Dubai: Religious Harmony - Zafarullah Khan Leads the Way...
by Walter Nanadalike
Dubai, Apr 1: It is ironic that this story must appear early morning on fool’s day, April 1, 2009. But the fact remains that there is nothing to fool about here. It is evident that UAE is a place where every religion is shown respect , thanks to vision and humanity of the rulers of this great Islamic nation.
Leaders of our communities have taken positive advantage of this generosity of great leaders of this country. Zafarulla Khan, popularly known as 'Mandyada Gandu' in UAE, a thinker, entrepreneur and most importantly a simple human being has taken a rare lead in the UAE to bring all community leaders together under one roof. Without giving a religious tint, he has conveyed the message of LOVE' which is utmost, invisible to the human eye , but keeps everyone united.
Khan invited Jagadguru Sri Balagangadar Swamiji of the famous Adichunchanagiri Mutt from back home in Mandya and felicitated him on behalf of all communities hailing from Karnataka State on March 30, 2009. The beautiful event was attended by 40 noted community leaders from around UAE who met in Jumeriah , Dubai.
"We often see people claim their identity as a Muslim , Hindu, Christian ..etc, and we also we see people identifying themselves as Kannadigas, Keralites, Bengalis...etc but very few of us recognize ourselves as 'Indians'. Even outside India, we often see people's identity on the basis of their religion or region from where they come from. But I must say, I am very proud to say 'I am Indian' first and a Kannadiga next...." said Zafarullah Khan who individually initiated this meet to bring about more religious harmony among the expatriate communities of Karnataka living here in UAE .
"I respect His Holiness Sri Swamiji a lot. People may be surprised as to why a Muslim has invited a Hindu pontiff here and honored him. But I have surrendered myself to him not for his religion but for the humanity. I have visited many JSS institutions in India which are run by Adchunchanagiri Mutt, headed by this very respected Sri Balagangadhar Swamiji. I have seen no religion there, I have seen only humanity and love . This great personality who loves everyone, every student, every teacher, never imposes religion in his institutions. He is responsible for producing millions of successful students from out of the institutions. He treats everyone equally, with no hate culture or bias. That is the reason I have surrendered myself to his holiness with a sense of great respect" said Khan.
This is indeed a rare gesture from Zafarullah Khan. His openness and secular stand sends a strong message to the people back home where we hear almost every day, division among society in the name of caste, creed and religion.
Far away from home, across the seven seas, in an Islamic state , it is indeed heartening to see the tolerant attitude of the rulers of this country, blended with the kind hearted fraternal love shown by Zafarullah Khan.
It was a momentous scene to see Hindu, Muslim and Christian leaders get together and honor the pontiff with Shawl, Fruits and Flowers. Such events have become scarce even in our own secular India !
This gathering must send a strong message to those people in India who wait for an opportunity to create trouble and disturb the peace. It has evoked a strong bond between the people of all religions living in UAE, hailing from Karnataka..
"It is love, and nothing else that can win the hearts of people" said the humble Pontiff . Replying to the gathering , he expressed his happiness to see the people of Karnataka shedding away their barriers of religion , region and language and doing well despite being far away from home in these difficult times.
Sri Balagangadar Swamini is one of the rare personalities from the Mutt who has never involved himself with politics or politicians ! Perhaps that could be the reason why he is regarded as one of the most respected religious pontiffs in the world.
The gathering was well attended by all community leaders from Karnataka, representing associations like Karnataka Sangha Abu Dhabi, Karnataka Sangha Dubai, Billawa Balaga, Billawas NE, Tulu Koota, Mangalore Konkans, Daiji Dubai, Karnataka Sangha Sharjah, Bearys, Bhatkalees, Amchigele Samaz and many others.
Sarvotham Shetty, James Mendonca and Latif honored the Swamiji. Ganesh Rai compered the event.
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