Ecumenical Christmas Celebration at Divyodaya

Divyodaya Inter-Religious Centre celebrated an Ecumenical Christmas Celebration and Carol Singing on Sunday evening, bringing together people from different faiths and traditions in a vibrant expression of harmony, love and peace, reflecting the true spirit of Christmas.
The programme began with the inauguration of the Christmas crib by Dr. B. K. Krishnaraj Vanavarayar, Chairman of Kumaraguru Educational Institutions and Chairman Emeritus of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Coimbatore. The symbolic act set a prayerful and joyful tone for the evening. Rev. Fr. Wilson Chakkyath CMI, Director of Divyodaya Inter-Religious Centre, welcomed the gathering and spoke on the importance of unity, dialogue and mutual respect in a pluralistic society.
Festive cheer filled the venue with the arrival of Santa Claus, greeted by warm applause from the audience. A cake-cutting ceremony followed, led by Santa Claus along with the chief guests, spreading joy among children and adults and adding to the celebratory spirit.
The Carol Singing competition emerged as the highlight of the evening, with nearly ten teams representing schools, colleges, parishes, the Divyodaya Choir and a special group from Karunai Illam participating with enthusiasm. The Karunai Illam group was guided by Fr. Franklin Edassery CMI. The melodious renditions filled the atmosphere with devotion and Christmas cheer.
Several eminent personalities graced the occasion, including Rev. Dr. Fr. Saju Chackalackal CMI, Provincial of Preshitha Province; Rev. Dr. D. V. Karunakaran of the Ecumenical Christian Fellowship; Guruji Sivatma of the Universal Peace Foundation; Gurpreet Singh and Harpreet Singh of Gurudwara Singh Sabha; Abdul Hakkim, Peace Committee Member; and Dr. K. A. Kuriachan, former Rotary International District Governor. The guests were honoured with shawls and saplings, symbolising respect and a commitment to sustainability.
Speakers shared messages emphasising love, compassion and kindness, reinforcing the universal values associated with Christmas. The programme also featured special bumper prizes, distribution of gifts to participants and fellowship over tea and snacks. The celebration concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Fr. Jinto Chirammel CMI.
The event stood as a meaningful testament to Divyodaya Inter-Religious Centre’s mission of promoting inter-religious harmony, peaceful coexistence and shared human values.