More harmony programs should be encouraged in DK: DC Darshan

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, December 23, 2025: District Commissioner Darshan emphasized the need for harmony in society, where people live together with love and trust. “It is heartening to see representatives of all religions and organizations coming together here to celebrate Christmas. Programs promoting communal harmony should increase at the district level, which will also reduce administrative pressures,” he said.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the 11th annual All-Religions Christmas Celebration held on Monday at Jeppu St. Anthony Ashram, organized under the leadership of MLA Ivan D’Souza.

Bishop V.D. Gerald Isaac Lobo of the Udupi Diocese, who inaugurated the program, said, “Christmas is about love, peace, and hope. It is a festival that celebrates both divinity and humanity. It is a confluence of emotions. The true meaning of Christmas lies in love, and the belief that God resides where there is love is shared by all of us.”

Other dignitaries who attended as chief guests and offered greetings included Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy, Rajyotsava Awardee Zakaria Jokatte, Swamiji Yugeshananda of Sri Ramakrishna Math, Fr. J.B. Crast, Director of St. Anthony Ashram, and Dr. Krishnaprasad Kudlu, Managing Director of Prasad Netralaya.

Also present were Yenepoya University Chancellor Yenepoya Abdul Kunji, former Rajya Sabha member V. Ibrahim, President of Karnataka Environmental Tourism Development Board Shalet Pinto, Bhaskar K., Surendra Kambli, President of Mangaluru Taluk Guarantee Committee, and community leaders Blossom Fernandes, Dr. Kavita D’Souza, Jayaram Shek, Chetan Bengare, Keshava Maroli, Abdul Salim, MP Noronha, Shahul Hameed, among others.

The program began with a welcome by MLA Ivan D’Souza. Lokesh Rai served as the master of ceremonies, and former Mayor Shashidhar Hegde offered felicitations.