Seven Hindu artists, two Christians and one Muslim have exhibited works with a Christian message inspired by Mother Teresa and Jesus Christ in Mangalore, southern India.

Anil Devadiga, a Hindu who showed a Blessed Teresa of Kolkata, says painting is “a spiritual process and religion for an artist. It transcends the para-metered religions of the world.”

Some artists said Jesus and Blessed Teresa have inspired them the most.

“Mother Teresa is a universal symbol of love which cannot be tied to a single religion,” said Devadiga.

He said the Koran depicts Jesus as a messenger of God and his “way of peace inspired me to study his personality.”

Anil Rasquinha, chief convener of the “Art 4 Concern – Charity Art Exhibition and Auction,” said they would donate the money from the exhibition for the treatment of a burn victim and some others.

Milagres Church of Mangalore organized the program as part of its centenary celebrations.

Agnes Rebello, a Christian visitor to the February 27 exhibition, noted the “real inter-religious gathering” occurred against a backdrop of Hindu extremist groups’ attacks on churches in Karnataka.

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