Golden Jubilee of Ashirvad: 50 Years of Interreligious Harmony and Service
On : 2025-08-10
Bengaluru | August 3, 2025
Ashirvad, the renowned centre of the Inter-Religious Harmony Movement (IRHM) in Bengaluru, marked its Golden Jubilee on 3rd August 2025 with a celebration that blended solemn spirituality, cultural vibrancy, and heartfelt gratitude.
Founded in 1973 by Jesuit visionary Fr. Ronnie Prabhu SJ, IRHM has spent the past five decades building bridges across faiths, promoting dialogue, and nurturing peace. This landmark occasion brought together religious leaders, educators, students, and well-wishers to honour its journey and renew its mission.
A Spirit-Filled Beginning
The celebrations commenced with a solemn Holy Eucharist presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bengaluru. Concelebrants included Fr. Arun Kumar SJ, Socius to the provincial, Karnataka Jesuit Province, and Fr. Arun Luis SJ, Director of Ashirvad, along with several priests. In his homily, the Archbishop delivered a moving reflection on peace, coexistence, and shared humanity, while the melodious choir set a deeply spiritual tone for the evening.
Jubilee Inauguration: Voices of Unity
The formal inauguration of the Jubilee Year was marked by reflections from distinguished guests such as Swami Bohaswarupananda and Ms. Fathima Sarah, whose words echoed IRHM’s core vision of unity in diversity. Founding members and long-time contributors were warmly felicitated for their enduring commitment.
Adding a youthful and inclusive touch, PUC students from St Joseph’s Institutions offered a serene interfaith prayer, while neighbouring PDDM candidates presented an elegant welcome dance.
Documenting a Journey of Harmony
One of the most anticipated moments was the screening of a documentary chronicling IRHM’s 50-year journey, meticulously curated under the leadership of Fr. Anthony Arul SJ. The film captured the movement’s milestones, challenges, and inspiring human stories that have shaped its legacy.
A Legacy of Service Beyond Celebrations
Beyond such milestone events, Ashirvad continues its grassroots mission through:
- Educational programmes for students and teachers to foster understanding of different religions.
- Spiritual training programmes and student retreats.
- Jesuit collaborators (JESCOL) initiatives.
- Counselling services and social concern projects.
Closing on a Note of Fellowship
The evening concluded with a fellowship dinner, where conversations and camaraderie reinforced the shared commitment to justice, peace, and interfaith harmony. The Golden Jubilee was not just a celebration of the past, but a renewed pledge to continue weaving golden threads of harmony for generations to come.
Reported by - Fr Arul Anthony, SJ
