In a powerful display of interfaith solidarity, the Bishop of Mangalore, Most Rev Peter Paul Saldanha, convened the annual Bandhutva Christmas celebration at the Bishop's House in Kodialbail on Friday. The event served as a clarion call for fraternity that transcends deep-seated religious and social divisions, bringing together a notable assembly of political leaders, government officials, and representatives from numerous faith communities.
A Metaphor for Unity: The Five Fingers of Harmony
Addressing the diverse gathering, Bishop Saldanha employed a poignant and simple metaphor to drive home his message of essential unity. He likened the major religions of the land—Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism—to the fingers of a single hand. He emphasized that while each finger is distinct and unique, they are all indispensable and must work in concert for the hand to function in harmony.
The bishop did not shy away from addressing contemporary challenges. He issued a stern warning about the perils of rising hatred and conflict, stating that such forces were actively turning the world into a place of widespread suffering. He made a fervent appeal for society to stand firmly with marginalized and minority communities. According to the bishop, crossing entrenched communal boundaries is the only viable path to achieving lasting peace.
Celebration of Coexistence and Calls for Compassion
The programme commenced on a spiritual note with melodious Christmas carols presented by the choir from Kulur Church. This was followed by a prayer service led by Rev Sandeep Theophil, the registrar of the Karnataka Theological College, setting a reflective tone for the evening.
The message of compassion was further echoed by Commissioner of Income Tax (appeals) S Renga Rajan. He described Christmas as a universal message of compassion and human solidarity. Rajan praised Mangaluru's longstanding tradition of peaceful coexistence among its diverse communities. Quoting the revered Swami Vivekananda, he cautioned the audience against nurturing communal hatred and made a personal appeal to all citizens to consciously resist the temptation to spread divisive and inflammatory messages.
A Gathering of Community Pillars
The event also included moments of recognition. Ivan and Lavita Rodrigues, parents of renowned Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues, along with S Renga Rajan, were felicitated for their contributions. The celebration concluded on a sweet note with the traditional cutting of a Christmas cake, symbolizing shared joy.
The significance of the gathering was underscored by the high-profile attendance from across the spectrum of public life. Notable personalities present included:
- MLA Vedavyas Kamath
- MLC Ivan D'Souza
- MP Capt Brijesh Chowta
- Manjeshwar MLA Ashraf
- Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy
- IGP Amit Singh
- Bishop Hemachandra Kumar (CSI)
- Representatives from the Ramakrishna Mutt, Brahma Kumaris, and Ullal Dargah
This convergence of leaders from politics, administration, and diverse spiritual paths at the Bishop's House sent a strong, visible message of collective commitment to the ideals of Bandhutva—brotherhood—in Mangaluru. The event stands as a testament to the city's potential to foster dialogue and unity in a complex social landscape.
