The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India in association with the Federation of Catholic Associations of Archdiocese of Delhi successfully organized an Aman-Bhaichara Sammelan on 23rd February in Delhi. The event which was held after the Pulwama attack in Kashmir, began with an opening song Hum Honge Kamyab sung by the crowd, denoting their concrete hope and representing pure patriotism.
In his Opening address, His Grace Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, Secretary General, of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, welcomed all the Spiritual Leaders and the rest of the congregation and outlined the objective of the meeting. The Bishop urged the gathering to confine themselves to making statements of communal harmony and solidarity and refrain from making any political statements. He then urged the gathering to observe a minute of silence in honor and memory of our jawans who had laid down their lives in Pulwama.
His Excellency Bishop Mascarenhas spoke of the choice that India made in the aftermath of the partitioning and independence of the nation. Our country made a conscious decision to be a multicultural, multireligious, pluralistic nation, unlike Pakistan which became an Islamic Republic. This unique identity and idea of India must be preserved. The Bishop said that what makes a nation a superpower is not its firepower but rather the strength of its character, peace and harmony. This is the fire that enlightens and inspires, not one that destroys and burns down.
In the Keynote Address, Acharya Sushil Goswami Maharaj, National President, Parliament of all Religions underlined that our India is unique in its unity in diversity. He emphasized on the greater responsibility that rests on religious leaders due to the great influence that they have over people. He spoke of how the Constitution of India is common for all citizens and gives equal status for all persons before the law. He said that though we hold different beliefs, no one must be allowed to divide us. He then recited “The whole world is mine, and I respect people of all faiths. My Sanatan Dharam does not permit me to act otherwise.”
Dr. Imam Umar Ahmed Illyasi began by asking everyone to offer a prayer for the souls of the martyrs of Pulwama. We are all brothers; we are all humans, despite our diverse religious beliefs. He said that the violent mob is not human but satanic. He recalled the horrific 1984 riots and brutal murder of Rev. Graham Staines and his two children. He urged everyone to stand united against the small minority in their communities, who instigate hate and violence.
The vote of Thanks was given by Mr. M.S. Stanislaus, President, FCAAD. Mr. AC Michael, compered the function.
Report prepared by advocate Balakrishnan of ADF
