Christmas Meet Calls for Harmony and Fraternity Beyond Religious Divisions in Udupi, Karnataka

Udupi, Karnataka, December 16, 2025: Harmony, equality and fraternity are the foundations of a strong and united nation, folklorist and social thinker Dr Gananath Ekkar said on Monday, calling on citizens to rise above religious divisions and place humanity at the centre of public life.

Delivering the keynote address at an interfaith Christmas meet held at St Anne Church, Thottam, Dr Ekkar said that all religions teach compassion, forgiveness and respect, and that genuine patriotism is reflected in efforts that unite people rather than divide them. He stressed that social harmony flourishes when individuals practise their own faith with sincerity while showing equal respect for the beliefs of others. “A nation grows stronger when humanity is placed above religious identity,” he said.

The programme was jointly organised by the Samanvaya Sarvadharma Souharda Samiti, Thottam, and the Catholic Sabha, Udupi Region–Thottam Unit, and was attended by representatives of Hindu, Christian and Muslim communities.

Speaking on the occasion, social worker Rafiq Master underscored the importance of trust and mutual respect in sustaining social peace. He urged communities to replace suspicion with cooperation, saying that people should become forces that “stitch hearts together rather than cut them apart.” Personal progress, he added, gains meaning only when it contributes to the growth of others.

The event also featured the felicitation of Eshwar Malpe, a nationally known swimmer and rescue expert, along with his team, for humanitarian service. Ramesh Thingalaya and Reginald Furtado, both recipients of the District Rajyotsava Award, were honoured for their contributions.

Cultural presentations by various community groups highlighted the region’s religious and cultural diversity. Representatives from civic bodies, religious institutions and social organisations were present.

The interfaith Christmas meet served as a public platform reaffirming the role of dialogue, shared responsibility and constitutional values in fostering peaceful coexistence in a diverse society.

By Fr. Denis D’Sa, P.R.O.

Udupi Diocese