Dharwad, December 22, 2025: In a vibrant display of unity and harmony, the Interfaith Dialogue Program (Sarvadharma Samvada Karyakrama) and Kristanjali 2025 were inaugurated with great enthusiasm at the premises of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church (Nitya Sahaya Mathe Devalaya) in Nirmal Nagar, Dharwad. The event was organized by Samarasa Vedike Vidyaniketan Dharwad in collaboration with Sadhana Women's and Children's Development Organization and the Youth Team of Nitya Sahaya Mathe
The program was grandly inaugurated by Smt. Jyoti Vinay Patil. Addressing the gathering, she shared her personal experiences, mentioning that she studied in the Christian institution Presentation Convent and pursued her graduation at Kittel College in Dharwad, followed by a postgraduate degree in Davangere. She emphasized that foundational values are instilled in childhood by parents and teachers in schools and families. "Only when humans respect and honor everyone can brotherhood truly flourish," she said. Highlighting the event's significance, she noted that the Samaras Vedike members conveyed a message of unity through prayers from all religions. "Everyone should adopt this and spread the message of respecting one another," she added, expressing her joy at inaugurating the program.
Shakir Sanadi, Chairman of the Hubballi-Dharwad Development Authority, spoke as a guest, stating that all religions preach love. "If everyone adopts and lives by this, brotherhood and peace will prevail in society," he remarked.
Revered Sri Basavaraj Devaru Honnihalli from Brahman Math, Belagavi, delivered the Christmas message, calling Lord Jesus the unique saint who sacrificed his life for the redemption of sinners' sins. "Christmas is a festival that conveys messages of love, peace, and equality. Like our national flag's saffron, white, and green colors represent Hindu, Christian, and Muslim faiths, this country earns the pride of being a unique nation in the world," he said.
Bishop Dr. Derek Fernandes, who presided over the event, explained that Christmas is a festival conveying the message of solace to the poor and destitute, and service to them.
Chief guest Janab Ahmad Bashir Khan Jahagirdar, Vice President of Anjuman-e-Islam Institution, Dharwad, described Christmas as a festival of love and service. He praised the work of Samaras Vedike Vidyaniketan Dharwad.
On stage were key organizers including Swami Pratap Chandru S.J., Director of Vidyaniketan Dharwad; Swami Joseph Rodrigues from Nitya Sahaya Mathe Church; Dr. Isabella Xavier and Venkam Somapur from Sadhana Organization; Swami Prashant Pinto; Sister Sally D'Souza, Provincial of Bethany Institution; Sister Rosie Kutinho, Provincial of Sisters of Charity; Dr. Shivanand Shettar; Prof. I.G. Sanadi; Vidu. Shruti Khan; Bosco Das; Shyamson Dandini; Seefa Fernandes; Winston; and Samaras Vedike members including Angelina Gregory, Sri Nazim Mysuru, Sister Asunta, Swami Dheeraj, Abhishek, Dr. Isabella, Smt. Venkam, and Smt. Vilma Mascarenhas.
The program began with a welcome dance by students of Shanti Sadan School. An interfaith prayer was conducted by members of Samaras Vedike.
Welcome address was delivered by Swami Joseph Rodrigues, Parish Priest of Nitya Sahaya Mathe Church. Introductory remarks were given by Swami Pratap Chandru S.J., Director of Vidyaniketan Dharwad.
The program was compered by Smt. Vilma Mascarenhas and Dr. Isabella Xavier.
The Christanjali cultural program was hosted by Sera and Harris. A total of 15 youth teams from Allavar, Londa, Gadag, Hubballi, and Dharwad participated. The first place went to the Londa youth team, second to Allavar, and third to Gadag.
The event underscored the spirit of interreligious harmony ahead of Christmas, bringing together leaders and participants from diverse faiths to promote peace and mutual respect.
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