Mangaluru: Hundreds of participants belonging to Christian faith held a demonstration on Wednesday, condemning provocative statements and deliberate attack on Christianity since recently.
Addressing the protestors, Prof. Vincent Alva, Pamboor said that the Sangh Parivar is using conversion as a tactic to divide the country and attack Christians across India. Christian missionaries are known for their service in various sectors. The recent statement by RSS chief Mohan Baghwat is cheap, unfortunate and misleading”, he said.
“Mother Theresa has inspired millions of people. She is a person, who revolutionized service, without engaging in conversion. Moreover, she only wanted to convert a Hindu to be a better Hindu and a Muslim to be a better Muslim. However, it’s heartening to see someone make such a comment on her, only because she is a Christian”, the professor said.
He also criticized RSS leader Prabhakar Bhat and referred the hate speech delivered by Sadhvi Balika Saraswathi on Hindu Samajotsava in Mangaluru recently. It looks, these people are taking advantage of their religion to meet their own selfish ends. No religion teaches hate. Hinduism is the religion which advocates good for all. However, Sadhvi asked the innocent crowd to use violence. Is it her age deliver such speeches?, he wanted to know.
“We have respect on Hinduism. Most of our friends belong to Hindu community. It’s a country with majority of Hindus. But, ill-treating minorities sends a bad sign”, he said.
He also countered Sriram Yadapadithaya, who posted derogatory comments on Facebook, demeaning the religion.
Sunil Kumar Bajal, social activist said that the Sangh Parivar has been engaged in promoting lies and distorting the facts. Mother Theresa was a noble soul. Why can’t the Rastriya Seva Sangha engage in service instead of criticizing?
“Christianity is known for education. If conversion is so high, why Christian population is less than 2%?. It’s nothing but to spoil the mind of people and divide society”, he added
Roy Castelino, President of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy took Narendra Modi led Central Government for task. “BJP came to power in the name of development. What we see today is social divide and communal tensions. Instead of Swacch Bharath Abhiyan, the government should first sweep off the mindset favoring those who engage in communal hatredness”, he said.
Fr. Denis Moras Prabhu, Vicar General of Mangaluru Diocese, Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) director Ronald D’Souza, YCS director Edwin Correa, ICYM president Melrida Rodrigues, Stany Alavres, Sheldon Crasta were present on the dais.
