Mangaluru: In a powerful appeal for fraternity beyond religious and social divides, Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, hosted the annual Bandhutva Christmas celebration on December 26, 2025, at the Bishop’s House, Kodialbail. The event stood as a compelling response to rising global discord, bringing together political leaders, civil administrators, and representatives of diverse faith traditions under a shared vision of peace, dignity, and mutual respect.

The evening began on a contemplative note with melodious Christmas carols rendered by the choir from Kulur Church, followed by a solemn prayer service led by Rev. Sandeep Theophil, Registrar of Karnataka Theological College, Balmata.


The Bishop’s Vision: The "Five-Finger" Metaphor for Unity

In his keynote address, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha reflected on the Nativity as the moment when God became visible and tangible in a child, accompanied by a mother and father — a “true picture of humanity” rooted in relationship. He emphasised that every human being is an invaluable treasure and that society bears a collective responsibility to help each person realise their fullest potential for the common good.

Using a striking “five-finger” metaphor, the Bishop compared the world’s major religions — Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism — to the fingers of a single hand.

•    Each religion, he said, retains its uniqueness yet must work together for humanity to function harmoniously.

•    Observing that the weakest finger is often adorned with rings, he urged society to “adore” and accompany marginalised and minority communities.

•    He challenged the gathering to move beyond superficial differences and recognise the inherent worth present in every human heart.

Expressing deep concern over rising hatred and warfare, the Bishop warned that humanity is transforming the world from a “Garden of Eden” into a “hell” for many. Crossing communal boundaries, he stressed, is the only path towards genuine and lasting peace.


Rejecting the "Poison" of Hatred: A Call to Social Harmony

Echoing this call, S. Renga Rajan, IRS, Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals), described Christmas as a universal lesson in compassion and human solidarity.

•    He hailed Mangaluru as a historic example of peaceful coexistence, where diversity has long been a source of strength.

•    Quoting Swami Vivekananda, he cautioned that communal hatred is a “poison” that must never be nurtured.

•    He commended the Bandhutva initiative as a vital symbol of unity that must be consciously passed on to future generations.

Commissioner Rajan made a practical appeal to citizens, urging them to refrain from forwarding hateful or divisive messages and to foster stories of brotherhood within families so that children grow up with deep-rooted respect for all communities.


Felicitations

A highlight of the evening was the felicitation of Ivan Rodrigues and Lavita Rodrigues, parents of Indian women’s cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues, in recognition of their contribution to sports and society. The Bishop also felicitated S. Renga Rajan, IRS, acknowledging his presence and message of harmony.


A Distinguished Assembly

The celebration included the ceremonial cutting of the Christmas cake, symbolising shared joy and fellowship. Among the distinguished guests present were:

•    Political leaders:  Vedavyas Kamath (MLA, Mangaluru South),  Ivan D’Souza (MLC), Capt Brijesh Chowta (MP, Mangaluru), and Ashraf (MLA, Manjeshwar)

•    Civil and police administration: Sudheer Kumar Reddy, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Mangaluru; and Amit Singh, IPS, IGP, Mangaluru

•    Religious and academic leaders: Bishop Hemachandra Kumar, CSI, Representatives of the Ramakrishna Mutt, Brahma Kumaris, Ullal Dargah, and Prof. P. L. Dharma, Vice-Chancellor of Mangalore University

Also present were priests and religious, superiors of congregations, heads of diocesan institutions, Catholic and local corporators including Naveen D’Souza and Lancelot Pinto, and educationist Mohan Alva of Alva’s Institutions, Moodbidri.

The programme concluded with interactive Christmas games conducted by Fr Rupesh Madtha, a vote of thanks proposed by Rev. Dr J. B. Saldanha, PRO of the Diocese of Mangalore, and a fellowship dinner. The event was coordinated by  Roy Castelino, PRO, while  Usha Fernandes compered the programme.


About Bandhutva

Bandhutva is a signature initiative of Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha aimed at nurturing interfaith dialogue and strengthening bonds of peace, harmony, and brotherhood. Rooted in the ideal of Vishwa Bandhutva (universal fraternity), the initiative creates spaces for encounter, dialogue, and shared celebration, encouraging communities to engage one another with openness, respect, and love.


Alternative Headlines:

•    Honouring Excellence and Peace: Jemimah Rodrigues' Parents Felicitated at Bandhutva 2025

•    "Adore the Weakest Finger": Bishop Pester Paul’s Radical Metaphor for Interfaith Love

•    CIT Commissioner Renga Rajan and Bishop Saldanha Join Hands to Combat the "Poison" of Hate

•    Bandhutva 2025: From "Garden of Eden" to Universal Brotherhood at Bishop’s House