Mangaluru: A grand interfaith Iftar gathering celebrating communal harmony and brotherhood was held at The Yenepoya School in Jeppinamogaru, bringing together religious leaders, administrators and community representatives from across the region.
The event was jointly hosted by Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of the Diocese of Mangalore; Dr Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi, Chancellor of Yenepoya (Deemed to be University); and Mr Vishal Hegde, Chancellor of Nitte (Deemed to be University).
The gathering witnessed the participation of several prominent dignitaries including U. T. Khader, Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Shri Darshan H. V., IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada, and renowned orthopaedic surgeon Dr M. Shantharam Shetty, Pro-Chancellor of Nitte University.
Religious heads, community leaders, bureaucrats and citizens from various faiths attended the programme, reflecting Mangaluru’s long-standing tradition of coexistence and mutual respect.
Ramadan message highlights compassion and empathy
Delivering the introductory address, Dr Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi welcomed the dignitaries and spoke about the spiritual significance of Ramadan. He explained that fasting, one of the five pillars of Islam, is not merely about abstaining from food but about cultivating compassion and understanding the struggles of the less fortunate.
He noted that the values of fasting and charity are shared across many faith traditions including Hinduism and Christianity.
Dr Kunhi also paid tribute to the late Vinay Hegde and the late Dr Raghavendra Rao, Chancellor of Srinivas University, recalling their regular participation in earlier Iftar gatherings.
Expressing concern over global conflicts, he prayed for peace and stability in regions affected by war and for the safety of Indians working in Gulf countries.
Bishop calls for unity beyond religious boundaries
Addressing the gathering, Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha emphasised the importance of celebrating religious festivals together as a way of strengthening harmony and mutual understanding.
He highlighted that such gatherings help remove prejudices, suspicion and fear by allowing people from different faiths to interact and understand one another’s traditions.
Referring to the ancient Indian concept of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” meaning “the world is one family,” the Bishop urged people to recognise their shared humanity beyond religious identities.
He reminded the audience that all religions teach compassion, forgiveness and love for fellow human beings.
Message of universal well-being
Dr M. Shantharam Shetty spoke on universal brotherhood and shared values among religions. Echoing the theme of global unity, he emphasised that spiritual teachings across faith traditions promote peace and compassion.
He referred to the prayer “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah” from the Upanishads, which wishes happiness, health and freedom from suffering for all people.
Dr Shetty also highlighted that the spirit of Ramadan carries lessons for all communities by encouraging charity, empathy and devotion.
Praising the city’s social fabric, he noted that Mangaluru’s reputation as one of the safest cities reflects the cooperation, tolerance and unity of its people.
A symbolic message of individual responsibility
Concluding the programme, Bishop Saldanha shared a symbolic story about a small bird trying to extinguish a forest fire by carrying drops of water from a lake.
Though the effort seemed small compared to the scale of the fire, the bird continued because it believed in doing its part.
The leaders encouraged attendees to adopt the same spirit in promoting peace and harmony — contributing in small but meaningful ways to build a more compassionate and united society.
The interfaith Iftar concluded with participants sharing a meal together, reinforcing the message of unity and mutual respect during the holy month of Ramadan.
