Mangaluru, (The Hindu): Bishop of Belthangady Rev. Lawrence Mukuzhi on Wednesday said “Christmas is a symbol of peace, which has now grown into a worldwide symbol of celebration. Celebrations like here at Alva’s are an ideal to the world.”

He was speaking at the inauguration of Christmas celebrations at Alva’s Educational Institutions, Moodbidri, near here.

Rev. Mukuzhi further said, “This festival conveys the message of peace-orientated happiness, and spreads the knowledge of good and bad. May the festival be a medium through which relationships are enriched.”

The celebrations began with a procession of students holding candles, flowers, and Santa Claus disguises. The former Konkani Sahitya Academy Chairman Roy Castellino said, “It is indeed a matter of pride that students from all religious backgrounds assemble here to celebrate Christmas.”

Alva’s foundation chairman M. Mohan Alva said, “Religion must be a leading light for the current generation, and not a cause for inequality. We must stay immune to the forces that attempt to break us in apart in the name of religion. Celebrations of religious festivals at Alva’s are done with an objective to encourage students to connect with their religious identities, as well as understand that of others.”

‘White Doves’ Charitable Trust Founder Korin Rasquinha was facilitated on the occasion. More than 500 students formed the choir team at the celebration. Performance by the Blue Angels team from Mangaluru and students of Alva’s kept the audience enchanted for the night.