Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JS/EP)

Udupi, March 6: People belonging to various religions of all ages regardless of their status, gathered on Monday, March 6, at the Udupi Jamia mosque here and became witness to communal harmony besides coming to know of the activities in the mosque.

People were informed about the importance of Namaz on Fridays. Some of the people had their doubts cleared. The mehendi and calligraphy counters were opened. Some got their names written in Arabic through calligraphy.

Psychiatrist Dr P V Bhandary said, "People want to implement the cause of secularism in the country. There are efforts to spoil the fabric of secularism for political purposes. We should walk together." 

Retired education officer Vittaldas Bannanje said that the message of unity in diversity should be passed on to the next generation.

Committee member Idris Hoode said that Mosque is the place to open up with everybody. As Islam has been in existence in India for the last 1,400 years, Azhan, Namaz, fasting and other beliefs are a part of Indian culture.

Senior thinker Professor Faniraj, Udupi Jangama Math’s U C Niranjan, Jamathe Islami Hind’s Abdulsalam Uppinangadi, committee vice-president U S Vahid, V S Umar, former municipal council president Meenakshi Madhava Bannanje, taluk panchayat former president Veronica Corneleo, mosque president Arshad were present. Committee secretary Abdul Azeez Udyavar compered the programme.

There is a propaganda that women are not allowed into the mosque. This programme has cleared those doubts, said organiser Iqbal Manna.

U C Niranjan of Jangama Math Udupi said he was curious to know about the mosque. "It is being taught here that all are equal. I will come here for the next Iftar gathering and will celebrate Ramzan as a Hindu," he said.