Kochi: Actor Mammootty on Monday emphasised that mutual trust among people is far more important than religious identity, urging society to place faith in humanity rather than divisions. He made the remarks while inaugurating the valedictory session of the Indian Cultural Congress, organised by the Department of Culture, Kerala.

Trust human beings above all

Calling for coexistence beyond religious boundaries, Mammootty said religion should follow its own course, but people must trust one another as human beings.

“Let religions take its own course. We must trust human beings," he said.

He added that humans share the same experiences and environment.

"we are the one who see one another, live together, breathe the same air and live under the same sunlight," Mammootty noted.

Natural forces disregard human divisions

Highlighting the impartiality of nature, the actor said natural forces do not recognise divisions created by humans.

“The sun, rain and water have no religion, caste or borders. Yet we constantly try to find differences in everything,” he said.

Mammootty also pointed to selfish interests as the reason behind such divisions.

“My belief is that the attempt to create divisions is driven by selfish interests,” he added.

Love and humanity at the core of civilisation

Reflecting on the idea of love and humanity, he observed that human civilisation has always celebrated love. He said true love begins when individuals recognise the enemy within themselves.

Honoured for cinematic contribution

At the event, Mammootty was conferred the ‘Abhinaya Sooryan – Navarasa’ recognition, a special honour acknowledging his contribution to cinema.