepoya University, Mangaluru were the Chief Guests. Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, SJ, Principal presided over the programme.

Dr Balakrishna Shetty, in his speech said that the earlier Dakshina Kannada was known for its peace and harmony, but unfortunately, today it is not the situation as politics has entered into religion and innocent people have become the victims of such a development. Another speaker, Dr Javed Jamil said that human beings have failed to maintain the balance and harmony which God put in its creation. He reiterated that all religions promote the ideas of peace and harmony among all living beings but the message has been misinterpreted for man’s selfish gains. Religion teaches us not to indulge in any immoral
activities. It is time that we stuck to the principles of love, peace and harmony and stop hating others. Religion has nothing to do with communalism.

Professor of Philosophy at St Joseph’s Seminary Fr Ivan D’Souza congratulated the college for promoting inter-faith harmony related activities. He expressed his concern over the increasing intolerance, hatred and lynching related news and the attempt to silence dissent
and alternative voices. He advised students to stand united and work together for a more peaceful and harmonious society.

Principal of St Aloysius College Fr Praveen Martis said, “We need to understand religion. Followers of various religions misinterpret religious practice. We should recognize the goodness of the religion and build bridges between religions instead of building barriers and
walls.” Nishath and Basith compered the programme. Programme Co-ordinator, Ms Shameena K.A. welcomed the gathering.