‘United for a better Mangaluru’ for harmony on Sep 9

MANGALURU: Apolitical organisations in Mangaluru are joining hands to make coastal city free from communal tensions. Their main objective is to bring religious leaders of all communities under one shadow with the slogan – ‘United for a better Mangaluru’.
Like-minded organisations including Ahinda, Buntara Yane Nadavara Mathr Sangha, Catholic Diocese of Mangalore, Dalit Sangharsha Samiti, Hidayath Foundation, Highland Islamic Forum, Hope Foundation, Jain Samiti, Karnataka Christian Educational Society, Karnataka Komu Souharda Vedike, Karnataka Missions Network, KKMA-Karnataka, M Friends, Mogaveera Mahajana Sangha, Muslim Lekhakara Sangha, Sri Guru Singh Sabha Society, Talent Research Foundation and Yuva Vahini are uniting for a better Mangaluru.
Saif Sultan, founder of Hope Foundation, told reporters on Tuesday that only nearly 1% of the city’s population is reason for bringing disgrace to the city. “The anti-social elements are bringing bad name to the city by creating trouble in the name of religion. Though Dakshina Kannada is hailed as the district of enlightened citizens, such untoward incidents occurring in the name of religions bring disgrace to the region. In addition, such incidents breach peace in the society and create enmity between communities. Hence, we have decided to unite for social harmony,” he said.
To start with, ‘United for a better Mangaluru’, a special programme involving leaders of all religions will be held at Town Hall in Mangaluru on September 9, he said. Kemaru Sri Sandeepani Ashram seer Sri Eesha Vitaldas Swamy, Chokkabettu Mohiuddin Juma Masjid khateeb Moulana Abdul Azeez Darimi, Jain scholar M K Nirmal Kumar, Mangaluru Sikh Gurudwara priest Bai Parveen Singh, Thokkotu Masjidul Huda khateeb Janab Muhammed Kunhi, St Joseph Institutions director Rev Fr Onil D’Souza, AIRF Vijayapura president Moulana Basheer Ahmed Umari and Karnataka Theological College principal Rev Hannibal R Cabral will speak as resource persons. Deputy commissioner of police Sanjeev M Patil will be the guest. Mangaluru city police commissioner M Chandra Sekhar will deliver valedictory address, he said adding that programmes will also be held in taluk and villages in the district.