A vibrant celebration of Christmas, centered on the universal values of humanity, compassion, and unity, was hosted by Alva's Education Foundation in Moodbidri on Friday evening. The event served as a powerful reminder of the festival's core message, transcending religious boundaries to bring together a diverse community.
Bishop D'Souza's Message on True Religion
The gathering was honoured by the presence of Most Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, the bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Mangalore. In his address, he defined the essence of true religion as a compassionate response to human suffering. He reflected on how Jesus Christ challenged societal evils like untouchability, superstition, and discrimination.
"Love, service, and compassion are the values through which Jesus illuminated the world," Bishop D'Souza stated. He urged attendees to shed arrogance and hatred, advocating instead for a life dedicated to concern for others. He emphasised that genuine faith is demonstrated through acts of kindness such as feeding the hungry and clothing the needy.
Connecting the message to India's broader ethos, the bishop recalled the respect former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee held for Christian values. He also noted how Mahatma Gandhi drew profound inspiration from Jesus' teachings on non-violence and humanism.
Honouring Service and Fostering Social Responsibility
The event also took a moment to honour Rev Francis Xavier Gomes, a retired senior priest from St Juze Vaz Home in Mangaluru, for his lifelong dedicated service. Rev Gomes commended Alva's Education Foundation for its dual focus on academic excellence and building social consciousness among the youth.
He encouraged the students to grow into socially responsible citizens, highlighting the importance of contributing to the community. Presiding over the function, Dr M Mohan Alva, the foundation's president, elaborated on India's unique secular character.
A Celebration of India's Secular and Cultural Tapestry
Dr Alva highlighted how observances like Christmas, Deepavali, and Iftar gatherings within their institution mirror the nation's secular ethos and cultural unity. He noted that such celebrations actively promote a sense of 'oneness' among students, strengthening the identity of India as a land where diverse cultures harmoniously unite.
The festive spirit came alive with musical performances. Over 500 students participated in carol singing, showcasing the region's linguistic diversity. The carols were rendered in multiple languages including Tulu, Kannada, Konkani, Malayalam, and Hindi, creating a melodious testament to unity in diversity.
The evening at Alva's Education Foundation ultimately stood as a microcosm of India's pluralistic society, where a religious festival became a platform for reinforcing shared human values and the country's enduring secular fabric.
