Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Sep 9: A unique programme to foster peace and harmony in district some likeminded associations organized a 'United for a better Mangaluru’ on Friday September 9 at Town Hall in city.

Addressing in the occasion, Shri Esha Vittaldas of Kemaru Math said “Along with material education youth should imbibe spiritual education for the better society. Seed of peace should be spread everywhere. Peace is a 'Sadhana'. We are no one to protect 'Dharma' but the 'Dharma' protects individual. Youth should embrace the religious essence and internally be strong. The society should be free Alcohol, drugs".

Director of Jeppu St Antony Charity Institutes Fr Onil D' Souza said "Organizers have come up with a great thought but it should be effectively implemented. We should expect the change in society and keep going."

He also said that while observing the festival or celebrations in the name of God in public place, see that common man's life is not affected. "Though we are performing religious rituals, if a common man inconvenienced, the God may not be pleased. Hence we should do only good to others.” Fr Onil said

Chokka Bettu Moideen Juma Masjid Katheeb Moulana Abdul Aziz Dharami said “When we understand the problem of our neighbour, than we are in light away from darkness. If one matchstick can light a candle, these likeminded associations can light entire Mangaluru. Though there are a few untoward incidents, still communal harmony exists here. People of different faiths extend their hands in helping one another. When we change ourselves, then the entire society changes."

Deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Sanjeev Patil speaking on this occasion said "People of Mangaluru are spirited and energetic. Youth should have a proper friend circle. It is also responsibility of parents to to look after thier children and observe the change in them."

Vijayapura AFRAN president Moulana Basheer Ahamed Umari, Dr Hanibal Kabral,MK Nirmal Kumar senior Jain Scholar, Bhai Parveen Singh of Mangaluru Gurudwara, Thokkottu Masjid Kathib Mohammed Kunhi also spoke on this occasion.

Police commissioner Chandrashekar speaking in the valedictory said "The concept of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' is relevant in the present world. Division is not an good at all. We should believe and live in unity and diversity. Any organizations, if any individual in the organization commits wrong, he should be singled out. If this is done the credibility of organization will sustain."

He also said when one faces injustice, then he should raise the voice. "There are so-called decent people in the society who always remain silent. Such people should raise voice. When you raise voice against injustice it will come definitely down".

The event was jointly organized by Ahindha, Dakshina Kannada district, Al Haq Foundation, Buntara/Nadavara Mathr Sangha, Dalit Sangharsha Samiti, Hidayah Foundation, Highland Islamic Forum, Hope Foundation, Indian Catholics Youth Movement, Jain Samiti,Mangaluru, Karnataka Christian Educational Society, Karnataka Komu Souhardha nVedike, Karnataka Missions Network, KKMA - Karnataka Branch, M Friends, Mogaveera Mahajana Sangha, Muslim Lekhakara Sangha, Sri Guru Singh Sabha Society, Talent Research Foundation and Yuva Vahini Kendra Samiti.

Malady Ajith Kumar Rai Shashiraj Shetty Kolambe, Vasudev Bolar, Walter Maben, Suresh Bhat Bakrabail, Anil Fermai and Harikrishna Bantwal were present among others.