Bandhutva Christmas Celebration held at Father Muller Conv Centre

Mangaluru: “Christmas is the celebration of Peace. The birth of Christ has brought peace to the world. Christians across the world epitomize Christ’s peace, joy, tolerance and sacrifice in their lives and make this world a better place to live in. Christianity is a peace-loving religion. The motto, ‘Live and Let Live’ is the hallmark of the Christian community,” said N Shashi Kumar, the Police Commissioner of Mangaluru city, addressing the honourable guests of the Bandhutva Christmas Celebration held in the evening of Dec 27, 2022, at Father Muller Convention Centre, Kankanady Mangaluru.

‘Bandhutva’ is the signature programme of Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, the bishop of Mangalore, to strengthen the bonds with other religions by promoting the message of peace, harmony and brotherhood. To break the usual practice, this year, the diocese of Mangalore organised a Bandhutva Christmas celebration in association with Father Muller Charitable Institutions, Mangaluru.

IPS officer N. Shashi Kumar, Police Commissioner of Mangaluru was the guest of honour at the Bandhutva celebration. The political leaders; including Ex-MLA J R Lobo, Ex-Minister Ramanath Rai, Ex-MLC Ivan D Souza; luminaries of public administration, city corporators, including Naveen D’souza, officers from the departments of Health and Education including Vice Chancellor of Nitte University Dr Sathish Bhandary, VC of Yenepoya University Dr Vijay Kumar, health, including Dr Bhaskar Shetty (City Hospital) Dr Shantharam Shetty (Tejasvini Hospital), Dr Yusuf Kumble (Indiana Hospital), officers from the banking sector, NGO, Media, religious leaders, heads of Christian institutions were present.

With a grateful heart, Shashi Kumar said, “I am overwhelmed to note that all Catholic Institutions in Mangalore namely Father Muller Charitable Institutions, Roshini Nilaya, St Aloysius College, and St Agnes Institutions are very well coordinated with the Police department and they are generous towards public administration. I am grateful to you.”

Speaking highly on Mangaluru city, Shashi Kumar said, “I am happy to serve Mangalore, a peaceful and educated city. Although the city appears to be sensitive externally, Mangaloreans are known for mutual respect and mutual coordination. The city comes back to normalcy in any worst situation even when the social fabric is disrupted. Peace is the resonance of this land.”

Shashi Kumar also enthralled the audience with his song and spread a joyful atmosphere around.

In his message, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha said, “Lord Jesus is born, not as an angel or animal but as a human being. That’s why every Christian respects the human being from womb to tomb. Because God has shared our life. The purpose of sharing His life with us and to resemble us is to make us resemble God so that we become a portion of God.

He further noted that Christmas unites us all as ‘Bandhu’ and calls to build ‘Bandhutva’ through fraternal love. The message of Christmas is to learn from Jesus to be meek and humble, to be kind and gentle and to respect one another with simplicity, compassion, and humility and to become someone similar to Him.

Roy Castelino, PRO of the diocese of Mangalore welcomed the gathering. Father Muller Staff and Nursing students sang Christmas Carols in different languages and danced with Christmas Santa. Dr Kelvin Pais, Liaison Officer FMC cheered the gathering with some games. Rev. Fr Richard Coelho, Director, of Father Muller Charitable Institutions rendered the vote of thanks and said the prayer before the food. Dr Rithesh D’cunha, from the Dept of Anaesthesiology and Dr Shannon Fernandes from the Dept of OBG, compered the programme.