By Thomas Scaria
Mangaluru, Oct. 9, 2021: Leaders of various religious communities and social organizations have started a journey in the southern Indian state of Kerala to promote communal harmony and national integration.
The journey named ‘Sarva Dharma Sadbhavana Yatra’ (Journey to foster goodwill among all religions, is an initiative of the Dharmabharathi movement and promoted by a 16-member team. The journey was flagged off October 8 from Ananda Ashram, a Hindu center, in Kasargod, Kerala’s northernmost town. It will end October 14 at Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital in the south.
“We have planned this initiative to bridge the gap between various communities and spread the message of unity and brotherhood,” said Acharya Sachidananda, the Dharmabharathi Ashram founder who leads the journey.
Kerala has recently faced a rift between Christian and Muslim communities with some Christian leaders accusing Muslims of indulging in “Love Jihad and Narcotic Jihad.”
The journey plans to cover religious centers, bishops’ residences and peoples groups.
On the first day, the journey stopped at three important places and had meetings.
The first stop was at Swami Ananda Thirtha Ashram at Payyannur in Kannur district and the meeting was held under a mango tree planted by Mahatma Gandhi in 1934.
The second meeting was at the Latin rite Bishop’s House in Kannur town chaired by Bishop Alex Vadakkumthala. At the interreligious meet Bishop Vadakkumthala stressed the need for communal harmony in Kerala.
Syro-Malabar Archbishop George Njaralakatt of Tellicherry hosted the team and held a meeting with religious leaders at his residence in Tellicherry, some 20 south of Kannur.
Well-known Gandhian peace-activist in Kerala Iyacherry Kunjikrishnan Master is the journey’s chief coordinator. Speakers include Kasimul Kasimi, a well-known Islamic scholar and social worker, and Father John Puthuva, a dialogue activist in the archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly.
Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan is expected to inaugurate an interreligious parliament or Tyagarchana Mahayajnam when the journey ends at Thiruvananthapuram.
The enthusiasts do not delve deep into the reasons for the divisive thinking. Carrying on processions, meetings, praising the goodness of the religions and using good amount of diplomatic language may not achieve desired results. Only Readiness to approach problems with open hearts and acceptance of remedial measures and willingness to implement them can help matters.
A good initiative. Congratulations.