Mangaluru – The 78th annual Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at Sangh Niketan, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) office in Mangaluru, witnessed a gesture of interfaith harmony as a delegation of 18 Christian representatives participated in the event on Saturday.
Led by the Nationalist Christian Forum, the delegation offered flowers and fruits to Lord Ganesha, received prasadam, and toured the newly built RSS office. Forum coordinator Franklin Monteiro stated,
“Our aim is to spread the message that despite practising different religions, we are united in nationalism. This annual visit reflects our devotion and national interest.”
Tilak’s vision remembered
The celebration echoes Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s historic vision of making Ganesh Chaturthi a platform for unity during the Indian freedom movement. Organisers said the tradition continues to bring people of different faiths together in the spirit of brotherhood.
Honouring talent and unity
On the occasion, Remona Yvette Pereira, who recently achieved a world record in Bharatanatyam, was felicitated by the Ganeshotsava Committee. Attendees then shared breakfast, symbolising harmony and mutual respect.
Leaders in attendance
The event was attended by Keshav Smti Samvardhana Samiti President Praveen Kumar, office bearers G. Suresh V. Kamath, Yogish Achar, Vinod Shenoy, Abhishek Bhandari, RSS leaders P.S. Prakash and Satish Rao, and prominent members of the Nationalist Christian Forum including Dr. Jesse Maria, Dr. Elvis Rodriguez, Dr. Teresa Lydia Mendonsa, Prof. Sandhya D’Souza, and others.