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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UP: Misled by GPS navigation, car falls into river from partially constructed bridge, 3 dead
Bareilly (UP), Nov 24: Three people died when their car fell into the Ramganga river from a partially constructed bridge here on Sunday, police said, adding that they suspect the driver was misled by its navigation system into taking the unsafe route.
The accident occurred around 10 am on the Khalpur-Dataganj road when the victims were travelling from Bareilly to Dataganj in the Badaun district, they said.
"Earlier this year, floods had caused the front portion of the bridge to collapse into the river, but this change had not been updated in the system," Circle Officer Ashutosh Shivam said.
The driver was using a navigation system and did not realise that the bridge was unsafe, driving the car off the damaged section, the police said.
There were no safety barriers or warning signs on the approach to the damaged bridge, leading to the fatal accident, Shivam said.
Upon receiving information, police teams from Faridpur, Bareilly and Dataganj police station rushed to the spot. They recovered the vehicle and the bodies from the river, Shivam added.
The circle officer said that bodies had been sent for post-mortem. Further investigation into the matter is underway.
— Bareilly Police (@bareillypolice) November 24, 2024
