An inter religious Iftar discusses social responsibility

Montfort Social Institute organised a session on Thursday where 89 people- Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Parsis and Sikhs including children sat together to understand each other's beliefs and their social responsibility for creating an inclusive, just and sustainable society.

Bro. Varghese Theckanath was the brains behind this unique gathering. The dialogue among religions was chaired by well know environmentalist Prof. K Purushotham Reddy and political activist Dr Lubna Sarwath. IAS officer Dr Chellappa who was the special guest of the evening said that he was alarmed that State and Central Governments in India, which is a secular country, was allotting tax payers money to sponsor religious festivals.

“Religious practices are to be confined to a personal level,” he said. Prof. Purushotham Reddy said that although all are at liberty to celebrate their own festivals, they are not at liberty to hurt or inconvenience others. “All religions have the responsibility to ensure that we respect one another, live in peace and promote harmony with nature and with one another,” he noted.

Sajaya, a social activist, brought home the point that religions no matter which, do not render equal respect to men and women. Sr. Jecintha Mariappa, provincial and chairperson of the St. Ann's group of educational institutions joyfully reminded that God has created everyone in His own image.

“The glory of God is in every human being recognising the image of God in every one and in helping all to realise the same. All religious persons have a special responsibility to help especially those who are most vulnerable,” she said. SA Khader, said that each individual must take on the responsibility for the society religiously.

“Religions can transform society by taking care of protecting the earth through small actions like reducing consumption, cultivating a civic sense, and conserving life in all forms,” he said. Summing up Dr Lubna called for a united effort at solving common problems of the society. She said, “We the people shall stand against anything that lowers the security and dignity of an individual. We the people shall strive in all ways possible to enhance the dignity and security of individuals.”