Mangaluru, Mar 8: On the occasion of International Women’s Day on Sunday March 8, ‘Mother Teresa – Manaviyatheya Pratirupa’ (Mother Teresa – an Icon of Humanity) public debate programme was organized at Milagres Senate Hall here.
The programme was organized by Progressive Thinkers’ Forum, Mangaluru. Roy Castelino, president, Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy inaugurated the programme.
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Addressing the gathering, Dr B Shivaram Shetty, professor at Mangalore University said, “The Hindu religion is being reconstructed again. A few people with Hindutva ideology are creating tension in the society. Hindutva is being used by a few for selfish political gains. Mother Teresa was not only mother, she was a saint. We need to come out of the confines of religion and live a life of love, peace and harmony.”
Director of St Antony’s Orphanage, Jeppu Fr Oniel D’Souza said, “No malicious allegation by Mohan Bhagwat can damage the reputation of Mother Teresa. She was not restricted to any one religion, she never believed in conversation. We all need to thank Mohan Bhagwat for making us remember Mother Teresa 18 years after her death. Many children of the current generation do not even know who Mother Teresa was and now they are asking questions about her.”
He further added, “Had Mother Teresa been alive, she would have replied to Mohan Bhagwat saying ‘Mr Bhagwat, I love u and care for you, I will pray for you to become a better Hindu’. I really thank Progressive Thinkers’ Forum for organizing this programme.”
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Fr Valerian D’Souza, parish priest of Milagres Church said, “Mother Teresa visited Mangaluru twice. She gave a message of love and care for each other during her visits. No power in the world can stop conversion of hearts and minds of the people of the world. She saw the image of God in the poorest of the poor. In a world where wealth was given importance, the poor were treated worse than dogs, Mother Teresa changed the mindset of the people. We all stand by her, we have to lead a life which she lived and not restrict ourselves to mere speeches.”
Sunil Kumar Bajal compered the programme.
Corrine Rasquinha, White Doves founder, Gladson Jathanna, assistant professor, Karnataka Theological College, Vasudeva Uchil, I A Prasanna, president Progressive Thinkers’ Forum were present.
