Mangaluru: Days after being sworn in as Mangaluru South MLA at the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, Vedavyas Kamath paid a visit to the Bishop’s House here on Wednesday May 23 to seek blessings from the latter. The visit comes at a time when a letter written by the Archibishop of Delhi, addressed to churches urging them to ‘pray for the country’ in the national capital has led to a huge controversy.
Few have opined that the letter is an attempt to divide India on the basis of religion. However, while the nation may be divided in its views over the letter the newly elected leader as well as the Bishop have displayed what Dakshina Kannada is best known for i.e ‘communal harmony’.
Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza accorded a warm welcome to the newly elected MLA and presented him with a shawl and bouquet. Later, MLA Vedavyas Kamath who was accompanied by MLC Captain Ganesh Karnik visited Chapel in Bishop’s house and offered prayers there. Msgr. Dennis Moras Prabhu, Felix Albuquerque, Gregory Mathais, BJP leader Sanjay Prabhu, James Vas and others were present during the occassion.
Speaking to Newskarnataka, Vedavyas Kamath said, “As an MLA I am entrusted with responsiblity of forming a better Mangaluru. Good relations with all, irrespective of their religion or caste is a must in my stride towards fulfilling this responsiblity. Hence I have visited the Mangaluru Diocese Bishop. Next week II woul be visiting a Muslim community leader in the city,” and further went on to say that he was an MLA for the entire people of Mangaluru South.
He however refused to comment on the Delhi Archibishop’s letter.
Meanwhile, Pastoral Parishad Secretary M P Noronha also welcomed the cordial approach displayed by Vedavyas Kamath by paying a visit to Bishop’s house.
“All religious leaders need to maintain a good cordial relationship with the leaders for harmony in the society. There should be religious co-existence in entire society,” he said.
Reacting to Delhi Archibishop’s letter, MP Norohna said, “Firstly, the authenticity of the letter is not proven. The letter is not against any party but it has urged for prayers to be held so that a good government, that upholds the secular fabric gets elected. Nowhere the letter has mentioned any particular party should form the government. Any party can uphold secular fabric in the country.”
Further he said that all parties have people who have imbibed the secular fabric. “There are several Christians even in BJP. Community is not against any party it all depends upon the individual opinions,” he concluded.
