Jingle bells echo! This Kasargod church’s joyful roadshow enthralls locals, promotes unity message
Four guests at four halts of the roadshow emphasize significance of unity during Christmas season
Manjeshwara(Paivalike): Amid Christmas merrymaking, Jingle bells resonated in the air as Christ the King Church in Kayyar village, Kasaragod, orchestrated a joyous tableau and roadshow to spread festive cheer and promote a message of unity among the locals. The roadshow, which covered areas including Paivalike, Jodukallu, Kokechal, and Kayyar, under Paivalike Panchayat limits on Saturday(Dec 23) featured guests from both the Muslim and Hindu communities, enhancing the spirit of togetherness. The events at the roadshow included a compelling portrayal of the birth of Jesus Christ and Christmas carols.
Fr. Vishal Monis, Parish Priest Christ the King Church, shared the roadshow's intent, aiming to extend happiness beyond the Christian community. “The speakers at different spots hailed from different communities, breaking the norm of intra-community events. In a mixed society, where all religious people live together it becomes necessary to spread happiness. When we are happy, that is when the Christian community celebrates, we also feel that this happiness should spread amongst other communities.”
At Paivalike, Ashraf Martya, a Kannada language teacher at the government school here, praised the church's initiative to convey a message of oneness among the locals. He commented, "Such events should be conducted to convey the message of harmony across Tulunadu. For the betterment of society, we all should follow the path of Jesus Christ, who propagated messages of spreading love and peace." Similarly, Kashnappa Pujari Derambala, Trustee of Sadashiva Temple Ambaru, stressed the importance of living peacefully irrespective of religion, caste, and creed during the second halt of the roadshow in Jodukallu.
Meanwhile in Kokechal, Mohidduin Kunhi K., Principal of Kamil School, highlighted the similarities between Christianity and Islam, urging coexistence. He stated, "Jesus Christ showed us the way of living in coexistence and spreading love. Jesus was the first to propagate the idea of loving your enemies."
At the roadshow's endpoint in Kayyar, Ashok Bhandary, a CPI(M) leader and Kudal ward Panchayat Member, emphasized, "God is one, there are different religions. Hence, fighting under the tag of religions is not correct. We all, as a society, should consider the message of Jesus Christ and spread love among each other."
Residents and attendees praised the efforts of the church authorities in organizing such events to promote understanding of different festivals. Ravi Kumar, a resident of Muligade, expressed, "India is such a diverse country; we must understand each other's festivals and celebrate together." Civil police officers on duty, Radeesh and Rakesh, commended the enthusiastic celebrations, stating that it helped them better understand the vivid culture and programs in the border district.
Simultaneously, Anil a excavator(JCB) operator in Kayyar village, who is a native of Bagalkote’s Gaddankeri, expressed that he gets homely vibes as people speak in Kannada here in a Kerala village, “Very happy to see people speak in Kannada here, we always work in the day return to our rooms in the evening that routine continues, but today we saw this unique tableau organised here, immersed ourselves into the program. Such events promoting peace should be organised everywhere.”
The program aimed at bridging communities and celebrating diversity in the spirit of Christmas was organized by the Church Parishad, CKYM (Christ King Youth Movement), and ICYM (Indian Catholic Youth Movement) under the guidance of the Parish Priest Fr. Vishal Monis.
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MEA reports more than 200 Indians enlisted in Russian military since 2022; 26 deaths confirmed
More than 200 Indian nationals have joined the Russian armed forces since 2022, with 26 are confirmed dead, MEA—The Ministry of External Affairs have informed the Upper house of the Parliament: Rajya Sabha.
In a written response, the Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, has stated that at least 202 Indians are reported to have joined the Russian army. Among these recruited personnels, 26 have lost their lives; while, seven individuals have been reported missing by Russian authorities. He added that the remains of two deceased Indian nationals were cremated in Russia.
Singh noted that the sustained diplomatic efforts by the Indian government have led to the early discharge of 119 individuals. He further added that the discussions are going smoothly with the Russians to secure the release of the remaining personnel, with efforts underway to facilitate the early discharge of 50 more Indian nationals.
According to the minister, the Union government is in contact with Russian authorities to ensure the safety, welfare, and prompt return of Indian citizens serving in the Russian army. The issue, he said, is being addressed at multiple levels, including interactions between senior leaders, ministers, and officials of both countries.
The said disclosure was made in response to queries raised by Saket Gokhale, the MP of Trinamool Congress, and Randeep Singh Surjewala, the MP of INC, regarding the number of Indians allegedly recruited into the military service in Russia; Along with the details of deaths and missing persons reported since 2022.
