The new Bishop of Mangaluru Diocese Peter Paul Saldanha has said that there is a need to fasten “bandutva” or fraternity to promote humanity in society.
Speaking after launching a “bandutva” initiative by holding a get-together of leaders from society at Bishop’s House late on Monday he said that humanity is the common denominator shared by all.
“Bandutva” should also be strengthened to “recognise our brotherhood and sisterhood,” he said.
“We have great possibilities of envisioning where we can come together, dialogue with one another whether it is between religious traditions, between cultures or languages,” he said.
The Bishop said any discrimination based on any factor is unjust and against “our creator.”
“As I take up my office as the new Bishop of this diocese, which has 124 churches and numerous institutions of learning and medical care and social
uplift, I reflect on enhancing the goodness of Mangaluru. Our life flows into the life of another and our decisions give directions to the lives of many. So also the life of others flows into ours,” he said.
Referring to the government’s smart city mission being implemented in Mangaluru he said that it should become a smart city with a smart heart.
Praising the Bishop’s initiative, Swami Jitakamananda, head of Ramakrishna Mutt, Mangaluru, said that there should not be any fight in the society based on religions. Interactions between communities is the best option to bring harmony in society.
B. A. Vivek Rai, scholar and former Vice-Chancellor of Kannada University, Hampi and Karnataka State Open University, Mysuru said that the origin of problem which divides the society should be addressed.
“Meetings in higher levels will help to some extent. But a visit to the place where the problem took place is more helpful. There you will find more solutions,” he said.
U.T. Khader, Minister for Urban Development and Housing, Sasikanth Senthil S., Deputy Commissioner, M. Mohan Alva, chairman, Alva’s Education Foundation, spoke.
D. Vedavyasa Kamath, A. Umanath Kotian, Y. Bharath Shetty, Sanjeeva Matandoor, Rajesh Naik U, MLAs, Bhoje Gowda, MLC, Bhaskar Moily, Mayor, B. Ramanath Rai, former Minister, were among others who participated in the programme.