Bandhutva prog needs to be celebrated in other dists

The Bandhutva programme of the Diocese of Mangalore needs to be celebrated across other districts under the deputy commissioner’s guidance and extended to every gram panchayat level to foster stronger community ties. “I strongly advocate Bandhutva evolving into a government programme,” said speaker UT Khader.He was addressing the gathering during the Bandhutva Christmas celebrations organised by the Diocese of Mangalore, on Saturday. ‘Bandhutva’ is the signature programme of Most Rev Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, to strengthen the bonds with other religions by promoting the message of peace, harmony and brotherhood.Khader said that the contributions of the Christian community to society are immense. Father Mullers Hospital’s pioneering work with leprosy and TB patients a century ago was pivotal.

“Encouraging unity, Bandhutva fosters strong bonds and becomes the pillar of community strength,” he said. Dakshina Kannada DC Mullai Muhilan MP lauded the contributions of the Mangaluru Christian Community to the uniqueness of the city. He said, “Mangaluru is distinctive due to the Christian community’s unique identity. The community has forged its distinctiveness and made significant contributions across education, health, and social services.”