Vinod M Jain
*I believe in one God with many names.
Just as roots are important to a tree, faith is important to humans.
Chief Minister D.K.Shivakumar said that along with living with humanity,equality and brotherhood should become part of our lives.
He spoke today at the 125th anniversary celebration of the Immaculate Conception Church in M.G.Railway Colony,Bengaluru.
Different religions practice their customs with devotion for people’s peace,social service,and spiritual purity. “Though religions are many, the principle is one.Though God has many names,divinity is one.
Though worship is different, devotion is one.Though actions are many,dedication is one.I believe that there is one God with many names,”he said.
In Hinduism,lamps are lit;in Christianity,candles are lit. Christianity and Hinduism,along with various other religions,have their own practices and rituals.
Just as this church has a flagpole,Hindu temples also have flagpoles.The musical instruments played in this program created sweet sounds.
Similarly,the bamboo flute creates sweet sounds,and Lord Krishna’s conch has its own significance,he said.
Considering humanity as the highest religion:
No one can stand against nature’s laws.We do not know which religion or caste we will be born into.No religion teaches causing trouble to followers of other religions.
Those who criticize Christianity benefit from Christian hospitals,schools,and colleges.
When critics gain benefits,no religion stands in the way. It is necessary to emphasize values, considering humanity as the highest religion,he said.
Decision made considering human qualities:
Earlier,a 50-acre lease renewal for the Sumanohalli Leprosy Rehabilitation Center was decided in the cabinet.
There was discussion about whether this institution needed space.When the government did not take responsibility to provide space for this treatment center, these religious people showed humanity by helping in the treatment of leprosy patients.Considering this human quality,the government made that decision,he said.
No pressure to change religion:
I have also taught in Christian schools,and nowhere were we pressured to change our religion.Just as roots are important to a tree,faith is important to humans.
Even though everyone has their own beliefs and principles,they should develop the quality of living with nature.
We must live with mutual love and trust through humanity.Our art and culture have no caste.God lives in every person’s heart,he said.
Government’s commitment to the institution’s development:
Equality and brotherhood should be part of our lives. Like the words of Kuvempu,we must realize the idea of a garden of peace for all people.
The Immaculate Conception Church has been functioning with purity for the past 125 years.Students educated under this institution are becoming assets to the country with excellent achievements.The area’s MLA Dinesh Gundurao has public support.
He has urged greater government cooperation for the development of this institution,and I will make appropriate decisions on this shortly.
The government is committed to the development of the Gandhinagar assembly constituency,he said.
Present at the ceremony were Bengaluru Archbishop Peter Machado,former minister and MLA,Dinesh Gundurao,Father Amal Raj Kristin,Jacob Yakkalam,and others.
