Udyavara: “Friendliness should not be only in message, but also should be in our life. In today’s scenario, we afraid that religion, trust, mercy, etc. will be left over at any time. We are using them as shields for all our activities. Deepavali, Yugadi, Sankranthi, etc. are all agriculture induced festivals. Farming festivals are celebrated by all communities and hence they are social festivals. Since farming community is on the decline today, these festivals remain as mere celebrations only. Festivals will loose their values unless they are celebrated with mutual relationship.

Our modern life is spoiling the values of festivals. Festivals should make us to lead worldly life and then only, harmony will prevail. Mere lighting and sweets will not provide harmony”, said Prof. Phaniraj, the renowned thinker. He spoke these words when he was invited as the chief guest of “Harmonious Deepavali celebration”, a function conducted by Harmony Committee, Catholic Sabha, St. Francis Xavier Church at Hindu Senior Primary School Centenary Golden Jubilee Hall. He also said, “Gandhiji was calling himself as Hindu. But, in his ashrams, no one could see any photos of God.

In his prayer meetings, he was teaching Upanishad, Kuran, Bible, etc. He was talking about current affairs. During 1946 communal riots period, when some people opposed Kuran teachings, he directly told them that they didn’t have to attend the prayer meetings. That is the real friendliness. We should develop such type of friendliness only”.

The Parish Priest of St. John’s Church, Shankarapura – Rev. Fr. Dr. Leslie D’Souza, who was another invitee said, “Deepavali festival which spreads light by eradicating night is not only Hindu’s festival. It is the festival of all religion. But nowadays, festivals are becoming commercial and are loosing their values and are creating problems among us. Let the festival spread harmony and love and affection in our mind”. The President of South Canara District Muslim Writers’ Association – Syed Ismail was present as the guest and said, “All religions are teaching love only. But, people who don’t understand that properly are creating misunderstanding and let the celebration of festivals like these create harmony among us”. The President of the Harmony Committee and the Parish Priest of Udyavara St. Francis Xavier Church Rev. Fr. Dr. Rock D’Souza gave the introductory speech.

Rev. Fr. Sievan D’Souza of Udupi Bishop’s residence, President of Catholic Sabha – R.P. Monis, Muslim priest – Abdul Rasheed Rahmani, President of Panchayat – Vijaya Kumar Udyavara, Vice-President of Taluk Panchayat – Ganesh Kumar, Convenor of Hindu School – Udyavara Nagesh Kumar were present at the dais. Renowned Radio Jacky Virol Gonsalvis was felicitated in the function.

In the beginning, President of Harmony Committee – Wiltred D’Souza welcomed the gathering. The Vice-President – Riyaz Palli proposed the vote of thanks at the end. The Media Secretary – Steven Colaco presented the programme.