In a unique gesture of inter-religious harmony, it was an inspiring sight to see Fr Peter Cardozo with his Agonda parish troupe singing bhajans at the various Sarvajanik Ganesh idols along with the Hindu community. Bhajans are Hindu devotional songs with music based on classical ragas and talas expressing love for the divine. There was none more qualified than Fr. Peter, an exponent of Western music and also someone who is well-versed in Indian classical music, to show the way.
Indian classical music, just like its Western counterpart, has the rare gift to lift one’s heart and soul in unison towards the supreme being. I had a guru, Prof Ramrao Desai, who was not only an exponent of Indian classical music but an epitome of simplicity and love, truly a man of God who cast a magic spell on his shishyas. Among our Catholic priests, the Pilar fathers, like Fr. Cardozo, are in the forefront to promote Indian classical ragas and their fusion with Western harmony. Fr Glen D’Silva, the director of the Pilar Music School, who also taught me, is an MA in Indian classical music and has his own compositions dedicated to Jesus Christ in Indian classical style. He received much acclaim when he recited 11 verses of the Krista Purana at the XVI Bhakti Sangeet Samaroh held at the Kala Academy. Fr. D’Silva makes a strong case for the introduction of Indian classical music alongside Western harmonies during services in our Churches.
Fr. Peter Cardozo’s gesture may have its share of critics, but let’s remember that the Catholic Church reminds us that “we cannot truly call on God, the Father of all, if we refuse to treat in a brotherly way any man/woman, created as s/he is in the image of God”
Further, “the Church reproves, as foreign to the mind of Christ, any discrimination against others or harassment of them because of their race, color, condition of life, or religion. The Church ardently implores the Christian faithful to maintain good fellowship among the nations and, to live in peace with all men/women so that we may truly be sons/daughters of the Father who is in heaven”.
Hats off to Fr. Peter! In these times when we are witnessing a vicious attempt to polarize religious communities, such little gestures will go a long way in lighting a candle that may help dispel the forces of darkness.
