Embracing Unity: The Essential Essence for Societal Well-being, Professed by Dr. K. Phaniraj
In the heart of Mangaluru, literary luminary Dr. K. Phaniraj expounded on the vital need for a sense of alliance to nurture societal harmony. Speaking at the inauguration of the symposium themed ‘Cells of Love in Diverse India,’ hosted by the Saint Mother Teresa Forum on the 26th Commemoration Day of Saint Mother Teresa at the City Hall, he underscored the significance of unity.
“Hate is a simplistic sentiment, while love embodies a profound complexity. It is effortless to manipulate for power and wealth, with no shortage of enablers. In such a landscape, the true essence of love is genuinely spiritual,” he shared. India, unfortunately, has witnessed the scars of communal strife, characterized by violence, hatred, and unforgivable acts such as rape. Dr. Phaniraj emphasized that for social democracy to thrive, the spirit of brotherhood must be as fundamental as our daily sustenance—imbued within us like the very air we breathe.
“Equality cannot merely be safeguarded through legislation; it must be ingrained in our societal fabric. If equality and fraternity are to endure, equitable resource distribution is imperative,” Prof. Phaniraj stated. He attributed conflicts to those who undermine the sense of camaraderie, eroding the foundation of alliance.
Understanding the Constitution’s Fundamental Principle: Unity
Echoing this sentiment, retired NSS officer Dr. Gananath Shetty stressed the essence of an inner revolution rooted in understanding reality. He illuminated Gandhiji’s belief that genuine revolution originates from our innermost being and hinges upon our thought processes. The ethos of India’s Constitution—equality, liberty, fraternity, and social justice—was emphasized as a bedrock, urging for mutual respect and acknowledgment of each individual’s rights and freedoms.
“Today, our society often places more importance on rituals than on the teachings of love. Humanity is a cell of love that requires nurturing,” Dr. Shetty added. Drawing inspiration from the selfless life of Mother Teresa, he highlighted the importance of service, compassion, and seeing the divine in all.
Roy Castellino, President of the Saint Mother Teresa Forum, emphasized the role of youth, the future torchbearers of India. He paid homage to Mother Teresa, a beacon of humanity, and underscored the need for emulating her spirit of love and service. The Saint Mother Teresa Forum, he mentioned, was established to disseminate love and compassion inspired by her teachings.
Acknowledging the Contributions: A Celebration of Love and Compassion
Distinguished attendees, including former Mayor of Mangalore K. Ashraf and retired principal Dr. Vasant Kumar, added their perspectives, underscoring the enduring impact of Saint Mother Teresa’s legacy. They celebrated her unwavering dedication to serving the marginalized and the destitute, embodying love in its purest form.
In this gathering of compassionate souls, it became evident that desire, often the root of suffering, manifests not only in material wants but also in selfishness, hatred, and communalism. Dr. Shetty urged a transcendence of these base desires, envisioning a world where humanity rises above the mundane, as envisioned by the revered poet Kuvempu.
In essence, the symposium reiterated the timeless wisdom—love, compassion, and unity are the pillars upon which a harmonious society stands, steering humanity toward a more enlightened and altruistic future. With the teachings of Mother Teresa as their guide, those present pledged to propagate love as the fundamental force that binds and uplifts society.
Earlier News
Saint Mother Teresa Memorial Day Symposium to Commemorate 26th Anniversary
Saint Mother Teresa Memorial Day
As part of the 26th death anniversary celebrations of Mother Teresa, the epitome of humanity, a district level Seminar on the theme “Vaividhya Bharatadalli preethiya selegalu “ will be held on September 21st from 10 am to 1 pm in Kudmul Ranga Rao/Town hall in the city.
The symposium will be inaugurated by Mr Dinesh Amin Mattu, a senior journalist and former media advisor to the Chief Minister of Karnataka , and the theme will be presented by eminent writer and Litterateur Dr. K. Sherifa. Mr K Ashraf, the former Mayor of Mangalore City Corporation will respond to the talk .
The programme will be presided by Roy Castelino the President of the forum.
Ektara singing by Nada Maninalkoor Balaga and Janapreeti Balaga at 9.30 am will precede the talk.
Mother Teresa Vichara Vedike a association of secular and like minded people was founded in year 2017 with the motto “Let’s spread love to all” based on the ideals of the great Saint of our times Mother Teresa of Kolkata who won the hearts of millions of people around the world through her selfless love and service.
Saint Mother Teresa Forum, Mangalore
Mr. Roy Castellino
President, Saint Mother Teresa Forum
Roy Castellino (President)
Sunil Kumar Bajal (Principal Secretary)
Manjula Naik (Joint Secretary, Saint Mother Teresa Forum)
Dolphy D’Souza (Treasurer, Saint Mother Teresa Forum)
Alvin D’Souza (Honorary Advisor, Saint Mother Teresa Forum)
Munir Katipalla (Honorary Advisor, Saint Mother Teresa Forum)
Stany D Cunha (Moderator, Media Committee)
A Legacy of Compassion: The Life of Mother Teresa
In the heart of the bustling streets of Kolkata, India, a diminutive figure clad in a white sari moved with purpose, tending to the destitute and forgotten. This remarkable woman was none other than Saint Mother Teresa, whose life and work continue to inspire countless individuals around the world.
Born as Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in Skopje, Macedonia, on August 26, 1910, Mother Teresa’s journey toward sainthood began in the most humble of circumstances. At the tender age of 18, she left her family to join the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland, where she adopted the name Sister Mary Teresa. Little did the world know that this young nun would go on to transform the lives of thousands.
Mother Teresa’s calling came during a train ride to Darjeeling in 1946 when she received what she described as a “call within a call” from God. She felt a deep and compelling urge to serve the poorest of the poor in the slums of Kolkata. With unwavering faith, she founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950, an organization dedicated to caring for those suffering from poverty, disease, and despair.
One of her most well-known endeavors was the establishment of the Nirmal Hriday (Pure Heart) home for the dying. Here, the destitute and abandoned found not only a place to spend their last moments but also the solace of compassionate care. Mother Teresa’s personal involvement was legendary – she would often cradle the dying in her arms, providing them comfort and dignity in their final hours.
Her selflessness extended far beyond the walls of the hospice. She tirelessly walked the streets of Kolkata, seeking out the forgotten and marginalized, providing food, shelter, and love to those who had none. Her work earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, an acknowledgment of her unwavering commitment to alleviating human suffering.
Mother Teresa’s influence transcended boundaries and religious affiliations. Her message of love, compassion, and service resonated with people of all backgrounds. She once said, “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one,” a testament to her belief in the power of individual acts of kindness.
Even after her passing on September 5, 1997, Mother Teresa’s legacy endures. Her canonization as a saint by the Catholic Church in 2016 was a testament to the profound impact she had on the world. Her spirit lives on in the Saint Mother Teresa Forum, an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting her values and ideals.
As we gather to commemorate Saint Mother Teresa Memorial Day, let us remember the life of this extraordinary woman, whose boundless love and unwavering dedication continue to inspire us to spread peace and love in our diverse world.
