Deepavali Celebration was held at St Aloysius College (Autonomous), Mangaluru on Thursday, 27 October 2022 at 3 pm at Fr Robert Sequeira Hall, where all religions, Christians, Hindus and Muslims celebrated the festival of lights together.The idea was to  promote diversity and multiculturalism in the campus.  The programme was inaugurated by lighting the lamp followed by a inter-faith prayer service  under the guidance of Rev Fr Felix Victor SJ, Campus minister. Miss Rakshitha Bhat and Team performed a traditional deepavali dance on the occasion.

The welcome address was delivered by Dr Mona Mendonca, the programme coordinator and Assistant Professor, Department of History.  Dr Udaya Kumar Irvature, Professor of Commerce, and Coordinator, PG Programs in Management and Commerce, Yenepoya Institute of Arts ,Science and Commerce, Dr Surfraz J Hasim, Principal, PA First Grade College, Mangalore, and very Rev Fr Rupesh Praveen Tauro, Director, Pontificial Mission Organisations, and also the Director of Pop’sWorld wide prayer network- Publishing Pope’s intentions were the guest speakers for the program.

Dr Udaya Kumar Irvatur, congratulated the management for organising such events which could spread the message of love and harmony in the  society. Addressing the students Dr Uday Kumar said,”Deepavali is not just a festival of lights and togetherness. It’s a festival of unity without any caste and religious differentiation. As a lamp that spreads light equally to everyone, so should the students  must  love everyone equally. All religions teach us to be united and its time to ourselves for becoming the light of love and prosperity. We need to celebrate Deepavali in such a way that it will instigate to spread of peace and love in the society. He further said, ” As students, we used to enjoy festivals to a great extent, but these days festivals have been creating tensions and fears, leading to untoward incidents. As a 63-year-old born in a respected Jain family which beliefs in non-violence and basic principles, we always look forward to celebrating festivals in tradition and fervour. We don’t have to look forward to going to heaven, instead create heaven right here on Earth. We need to follow certain principles, speak the truth and believe in our faith truly and respectably. No  religion  preaches to follow  jealousy, hatred, disharmony, but we see these days the religions are going the opposite way. He gave a call to build a true and perfect character and try to avoid disharmony and controversies. These days we are moving in a different and wrong direction, which is dangerous. 

Fr Rupesh Praveen Tauro said, ” In the Bible, when God created the world, the very first thing he created was light. He said let there be light. God created the entire universe, but the light became the primordial aspect. Even God knew that if there is no light, the entire plan of creation would be nullified. He quoted a parable from the holy gospel and said, Once a woman was brought to Jesus for her sins and was to be stoned to death. Even though everyone condemned her, Jesus forgave her and shed his forgiving light on her. Jesus not only became the Light; he is asking each of us to become  light. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under the basket, Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see so that everyone will praise your Heavenly God”.

Dr Surfraz J Hasim addressing the students said, ” As educated people, we need to promote unity, harmony and peace. We should not hurt other religions, every religion has its teachings and practices. We need to follow three success formulas- Forgiveness, Gratitude and Unconditional Love. A college is a place where there is no difference in caste, religion and gender, but only Unity. Deepavali is a celebration of humanity. Besides the religious dimension of the festival, it has a meaningful aspect of the celebration of the goodness of humanity. The message of the festival is not the conquest of good over evil through violence but through goodness and humanitarian values. The ideal way of celebrating the festival of light is to share the light of joy, cooperation and brotherhood irrespective of religion, caste and creed. It should be the celebration of togetherness and humanity added Dr Surfraz.

Rev Dr Praveen Martis SJ, the Principal gave a call to respect all religions as every religion promotes common aspects of love, forgiveness and non-violence. Miss Simran Vasanth and Mr Alistair Dsouza compared the event and Mr Chettan Shettigar, Assistant professior Dept of B.Voc  proposed a vote of thanks. Dr Alwin Dsa, the Registrar, Directors, Hod's of various departments and faculty members were present on the occasion.