Pics: Joshwa D'souza/Dayananda Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru (JD)
Mangaluru, Sep 16: "When the youth here, make this district a peaceful one, enabling women to walk the streets freely, that, for me, will be true felicitation," said BA Moideen, the former education minister of Karnataka, in reply to the civic felicitation conferred on him by the district administration at Town Hall on Thursday September 15.
"When the pub attack in Mangaluru took place, I was addressing one of the rallies in Kolar. During the address, a spectator among the crowd made a comment 'I know who you are. You are the people who beat women on the streets.' I was pained by the statement. I have been familiar with this district since my childhood, but, some youth have turned it into an bad l place for peace-loving people. Such developments worry me. People don't see eye to eye and there is barely any brotherhood among them."
"So, I call upon every youth to take this oath- 'We have lived together and it is good to live together.” Always keep in mind that you cannot do politics with money and religion . Late Devraj Urs has walked that talk. When alive, he strengthened the weaker section of the society, and thus stands tall now among all chief ministers of Karnataka I have ever seen." Moideen added.
The Karnataka's Health and family welfare minister Ramesh Kumar speaking about BA Moideen said, "Moideen had faith in legislative democracy. Even during the pub attack, he took a stand and was appreciated by all, including people from the Hindu fold. It is easy to preach honesty but to practice it, is difficult. Moideen is one of the few who walked the talk."
"Moideen neither praised anyone nor sought blessings from any, to reach greater heights in politics. He was the man of his word and had denied chairmanship to tone of the boards, offered by the late Devraj Urs, apprehensive about being corrupt if he took up the offer. He was also offered the post of a Speaker which he decidedly turned down. The greatest respect a man can get while alive, is to have people speak about his good deeds," he added.
The in-charge minister of Dakshina Kannada, Ramanatha Rai speaking on the occasion said, "It is a proud moment for me that a person who was an MLA before me is being honoured. Even though I was given the ticket in his place, he never was dissatisfied. Rather, he gave me his whole hearted support. The reason for this perhaps, is his mental strength."
The mayor of Mangaluru city corporation (MCC) Harinath said that great leaders like Moideen have made the politics of the district rich and added value to it. It is an honour to felicitate him.
Former MLA, MC Nanaiah and the media adviser to chief minister, Dinesh Ameen Mattu also spoke on the occasion.
The president of the civic felicitation committee and chief whip of the legislative council, Ivan D'souza welcomed the gathering while convener of the committee, SM Rasheed Haji delivered the vote of thanks.
Food and civil supplies minister UT Khader; MLAs JR Lobo, Abhayachandra Jain, Moideen Bawa, Shakuntala Shetty; Qazi of Dakshina Kannada Alhaj Twaka Ahmed Musliyar; Vicar general of Mangaluru diocese Dennis Moras Prabhu; and others were present at the occasion.