All-faith meet calls for harmony

MUMBAI: Priests and community leaders of all religions gathered at Shivaji Park on Saturday to spread the message of peace and communal harmony.
So, while M Rehman, vice-chancellor of Aligarh Muslim university, said, "Mazhab nahi sikhata aapas mein bair rakhna, (no religion gives a message of hate), vice president of Punjab Association Surjan Singh said, "Manus ki jaat ek hi pehchano bo" (Human being has one caste humanity) and Bishop Bosco Penha said, "God is one and all the human beings are equal."
These leaders were gathered for the Sadbhawana Melawa, a peace rally that was organised by the Bombay Catholic Sabha to condemn the communal violence in the country.
"After the violence against Christians in Orissa and Karnataka, we were in a state of mourning. But soon we realised that it is not going to solve the purpose. To make our voice strong against any type of violence we brought together these followers of peace," said president of Bombay Catholic Sabha Dolphy D'Souza.
According to the Shivaji park police station, around 12,000 to 15,000 people attended the rally. Civic activist Gerson Da Cunha said, "People are coming in huge numbers. The message is clear that there are enough people who stand for peace and are willing to fight against the evil forces of society."
"It is natural to feel the pain when your community is attacked. But the real devotee of a religion feels the similar pain for each and every community," said Bhadant Ayupal, a Budhist monk.
Condemning the communal violence happening in the country, social activist Teesta Setalvad said it is weakening the democratic fiber of our country, "Democracy is not just a cycle of elections or voting. Violence against any minority has to be treated as the violence against humanity. This can only be done when the rule of law is enforced properly."
M Rahman said, "Today I have seen the real colour of Mumbai and such rallies for peace and humanity adds to its cosmopolitan character."
toireporter@timesgroup.com