Different religions join together to celebrate Sauhardha Habba

Need to evaluate and find reasons why paddy cultivation had depleted: Kateel

Addressing the gathering at the unique ‘Sauhardha Habba,’ wherein people from different religions came together to celebrate ‘Thene habba’ (Harvest festival) in Mangalore on Sunday, Kateel said that today most of the disintegrated agricultural families are celebrating harvest festival but they get new paddy required for the festival from elsewhere.

He said that there is a need to evaluate and find reasons why paddy cultivation had depleted drastically.

“It is only due to problem of labourers and other external factor that people in the region have given up paddy farming. Otherwise it may be noticed that coffee, areca and various other planters have been demanding for support price but paddy growers have never asked for it. This shows that our paddy cultivators are brave enough to face all odds,” said Kateel.

Calling the farmers of the region, specifically the Catholics engaged in cultivation as ‘Guddeyallu Krishi maduva Rishigalu,’ he said that it is because agricultural land were being taking away by MSEZ, he opposes MSEZ.

Talking about the concept of ‘Thene Habba,’ Kateel said that everyone has to introspect the reason why harvest festival is being organised at a public platform in this land which once stood for communal harmony.

Citing Swami Vivekananda, he said that failure of people to understand other religions, superiority complex with regard to one’s own religion and conversion bring suspicion and problem between people.

“We need to unite as Tuluvas or Kannadigas rather than coming together as Hindus, Muslims and Christians,” he said.

Beary Sahithya Academy President M B Abdul Rahman said that celebrations are meant to strengthen bond between people from various religion. “Our celebrations should not insult or hurt the sentiments of people from other religion. Crux of all religions ultimate is mutual respect,” he said.

Resource persons Concepta Alva, Dr Rathnakar Sadananda and Dr Vaman Nandavar spoke about the significance and celebrations held as a part of harvest festival among Konkani Catholics, Protestants and Tuluvas respectively.

The programme was accompanied by rich fragrance of cultural and folk art. Gummatt song by Valerian Fernandes and group and Tulu cultural presentation by Mime Ramdas and team bagged great appreciation.

Mangalore Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Nitte University Chancellor N Vinay Hegde, Litterateur Erya Lakshminarayan Alva among others were present at the programme.
The dignitaries and audience relished on a typical harvest festival sweet dish made up of coconut milk during the programme.

DH News Service