Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (NJC)
Mangaluru, Oct 6: A new book by advocate and writer M G Hegde, examining the contentious issues of ‘Love Jihad’, forced conversion and communal narratives, was released at a programme at Town Hall, Mangaluru, on Tuesday, October 6.
The programme opened with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by the inauguration of an exhibition and a Talamaddale performance, before the book was formally released.
Speaking after the release, M G Hegde said the book was part of his continuing effort to promote public awareness through facts and documented information.
He urged people to examine the details of individual cases whenever allegations of ‘Love Jihad’ or forced conversion are raised, including whether an FIR has been registered and where the alleged incident took place.
Hegde also urged the police and home department to ensure that protests on such issues were based on specific cases and evidence. Referring to the book’s contents, he said it carries links and references to NIA investigations, court verdicts and other documents.
He stressed the need to guard against misinformation and communal tension, noting that issues involving love, relationships and deception occur across communities and should not be given a communal colour. He appealed to young people to reject false narratives and work towards building a society rooted in truth and harmony.
Lakshmeesha Gabbaladda Thinker, member of the Dakshina Kannada District Religious Council, said he had not yet read the book completely but noted that Hegde had undertaken extensive research and brought his legal expertise to the publication.
He said India’s diverse cultural and religious traditions called for open discussion and dialogue. Different perspectives should be heard rather than relying on one-sided arguments, he said, expressing hope that the book would stimulate meaningful public discussion and contribute to building a healthy society.
The programme was attended by several prominent personalities, including advocate Yashavanth Maroli, advocate and social activist Sudhir Maroli, retired senior journalist and CIA Institution head Srinivas Nanda Guppa, senior advocate Manoraj Rajeev, social and political leader Ganesh Poojary, Puttur-based organiser and political leader Vishwas Rai, KUDA Puttur president Kamala Ramachandra, renowned doctor and organiser Dr Rajaram Kankanady, social and political leader Ravi Poojary Surinje, social activist Suhir Bajathkieri, Ravi Kaburu, political leader Pradeep Berali, social worker Bharath Perala, entrepreneur Nagaraj Spandana, organiser Vijayakumar Subbanna, social worker and political leader Chitranjan Shetty, social worker P A Rahim Bantwal, social worker Farooq Ullal, and activist and political-social leader Manjula Nayak.