Promoting Inter-Faith Harmony St Aloysius College hosts Deepavali Celebration-the Feast of Lights
Mangaluru : As they say “Better Late Than Never”, even though Deepavali was observed long ago, but due to exams and other activities, St Aloysius College (Autonomous), Mangaluru organized Deepavali Celebration a little late at Robert Sequeira Hall, LCRI Block, in order to promote Inter-Faith Harmony. Brahmakumari Vishweshwari, Centre-in charge, Brahmakumaris, Mangaluru, Prof. Rahamath Ali, Principal, Badriya First Grade College, Mangaluru and Rev. Fr Joackim Fernandes, Director, Small Christian Communities, Diocese of Mangaluru were the Chief Guests. Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, SJ, Principal, presided over the programme.
The Inter-Faith Harmony or Friendliness is not just a message it has to be adopted in our everyday life. It was indeed a unique Diwali Celebrations, where all religions celebrated the festival of lights together. Some holidays remind us of the values that unite humanity, and the annual Diwali Festival is one of them. Though the holiday has many interpretations, the core message is the victory of good over evil. Hindus light rows of clay lamps to celebrate the story of King Rama’s return to Ayodhya after he defeated Ravana. As seen in the Indian example, many faiths come together to celebrate Diwali for many reasons, but the common theme unites them all. In today’s complex world, the need to accommodate diversity and find common ground is as relevant as ever. Diwali reminds us “to keep improving spiritually in this lifetime — through unity in thought, word and deed.
Deepavali is a festival of lights and togetherness. It’s the festival of unity without any caste and religious differentiations. As a lamp spreads light equally to everyone, so we must also love everyone equally. All religions teach us to be united let us become light of love and prosperity. We need to celebrate Deepavali in such a way that it will instigate to spread peace and love in the society.
Diwali is the celebration of victory of truth over oppression. Diwali gives us the message of love, peace and harmony. It calls upon us to set aside differences and work together to make our community that we live in, a peaceful one. Diwali is the celebration of peace. The day calls upon us to stand against hate, jealousness, communal disharmony etc. Diwali is a great unifying force and it can soften even the hardest of hearts. It is a time when you will find people mingling about in joy and embracing one another with love.
The vibrations produced by the greetings of love, which fill the atmosphere, are powerful. When the heart has considerably hardened, only a continuous celebration of Deepavali can rekindle the urgent need of turning away from the ruinous path of hatred. The lights of Diwali also signify a time of inner illumination. Hindus believe that the light of lights is the one that steadily shines in the chamber of the heart. Sitting quietly and fixing the mind on this supreme light illuminates the soul. It is an opportunity to cultivate and enjoy eternal bliss.
Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, SJ, in his presidential remarks said “Deepavali is the festival of human bonding and it signifies the light of knowledge.” Prof. Rahamath Ali spoke about the relationship between each religion and its festivals also speaking about their significance. Fr Joachim Fernandes, gave his insights about the emotional perspective of Diwali and the depiction of light in many ways. Brahmakumari Vishweshwari gave her thoughts about spiritual perspective of light and Diwali. She also mentioned about self-realization and God realization.
Besides this, students enacted a play depicting the significance of Diwali. Kripali, II B.Sc. compered the programme. Chethan Shettigar welcomed the gathering. Reshma Oommen proposed the vote of thanks.
