Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru May 1: Akhila Bharath Billava Union organized ‘Billawa Awareness Meet’ here at Narayana Guru College, Kudroli on Tuesday, May 1, to create awareness among the public on Billawa youths venturing into communal activities.

President of Brahmashri Narayana Guru Seva Sangha Padavinangadi, Ganesh Bangera, inaugurated the meet.

Addressing the gathering, Ganesh Bangera said, “I am proud to be part of this meaningful programme with a good objective. We have to come forward to build the society without indulging in immoral activities. I urge everyone to encourage their children to come forward and follow the footsteps of Narayana Guru to stand united.”

Member of Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy Gopal Anchan said, “We have to ask ourselves, what made us hold this discussion. As our youngsters are choosing wrong paths, instead of becoming engineers or doctors, they end up being in jail. Our youngsters are in deep trouble as they opt to indulge in wrong activity and never turn back.

“Some say that poverty is the reason behind this. It might be. But if you see, not only poor but many high profile youngsters from our community venture into such activities. We are no longer a suppressed community. We should create awareness among youth that all religion, castes are the same and nothing is higher or lower,” he added.

“Youths are the victims of immoral activities. Once they set their foot into the world of crime, it is hard for them to come back and lead a normal life. They think that society may not welcome them. We have to change that mind set and encourage them to live a good life. We can see in many cases where most of the accused are either Billawas or other community who go to jail for the selfish motive of others. Firstly, we should protect our home, only then a strong society and nation can be built. We should understand the ideologies of Narayana Guru and follow his footsteps to lead a meaningful life,” he concluded.

Dean of PG department, School of Social Work Roshni Nilaya and specialist in mental health Dr Rameela Shekar said, “We have to teach our youngsters moral values, and at the same time there is a lot more to learn from them too. But the question is, are we ready to learn from them? Earlier, parents were concerned about their children. Now, things have completely changed. There is a gap between the children and parents, and there is no communication between families. The common phrases we speak in the family are about lunch, dinner or breakfast. Hence, we are in a situation where there might be no discussion on anything among families,”

“It is easy for us to communicate with people who are far from us, but it is impossible for us to communicate with our family members. We should speak from our heart and listen to your heart which will make a lot of difference. So the changes should start within the family,” she said.

Eminent thinker Paramananda Salian, president of Akhila Bharath Billawa Union Naveen Chandra, Sumalatha and others were present.