Heartfelt connections key to harmony: Panditaradhya Shivacharya Swamiji
Dr. Ronald Colaco Samarasya Award ceremony
Mangalore: Harmony in society can only be nurtured through genuine connections of the heart, not mere words, emphasized Sri Panditaradhya Shivacharya Swamiji, the seer of Sri Math Sanehalli Hosadurga Chitradurga. Accepting the Dr. Ronald Colaco Harmony Award at the ‘Pepere Pepe Dum’ festival — the largest brass band event on Karnataka’s coast — organized by the ‘Ami Ani Amchim’ organization at Kelarai Church on Sunday, Swamiji stressed that true harmony blossoms from sincere relationships between people.
Addressing the gathering, Swamiji observed that today, across various sectors including religion, politics, society, and economy, individuals sometimes forsake ideals in pursuit of power and wealth. While caste may be an inherited identity, he said, it’s possible to transcend these limitations through achievements. “Why construct barriers among us when we share the same origins?” he questioned, adding that society must blend tradition and awareness to break down such divides. “Awareness does not require ritual, and ritual without awareness lacks purpose,” he said, pointing out that this disconnect poses a threat to societal harmony.
Swamiji also shared an anecdote underscoring the importance of prioritizing respect for parents and elders. He recalled a story of a wealthy man who spent a fortune on his dog, only to find it had wandered to an old-age home where his mother, who had once fed the dog, lived. The dog’s loyalty reflected the man’s neglect of his own mother, a poignant reminder of misplaced priorities.
Swamiji expressed concern over the growing distrust towards leaders in the religious and political realms, noting that while not all leaders have lost their way, negative influences are on the rise. “It’s vital to recognize the forces fostering harmony in society,” he urged, pointing out that organizations like ‘Ami Ani Amchim’ are dedicated to this mission.
Reflecting on an earlier visit to Mangalore, Swamiji recalled a warm welcome extended by a Muslim family, particularly young girls, and the sense of communal cooperation he witnessed at a welfare event in Bellary, where Muslim and Christian youth volunteered for traffic management and distributed offerings. “This is the essence of harmony,” he remarked.
He highlighted the importance of time awareness in one’s conduct. Those who respect and effectively utilize time, space, and awareness contribute meaningfully to society, he noted, urging all to work conscientiously to avoid self-deception and societal harm.
In his introductory speech, businessman and philanthropist Ronald Colaco praised the efforts of ‘Ami Ani Amchim’ in promoting harmony through diverse programs. “In today’s India, rich with diversity, our unity and harmony face unprecedented challenges,” Colaco said, adding that the selection of Panditaradhya Shivacharya Swamiji for the Harmony Award underscores his commitment to fostering societal peace. He urged politicians to reflect on their actions, especially when they disrupt social unity.
Colaco also lauded the festival’s role in reviving brass bands, a cherished but fading art, alongside the award ceremony. He emphasized that harmony is essential to sustain economic growth, especially in India’s culturally varied landscape, where a range of traditions and attire reflect the country’s diversity. Self-centered actions by certain political figures have harmed social harmony, he said, underscoring that unity would accelerate economic progress.
Panditaradhya Swamiji’s contributions toward peace and harmony were further recognized, with former Chief Minister Dr. M. Veerappa Moily extending his best wishes. Dr. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore, presided over the ceremony.
The event saw the presence of prominent personalities, including Dr. U.T. Iftikhar Farid, President of the Karnataka State Allied and Healthcare Board, former MLA J.R. Lobo, Vishal D Coscta from the Central Government Indirect and Customs Department, State Finance Department Additional Chief Secretary L.K. Atiq, businessman Rohan Montero, Karnataka Bari Sahitya Academy President Umar U.H., Wm. Fr. James de Soza, businessman Phillips de Soza, Sylvester de Krasta, Fr. Dennis de Silva, and local leader Alex Castellino.
Dennis de Silva, Chairman of ‘Ami Ani Amchim,’ extended welcome to the attendees, while Convener Santhosh de Costa read out the citation in honor of Swamiji’s contributions to harmony.
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'Homebound' makes it to Oscar shortlist for best international feature
Mumbai (PTI): Neeraj Ghaywan's much acclaimed "Homebound" is among the 15 films shortlisted in the best international feature category at the Oscars, moving a step close to the final five nominations and maybe a win.
The movie, inspired by a true story that became the basis of a news article during the pandemic, has been creating a global buzz since its debut in the Un Certain Regard category at the Cannes Film Festival this May.
Hollywood legend Martin Scorsese is a fan and has come onboard as an executive producer ahead of the award season.
Produced by Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla, and starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor, "Homebound" is Ghaywan's second movie after "Masaan".
"Homebound" will compete for an Oscar nomination alongside Argentina's “Belén”, Brazil's “The Secret Agent”, French drama "It Was Just an Accident”, Germany's "Sound of Falling” and Iraq's "The President's Cake".
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The other movies in the shortlist include Japan's “Kokuho”, Jordan's “All That’s Left of You”, Norway's “Sentimental Value”, Palestine's “Palestine 36”, South Korean hit “No Other Choice”, Spain's “Sirat”, "Late Shift" from Switzerland, “Left-Handed Girl”from Taiwan and Tunisian drama “The Voice of Hind Rajab”, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced in a release on Tuesday.
The award for best foreign film, now re-categorised as best international feature, has so far eluded India.
Only three Indian films have received nominations in the category -- Mehmood Khan’s “Mother India”, Mira Nair’s “Salaam Bombay” and Ashutosh Gowarikar’s “Lagaan”. Deepa Mehta’s “Water”, starring John Abraham and Lisa Ray, also received a nomination but it was submitted from Canada.
Gujarati film "Chhello Show" in 2023 was the last film to get shortlisted.
Costume designer Bhanu Athaiya was the first Indian to get an Oscar, bagging the coveted prize in 1983 for the film "Gandhi". Other than her, A R Rahman, Resul Pukootty and M M Keeravani have also won individual Oscars.
Team "Homebound" celebrated the shortlist news with posts on social media.
"We made the shortlist... Way to go team Homebound'!" Johar shared in Instagram Stories.
In a post, the producer said it was difficult for him to articulate how "proud and elated" he was with the news.
"All of us @dharmamovies are privileged to have this proud and important film in our filmography... thank you @neeraj.ghaywan for making so many dreams of ours come true... from Cannes to being on the Oscar shortlist this has been such an overwhelming journey! Love to the entire cast and crew and teams of this special special film! Upwards and onwards...."
Ghaywan also shared the news on X.
"#Homebound has been shortlisted for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards! We are deeply grateful for the extraordinary love and support we've received from around the world," he wrote on X with a special poster of the film.
Jethwa, who plays one of the two friends in the story opposite Ishaan Khatter, said the moment feels "surreal and incredibly humbling".
"To see 'Homebound' being shortlisted and progressing towards the Oscars is something I could have only dreamed of. I am deeply grateful for the love and support the film has received from audiences around the world," he said as he acknowledged Johar, Ghaywan and co-star Khatter and the rest of the team.
Khatter also shared the news on his Instagram stories and wrote, "Oscar ab dur nahi".
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"Homebound" is inspired by journalist Basharat Peer's The New York Times article “Taking Amrit Home”, also titled "A Friendship, a Pandemic and a Death Beside the Highway".
The film portrays the childhood friendship between a Muslim and Dalit who chase a police job that promises them the dignity they have long been denied due to their surnames.
The Academy on Tuesday also announced shortlists in 11 other categories, including the newly added casting Oscars, animated shorts, cinematography, documentary feature, documentary short, original score and song, sound and visual effects categories.
Nominations for the 98th Academy Awards will be announced on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
Twenty-four categories will be awarded at the 98th Oscars. Each category has five nominees, except for best picture, which has 10.
The 98th Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
