Pics: Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Updated
Mangaluru, Apr 24: The day-long visit of chief minister Siddaramaiah to the district on Friday April 24 culminated with his participation in the Political and Social Conclave held as part of the Ullal Uroos in the remises of Sayyid Madani Dargah.
Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the event, Siddaramaiah said, "This is the second time I am taking part in Ullal Uroos. The last time was when I was in the state opposition. I am taking part in this programme with utmost devotion and faith. This is a historical and sacred place where people irrespective of religion and caste come to worship."
Recalling the Padayatra his party had undertaken in 2013, he said, "The Congress party had organized Padayatra from this Ullal Dargah to Malpe in Udupi. We also visited dargahs, temples and churches to offer prayers along the way. Our sole intention was to restore peace and harmony in the coastal area where people of different religions and castes live together.
"There are efforts going on to disrupt communal harmony and this should be stopped. Fanatics who are trying to spoil peace and communal harmony should not be allowed to succeed, only then can the society progress. This is the message we gave from Ullal to Malpe. Fortunately, wherever we organized Padayatra, we won. It proves that people of DK want peace and communal harmony. Fanatism is against humanity and we should never accept it," he added.
Reiterating the message he gave at Mudipu St Joseph Vaz Shrine earlier in the evening, the CM said, "We believe in secularism. In our country there are people of different religions, castes and languages, but there unity in diversity. We have to protect this harmony - it is our duty.
"As CM, I am representing 6 crore people of Karnataka, and not any caste or class. My responsibility or the government's responbility is to protect the interests, life and well-being of the people. The Constitution has given everyone the right to embrace any religion of their choice. The Constitution also says that all religions should be respected," he added.
"Mercy is the main essense of all religions. The Constitution envisions a secular state, but there are fanatic powers who are making attempts to spoil the environment. We should not let them succeed, it is responsibility of all secularists to stop them. Discrimination on religious lines is against humanity. Our government has faith in secularism and is providing social justice and equality to all castes and creeds," he asserted.
"The state government is making efforts to curb communal forces. Nobody should live in fear. Every one will be protected," he assured.
"Our government is also aiming to free the state from hunger. We are already providing 30 kg rice for Re 1 for BPL families, and now, from May 1 the government will extend this scheme for APL families also. Around 1.8 crore BPL card holders are getting rice at Re 1, and APL card holders will get rice at concessional rates. Our only intention is to make Karnataka a hunger-free state," he said.
Regarding demand for a community hall at Ullal, he said, "I will provide grant for the community hall and also for educational institutions run by Ullal Dargah."
"The weaker sections should not be deprived of education, economic independence and social justice. The ongoing social and educational survey is being done to uplift the suppressed classes," he said.
Health minister U T Khadar also spoke on the occasion and thanked the CM for granting Rs 232 crore for project to provide permanent solution to sea erosion problem at Ullal, 6 crore for Ullal hospital and grants for setting up a jetty for fishermen.
Shaik Shahbuddin Rifai Al Baghdadi led the prayers at the beginning.
Roshan Baig, Ramanath Rai, Vinay Kumar Sorake, K S Masood, Ibrahim Kodijal, Shafi Sayyedi, and others were present.
Earlier Report
Bantwal: Siddaramaiah visits Mudipu shrine, stresses on harmony
Pics: Stanley Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal
Bantwal, Apr 24: Chief minister Siddaramaiah on Friday April 24 visited St Joseph Vaz Shrine in Mudipu.
The CM was in the district to attend various programmes, including foundation stone laying ceremony of Congress Bhavan and Ullal Dargah Uroos.
Addressing the gathering, the CM said, "India is a land of diversity, we have different religions, languages, castes, etc, and our uniqueness lies in maintaining unity in diversity. We need to protect this. It is responsibility and fundamental duty. People should live with unity and harmony and promote peace, love and respect for everyone."
Stressing that fanatism will not be tolerated, he said, "A fanatic, no matter who it may be, spoils not only himself but also the entire society. We should be wary of fanatics and build a society that is full of love, trust, peace and harmony. The Constitution does not give scope for fanatism, it preaches 'sarva dharma samanvaya' and this is what even our government believes in."
He further said, "People of Dakshina Kannada have a secular mindset but efforts are being made by some to spoil the harmony of this place. Whoever attempts to disrupt peace and harmony should be thrown out. They are not protectors of dharma but they re against dharma.
"No religion preaches hate. All religions exist for the welfare of humans. We should follow dharma. Religion should be for the welfare of all humans and everyone should strive towards this end. The government is making efforts to protect all and promote equality," he added.
"When St Joseph Vaz was canonized sometime ago, I wanted to attend the celebration at this shrine, but I could not due to unavoidable circumstances. But I am happy that I could come today."
The CM handed over a cheque of Rs 25 lac from the state government to Mudipu shrine. He also assured that discussions will be held with the tourism department to grant more funds for the development of the shrine in the coming days.
Bishop of Mangaluru diocese Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza in his address urged the CM to convert the Christian Development Board to Christian Development Commission and to grant deemed university status to Father Muller Charitable Institution which has a history of 135 years.
A special prayer was offered for the CM in the beginning.
Advocate M P Noronha in his address lauded the CM for assuring to uphold secular principles and thanked the gathering.
Parish priest of Mudipu Fr Gregory D'Souza welcomed the gathering. Leo D'Souza compered the programme.
Ministers U T Khadar, Ramanath Rai, Qamarul Islam, Vinay Kumar Sorake, MLC Ivan D'Souza, MLAs J R Lobo and Mohiuddin Bava, deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim and others were present.
Earlier in the evening, the also visited Sri Raja Rajeshwari Siddhivinayaka Temple and also laid the foundation stone for the new building of Hira Women's Composite PU College at Thokkottu.