The Hindu : Krishna regrets division in society over religion

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jan 12, 2004

Karnataka

Karnataka

Krishna regrets division in society over religion

BANGALORE, JAN. 11. The Chief Minister, S.M. Krishna, on Sunday regretted that Indian society was being divided in the name of religion.

At a public reception organised by the Karnataka Central Diocese in honour of the delegates of the 29th Synod of the Church of South India (CSI), he said: "The qualities of peace, love, and compassion are the most endangered ones these days". "Some disruptive forces in our country are trying to divide our society in the name of religion and this is the most unfortunate and saddest development that has happened in the last 55 years", he said.

"Secularism binds us together and there is no question of second class citizenry. This nation belongs to everyone and is what we have inherited. Let us strive to bring unity among all people regardless of their religion. This is the need of the hour", he said.

Stressing that the Christian community in Karnataka had played an "impressive role in ameliorating misery", he lauded the community's service in education and health. "We need private participation, especially by churches, temples, maths, and other religious denominations in these sectors", he said.

"We know how many Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, and Jains live in the country. But how many Indians are there? Even Gandhiji regretted the way our society has been divided into sections", he added.

The Bangalore North MP, C.K. Jaffer Sharief, said that this was the right time for all religious minorities to come together. "Although I belong to the Muslim community, I honestly say that they (Muslims) are not that earnest or well-informed as you (Christians) are. The concept of sharing, loving, and caring should go beyond the present set-up", he said.

Mr. Sharief also regretted that "certain forces are raising their heads to divide the society, and it is surprising that they proclaim themselves as champions," he said.

The Advocate-General, A.N. Jayaram, pointed out that the Christianity was one of the greatest religions in the world. The Minister for Tourism, J. Alexander, the Bishop of the Karnataka Central Diocese, S. Vasanthakumar, and the Diocesan Secretary, Vincent Rajkumar, spoke.

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