Stop being Prejudice, Instead Assimilate & Stay United’- Bishop Saldanha at KACES ‘Saamarasya’ Fest
- ‘Stop being Prejudice, Instead Assimilate & Unite’- said Bishop of Mangaluru Diocese Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha during His speech at KACES ‘Saamarasya’ – A Festival of Food and Culture for Peace in association with an organization named ‘Interfaith Coalition for Peace (ICP), New Delhi on 1st February, and will culminate on 3rd February ( 6.00 p.m-10 pm) at KACES ground, Balmatta, Mangaluru.
Mangaluru: Karnataka Christian Educational Society, (KACES) Mangaluru as part of its mandate on peace initiatives spearheaded an event titled “ SAAMARASYA – 2019”- a Festival of food and culture for peace in association with an organization Interfaith Coalition for Peace (ICP), New Delhi on 1st February and will culminate on 3rd February ( 6.00 p.m-10 pm) at KACES ground, Balmatta, Mangaluru. The FEST comprised of “Kalothsava” featuring cultural extravaganza; and “Aharotsava”, featuring local and traditional home-made cuisine. This event is organized as part of KACES 50 years in service to the community.
Dakshina Kannada, the land of living faiths and religions is known for its plurality, culture of tolerance and peace. However, recent developments have made it a district of hatred brimming with religious intolerance. Peace groups, interfaith dialogues, seminars and colloquium have been initiated for building a culture of peace. However, these initiatives have their own limitation as they adopt the ‘traditional way’ involving the apex leadership from the socio-economic and religious arenas.
It is important to note that the fabric of vivid society is woven from continual communication and exchange between people-through interpersonal, informal and cultural processes as well as through formal institution and official channels. Thus, food and culture are intertwined with the lives of people; it becomes a potential tool to nourish peaceful living and inter-faith conflict resolution. So this unique Fest initiated by KACES aiming in promoting peace and harmony in the community need to be appreciated and commended, for a job well done.
The inaugural programme began with invoking God’s blessings through a prayer song by the students of Karnataka Theological Society, Mangaluru, followed by welcome address by Ms Reena Kotian-Chief Accountant at KACES. After floral welcome to the dignitaries namely Bishop of Mangaluru Diocese Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, the inaugurator of the fest; Chairman of Alva’s Education Foundation, Moodabidri Dr Mohan Alva, the Chief guest of the occasion; and Principal of KTC and Secretary of KACES Rev Dr Hanibal Cabral, who presided over the function, the FEST was inaugurated by lighting the traditional lamp and releasing the colorful balloons in the air by the mentioned dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering Dr Mohan Alva said, “We need to commend the organizers for this unique project, keeping peace and harmony in mind, thereby organizing it which is a very good initiative. Although we may not compare India to other countries in many ways, but when it comes to traditions and cultures, India stands at the peak. India is a multi-lingual land with various traditions, cultures, clothing, food, many languages etc. India is a diversified country, where each and every state of India has some unique culture language and fashion as well. Around 1600 languages are spoken in India, the most spoken language in India is Hindi which is spoken by 45% of Indian as their native language. But if you ever visit the southern part of India, you will find many other languages like Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam etc. Our Diversity is our Unity”.
Dr Alva further said, “Programmes like these bring communities together, where they will learn about the different cultures, traditions, food etc. Any person who loves India will like its cultures and traditions, and one who hates India is a coward and not fit to be an Indian. The diversity in India is unique. India presents endless varieties of physical features and cultural patterns. It is the land of many languages it is only in India people professes all the major religions. India is “the epitome of the world”. The vast population is composed of people having diverse creeds, customs and colours. Some of the important forms of diversity in India are- Diversity of Physical Features; Racial Diversity; Linguistic Diversity; Religious Diversity; Caste Diversity. We need to believe in our rich traditions and cultures, and make India a better place in the world to live”.
Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha addressing the audience said, “Saamarasya is no doubt a unique idea by the KACES, and I appreciate the kind invitation to grace this occasion, which I feel very much blessed. It is said that to go to one’s heart is through your stomach”, and for that matter, food is always essential on any occasion. India being a country of rich traditions and varieties of cultures is the factor that enriches us. We need to learn different cultures and languages. I know at least six languages being an Indian, which many foreigners don’t. But many are missing the desire to learn something new. We need to assimilate and work in unity, leaving behind our prejudice character. We become enriched when we learn from others. When you mix and learn other traditions, they’ll make you feel like their own. So for a better country with peace and harmony, we need to work in unity, and try to assimilate as much as we can”.
The three dignitaries were felicitated on the occasion, and in his presidential remarks, Dr H R Cabral thanked the Bishop and Dr Mohan Alva for their support and encouragement towards KACES and for gracing the occasion. The vote of thanks was proposed by Viyay Amanna-Convener of the programme, and felicitation citations were read by Chetan R- Principal, Hebich Technical Training Institute, Mangaluru. The programme was compered by Madhukiran and Ms Joy Priyadarshini of KTC.
The formal programme was followed by a cultural event where students from Alva’s College, Moodabidri mesmerized the audience with their spectacular performances. The Fest will also see performances by CSI Vane’s Memorial Church, Bhadravathi- 2nd February; and Various well-known Groups- on 3rd February. There is sumptuous authentic and traditional home-made food that you can savour. Various Tulunadu vegetarian and non-vegetarian (Halal) foods are also available.
Apart from these from 10 am- 7 pm there will be -Display of Photos of Basel Missionaries depicting about Dakshina Kannada and Udupi-KTC Archives; Exhibitions of Antique collection- K P Rai, Bellipady; Display of Vintage Cars and Bikes; Paintings-Mrs C Aranha and William Pais; Tabernacle Model; and Exhibition cum Sale-Bible Society of India
For more details call: 0824-2422829; 9844197455