Kolkata: People of different religions attended a peace rally to observe Mother Teresa’s 21st death anniversary in Kolkata.
The September 5 rally organized by the Indian Karate Association was attended by leaders from different religious faiths and the common citizens of Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal state the Catholic saint used as base for her humanitarian service.
The peace rally began from Avila Church, Moula Ali to Mother House where an open prayer meeting was conducted.
The religious leaders urged the people to remember the message of Mother Teresa known as “Saint of the gutters” during her lifetime and later honored as saint by the Catholic Church which was compassion and love. They also stressed the Importance of peace and harmony in the nation.
The rally also prayed for the victims of Kerala flood in August and the Majerhat bridge collapse on September 4, a day before the peace rally.
Idris Ali, Member of Parliament and chairperson of the All India minority forum, praying for the departed souls in the Kerala flood and Majerhat bridge collapse said Mother Teresa was a symbol of peace and love. He also added that he would recommend for the metro station in Kolkata to be named after St Teresa.
The director, M A Ali, who organized the peace rally, said “the purpose of this universal peace rally is to spread the message of peace and I urge leaders of all nations to put serious efforts to stop violence and make the world weapon free and promote peaceful coexistence. War is not the solution. Wars have resulted only in making refugees out of people and spreading hate. Peace is the language we need to speak”.
Other dignitaries attending the peace rally were Mala Roy, chairperson, Kolkata Municipal Corporation, Madam MItra, Former Sports Minister, Ayesha Noor, World Karate Champion, Father Joy Cyprian D Souza, Golam Rabbani, National president of All India Ulema Board, Shehyar Ali Mirza , Gen secretary, All faith forum, Moulana Mehere Abbas Rizvi, Dr ARun Jyoti Bhikku, Chief Buddhist Priest, Munj Kumar Maharaj, Dr. Suresh Agarwal, D Daniel, Tavqueeruddin Mohamed, Ehtheshamul Haque, Sk Raja.
The rally was conducted with cooperation of the Kolkata Police, Missionary of Charity, St Teresa of Avila Church, All faith forum, All India Minority Forum, Mother Teresa Memorial peace committee, Qari Ahmer Foundation, Moor Avenue Buddha samity and Mixed Martial Art Council.
Source: twocircles.net