BHATKAL: Abdussalam Puthige, chief editor of Kannada daily Vartha Bharati, has called for collective efforts by social organisations to promote Hindu-Muslim brotherhood, overcome mutual suspicions and build a society free from social evils.
He was speaking at the Tanzeem Sneha Koota, a friendship gathering organised by the Majlis-e-Islah-wa-Tanzeem, one of Uttara Kannada’s oldest and largest social organisations, at Coco’s Resort on Jali Beach in Bhatkal. Held under the theme “Harmony, Dialogue and Friendship” as part of a Seerath campaign, the gathering aimed to strengthen communal ties and convey the message of humanity taught by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to people of other communities.
Puthige said people living close to one another should not remain strangers. He stressed the need for unity among social organisations and said the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) should inspire efforts to bring about positive change in society.
Maulana Mohammed Ilyas Jakti Nadvi, general secretary of Alimiya Islamic Academy, said Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had emphasised human dignity, justice, equality and good conduct. He highlighted the Islamic teaching that a person’s faith is not complete until they wish for their brother what they wish for themselves.
Bhatkal Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) S.V. Girish welcomed the initiative to bring leaders from different religions and sections of society onto a common platform. Such informal gatherings help dispel mutual suspicions, he said, adding that public trust in the police was essential to maintaining law and order.
During the programme, Ganapathi Naik was felicitated by the Tanzeem for saving a person at Murdeshwar railway station who was in danger of being hit by a train. Naik was praised for risking his own life to save a passenger.
Tanzeem vice-president Mohammed Sadiq Pillur presided over the programme. Syed Imran Lanka, convener of the Tanzeem’s Political Panel, welcomed the gathering and delivered the introductory remarks. Kannada journalist M.R. Manvi compered the event, while Tanzeem office-bearer Suhail Iqbal proposed the vote of thanks.
Tanzeem general secretary Maulana Azizur Rahman Ruknuddin Nadvi, convener of its Education and Cultural Committee Abdul Majid Ruknuddin, and Bhatkal City Municipal Council (CMC) commissioner Babasaheb Mane were also present.