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Christmas Interfaith Meeting held at St. Aloysius College

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Mangaluru: Keeping in mind the value of unity in diversity, the St. Aloysius College (Autonomous) organised a Christmas Interfaith Meeting with the theme “Response of Peace in the Present Day Socio-Religious Conflicts” at its campus on December 20. Jabbar Sampaje, Yakshagaana and Taalamardale artiste, Brahmakumari Vishweshwari from the Urwa Centre of Brahmakumari Iswariya Vidyalaya and Dr. EVS Maben, HoD of General Medicine, A J Hospital, presented Islamic, Hindu and Christian perspectives to the audience.

Respecting people is imperative to uphold a good society, said Rev. Dr. (Fr.) Praveen Martis SJ, Principal of St. Aloysius College in his welcome speech. Fr. Pradeep Sequeira SJ, Finance Officer and coordinator of the event, introduced the three guests to the eager listeners.

Sampaje extolled the importance of Shanti – world peace – in his address, and remarked upon the Islamic perspective on peace. Quoting examples, he urged the audience to let go off ego and prejudice to achieve self-realisation and peace. Brahmakumari Vishweshwari, an embodiment of the adage of “Simple living, high thinking” as introduced by Fr. Pradeep Sequeira SJ, asserted, “Peace is the self-religion of humanity. We must take measures to develop spiritual knowledge, as we come from Bharat, the cradle of spirituality.” Shedding light on the etymology of the term “human being”, she enunciated the miracle of life as a blend of the body and the sentient energy of the soul. Dr. E V S Maben, an alumnus of St. Aloysius PU College, said that the essence of Christmas is love. “Peace means tranquillity, harmony and serenity. We must all be peacemakers in today’s world.”

Quoting anecdotes from his life, he stated that one must overcome religious differences and come together as human beings.

In his presidential message, Fr. Dionysius Vas SJ, Rector, St. Aloysius Institutions, compared the religions of the world to a tree with sturdy roots and bountiful branches. Praising the values of humility and self-realisation, he encouraged the audience to adopt the three C’s for a fruitful life–Compassion, Community and Contemplation. The choir sang charming carols in Kannada, Malayalam and Konkani to bring in the Christmas spirit.

Dr. A M Narahari, Registrar, Roshan Monteiro, convener of the event, vice principals, deans, HoDs, lecturers and students of St. Aloysius UG and PG college were present. The event truly fostered a renewed sense of inter-religious harmony among the audience.

Christmas Interfaith Meeting held at St. Aloysius College
Christmas Interfaith Meeting held at St. Aloysius College
Christmas Interfaith Meeting held at St. Aloysius College
Christmas Interfaith Meeting held at St. Aloysius College
Christmas Interfaith Meeting held at St. Aloysius College
Christmas Interfaith Meeting held at St. Aloysius College

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