Udupi: “Religious heads should play an important role in promoting peace and brotherhood,” said Sri Sugunendra Teertha Swamiji of Puttige Math. He was speaking during the Christmas programme organised to promote inter-religious dialogue at the Mother of Sorrows Church here, on December 22.
If the heads of all religions participate in the celebrations and programmes of other religions, then inter-religious dialogue will be effectively promoted and it is very much important in today’s scenario. The cause of living is life and not death. Love and faith is prominent to live life, if we fail to live with love and faith, then we are living against God, said the swamiji.
Global development can be witnessed if peace and brotherhood prevails. The promoters of development should give preference to peace. Unfortunately, sometimes religious leaders who strive hard to promote peace are projected as promoters of violence, he added.
In his presidential address, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi said that every religion is established on the basis of promoting peace and love. Religions survive only if principles of love and peace are established and followed. When we understand other religions, we can live in peace and love. India, a land of 29 states and 7 union territories, 3000 castes and 10 religions, has catered brotherhood and peace. Unity in diversity makes our country special. We follow different religions but our religious scriptures lead us to follow brotherhood, love, tolerance, concern and non-violence. We should first learn to be humans and work towards building society, he added.
Mohammed Yaseen Malpe -convener of Forum for Humanity Udupi/Mangaluru, Prof Vincent Alva of Milagres College Kallianpur, Theodore Karkada of CSI Christa Joythi Church Korangrapadi, Benedicta Fernandes of Catholic Sabha, Gratian Buthello – secretary of parish pastoral council, and Alphonse D’Costa – convener of the programme were present.
Fr Fred Mascarenhas, parish priest of Mother of Sorrows Church, welcomed the gathering. Mohammed Moula delivered the vote of thanks. Vinay Suvarna compered the programme.
