Equality, brotherhood should be part of our lives, says Karnataka CM Shivakumar at church event

Bengaluru, Aug 23 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday said equality, brotherhood, and humanity should become an integral part of people’s lives, stressing that despite differences in religious practices, the underlying values of faith and devotion remain the same.

In his address at the 125th anniversary celebrations of the Immaculate Conception Church in M.G. Railway Colony here, Shivakumar said: “I believe in one God with many names.”

Different religions follow their own customs and traditions with devotion, but their ultimate objective is peace, social service, and spiritual purity, he said.

“Though religions are many, the principle is one. Though God has many names, divinity is one. Though worship is different, devotion is one. Though actions are many, dedication is one,” he said.

Drawing parallels between Hindu and Christian traditions, he said lamps are lit in the former while candles are lit in the latter.

Shivakumar also said no one could go against the laws of nature and that people had no control over the religion or caste into which they were born.

Stressing tolerance and the need to uphold human values and consider humanity as the highest religion, he said: “No religion teaches its followers to cause trouble to people belonging to other religions. Those who criticise Christianity also benefit from Christian hospitals, schools and colleges.”

Referring to a recent state Cabinet decision to renew a 50-acre lease for the Sumanahalli Leprosy Rehabilitation Centre, Shivakumar said the government had considered humanitarian concerns while taking the decision.

He said there had been discussions over whether the institution required the land and noted that when the government had not taken responsibility for providing space for the treatment centre, people associated with the religious institution had come forward to help leprosy patients.

“Considering this human quality, the government made that decision,” he said.

Shivakumar said he had studied in Christian schools and had never faced pressure to change his religion.

“Just as roots are important to a tree, faith is important to humans. Everyone has their own beliefs and principles, but they should develop the quality of living in harmony with nature,” he said.

He called for mutual love and trust and said art and culture did not belong to any particular caste.

“God lives in every person’s heart,” he said.

Shivakumar said equality and brotherhood should become part of everyday life and recalled the vision of poet Kuvempu for a peaceful and inclusive society.

He said the Immaculate Conception Church had completed 125 years of service and praised its contribution to education and society.

“Students educated under this institution are becoming assets to the country through their achievements,” he said.

Referring to the request made by Gandhinagar MLA and former minister Dinesh Gundu Rao for greater government support for the institution, Shivakumar said he would take appropriate decisions shortly.

He also said the government was committed to the development of the Gandhinagar Assembly constituency.

Bengaluru Archbishop Peter Machado, former minister Gundu Rao, Father Amal Raj Kristin, Jacob Yakkalam and others were present at the event.

–IANS

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