From 16- 20 January 2023, Auxilium Wadala conducted the ‘Inter Religious Faith’ week. The theme being “The Nature”. Our School is blended with multi-cultural and religious faith. Each day different religion was highlighted, and morning assemblies have been very fruitful in knowing and understanding the different religions and how each of them help to live life with values.
CELEBRATION OF ISLAM: 16January 2023
The inter religious week celebrations commenced at Auxilium, Wadala from 16th January 2023 through dedicated morning assemblies. The first assembly enlighten the students and teachers with Islamic perspective of environment conservation and protection. The morning assembly began with the zikir {99 names of Allah} to set the mood for the assembly. Then followed the introduction of the religion, mention of love and environment followed by the 5 things to practise by Prophet Muhmmad [s.a.w] which are as follows
- Conserve our resources as much as possible
- Practise sustainable consumption whenever possible
- Plant trees as a means of good deeds
- Care for the animals and the rest of Allah s.w.t.’s creations
- Keep the environment clean and safe
The pointers were sum up by a powerful message which was “every conscious effort matter”, every small step you take toward caring and protecting our environment is important be it picking up a wrapper and throwing it in the dust bin or saying no to the plastic. Thereby I conclude this assembly with a question, so when will you be the change. The assembly concluded with the recitation of a very beautiful naat “Duao Me Meri” by the students.
CELEBRATION OF SIKHISM 17 January 2023
The introduction of Sikh religion was given to the audience. They also shared information about the founder of Sikhism and the different scriptures mentioned in Guru Granth Sahib. The scripts related to nature from Guru Granth Sahibji was shared with the audience. The students beautifully sang the kirtan and also used musical instruments which added an essence to the spiritual gurubani songs. They also demonstrated the Gatka i.e, the self-defence training that is given to Sikh children every Sunday in Gurudwara to develop their courage and self-confidence.
Students then enacted a mime on the topic of “Protect and Save Nature”. Through the mime they tried to create sensitivity for nature among the audience and urged them to plant more trees. The students then shared information about the 10 steps that are taken by Sikh people all over the world to save environment. On Sikh New year and Sikh Environment Day a small sapling, soil and planting pots are distributed as a Boota Prashad, this was enacted by the students. They also gave insights about the Guru Nanak Sacred forest – Ecosikh that is created by sikh people as a step to save our environment. The Kadah Prashad that is distributed in Gurudwara was further given to teachers and sisters after the ending prayer. It was indeed a wonderful showcase of each and every aspect of Sikhism that speaks about nature.
CELEBRATION OF HINDUSIM 18 January 2023
Students and teachers were enlightened with Information on Hinduism through a role play.
Then students were guided to do meditation by chanting “OM” followed by dance on Gayatri mantra. Then the role was enacted .In the role play the conversation between Lord Krishna and Arjun was presented. Role play helped the students to understand how Nature is the integral part of the religion.
Panchmavrattas – the elements of nature their importance was well explained. Then felicitation of eco club teachers and students was done to encourage to carry on with noble work conversing the environment through various activities. The assembly concluded with meaningful dance on Nature. The assembly helped students to understand in Hinduism all the rituals and tradition are interconnected to Nature.
CELEBRATION OF JAINISM 19 January 2023
The program started at 8:15 a.m. in the school Quadrangle. The program began with the reciting of Navkar Mantra which is the king of all mantra in Jain religion. The students shared the information of Jain religion and importance and benefits of chanting various mantras in one’s life. The Jain flag which represents five colours was explained by the students.
The places of pilgrimage and the importance was shared by the students through charts.They demonstrated how to forgive each other and also requested the audience to do the same .The students also performed a dance depicting the Jain culture . The program concluded with a meaningful skit on nature, how each creation of God is taken care of and has the right to live. They also shared the importance to save water. Students understood to conserve nature and its beauty and also to respect everyone.
CELEBRATION OF CHRISTIANITY 20 January 2023
The last assembly enlightened the students and teachers with the teachings of Christianity. The assembly started with the procession of the Bible carried by Tr. MaryAnn along with the two students holding the lighted candles. The Bible was enthroned in front of the stage at a prominent place with due respect which was well decorated. Tr. Fevina garlanded the Bible. The primary Head girl and a kindergarten student placed the initiatives (carry home messages) next to the Bible.
Then followed a meaningful prayer moment guided by the students along with the reading from the Bible. The prayer moment continued with a prayer dance which created a prayerful atmosphere around the place.
There were mashups of melodious carols which conveyed the message of Jesus Christ and of His birth which brought redemption to humanity. The narration of the story of creation and enactment was done simultaneously which helped the viewers of the love of God towards His creation. The story of Noah’s ark was recited through the apt poem.
Finally a mime act was done, which created an awareness of saving God’s nature. Sr. Shanthi invited the teachers and the monitresses of each class to come forward to receive a message of God’s love and how to save the nature He created for our good.
The week long celebrations of inter-religious faith indeed helped all of us to increase knowledge, faith, love and goodness in all religions of our country. Our Indian country, can well be spelled out with multi-religious culture, a perfect example for diversity in unity.
Diversity in unity enables us to interact with the people of different religions, faiths or spiritual beliefs, with the aim of promoting understanding between different religions to increase acceptance and tolerance.
