C M visits Mudipu Shrine, handed over Cheque of Rs 25 Lac

News & Photos : Fr. Richard D’Souza

Chief minister Siddaramaiah on Friday April 24 visited St Joseph Vaz Shrine in Mudipu.

The CM was in the district to attend various programmes, including foundation stone laying ceremony of Congress Bhavan and Ullal Dargah Uroos.

Addressing the gathering, the CM said, “India is a land of diversity, we have different religions, languages, castes, etc, and our uniqueness lies in maintaining unity in diversity. We need to protect this. It is responsibility and fundamental duty. People should live with unity and harmony and promote peace, love and respect for everyone.”

Stressing that fanatism will not be tolerated, he said, “A fanatic, no matter who it may be, spoils not only himself but also the entire society. We should be wary of fanatics and build a society that is full of love, trust, peace and harmony. The Constitution does not give scope for fanatism, it preaches ‘sarva dharma samanvaya’ and this is what even our government believes in.”He further said, “People of Dakshina Kannada have a secular mindset but efforts are being made by some to spoil the harmony of this place. Whoever attempts to disrupt peace and harmony should be thrown out. They are not protectors of dharma but they re against dharma.

“When St Joseph Vaz was canonized sometime ago, I wanted to attend the celebration at this shrine, but I could not due to unavoidable circumstances. But I am happy that I could come today.”

The CM handed over a cheque of Rs 25 lac from the state government to Mudipu shrine. He also assured that discussions will be held with the tourism department to grant more funds for the development of the shrine in the coming days.

Bishop of Mangaluru diocese Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza in his address urged the CM to convert the Christian Development Board to Christian Development Commission and to grant deemed university status to Father Muller Charitable Institution which has a history of 135 years.

A special prayer was offered for the CM in the beginning.

Advocate M P Noronha in his address lauded the CM for assuring to uphold secular principles and thanked the gathering.

Parish priest of Mudipu Fr Gregory D’Souza welcomed the gathering. Leo D’Souza compered the programme.

Ministers U T Khadar, Ramanath Rai, Qamarul Islam, Vinay Kumar Sorake, MLC Ivan D’Souza, MLAs J R Lobo and Mohiuddin Bava, deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim and others were present.

Earlier in the evening, he also visited Sri Raja Rajeshwari Siddhivinayaka Temple and also laid the foundation stone for the new building of Hira Women’s Composite PU College at Thokkottu.