Mangaluru: Humanity is essence of Mankind – Ivan D’Souza at Iftar Meet in city

By Robert D Costa
Pics: John V Tauro
Bellevision Media Network

Mangaluru, 28 Apr 2022: The veteran Christian community leader, Mangaluru-based leading advocate, Karnataka former MLC and Congress veteran Ivan D’Souza organized 6th annual Iftar Meet, for the people of different faiths at Milagres Hall premises, here on Wednesday April 27 evening.

 

D’Souza has been organizing Deepavali, Christmas and Eid celebrations since the past few years to promote brotherhood and peace and harmony in the diverse society.

 

Guruprasad Bhat, chief priest of Halekote Mariamma temple, Bolar; Cordel parish priest Fr Clifford Fernandes, MUDA former chairman Kodijal Ibrahim, Mangaluru diocesan PRO Roy Castelino, advocate and Mangaluru Bar Association former president Kallige Taranat Shetty, Shanti Prakashana chairman Mohammed Kunhi, SCS Hospital chairman Dr Bhaskar Shetty and others were present at the dais.

 

In his preliminary address, Ivan narrated how the communal harmony thrived till the recent past that is now threatened with communal strife over trivial causes. Meanwhile, the Deepavali/Easter/Christmas/Eid celebrations that he organises provides a platform to bring the glory of communal harmony that is much needed at the prevailing times.

 

The chief priest Guruprasad said, ‘There is a mosque nearby his temple but there thrives communal harmony that should be replicated at these troubled times.

 

 

Fr Clifford said that fasting has been followed since contemporary times among different faiths. It’s to understand the pangs of hunger of the poorest in society.  It also cleanses the mind and brings closer to spirituality/God. He also quoted the words of Indian former President A P J Kalam, who said, ‘I am not handsome, but I can give my hand to others.’ Likewise, one can understand his/her fellowmen in uplifting their misery.

 

Kodijal Ibrahim quoted from Psalmist Basavanna’s verse, ‘Don’t steal, don’t kill, and don’t abuse others that is cleansing your heart and soul.’ It would bring one to near to our Creator, he said.

 

The well-known orator and Islam scholar Mohammed Kunhi said, ‘None is alike in the world that is why biometrics and facial recognitions are collected worldwide. However, the communal disharmony that is plaguing the country is causing untold miseries to the people who are deeply affected. We should be first and foremost humans and nothing should affect us in loving our fellowmen,’ said Kunhi.

 

Hamza Bengre conducted the Dua before beginning the programme. Ivan welcomed the gathering. 

 

A large number of people from different faiths attended the Iftar meet on the occasion.