Mangaluru: The Kudroli Jamia Masjid opened its doors to the public on Sunday in a unique initiative aimed at strengthening interfaith understanding. The programme, organized by the mosque’s Administrative Committee, Muslim Unity Forum Kudroli, and Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Mangaluru, welcomed visitors from noon to 7 p.m.
The event saw participation from leaders of different faiths and community organizations. Inaugurating the programme, Dakshina Kannada District Religious Council member Lakshmeesh Gabladka described the initiative as a “vision of divinity,” stressing that prayer enlightens the inner self. Fr. Valerian D’Souza of Holy Rosary Church underlined the need for mutual respect, stating that all religions are rooted in love and harmony.
Political, religious, and community leaders, including Legislative Council member Ivan D’Souza, Kudroli Shri Gokarnanath Temple president Jayaraj H., and Baraka International School principal B.S. Sharfuddin, expressed support for the initiative.
The programme was presided over by Kudroli Jamia Masjid president K.S. Muhammad Masood, with Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Mangaluru North president Ishaq Puttur delivering a message of prophetic guidance. Quran recitation by Maulana Shafiullah, accompanied by translation from Asif Hussain, was a highlight of the event.
Speakers emphasized that such open visits create opportunities for people to understand each other’s practices and build peaceful coexistence. Organizers said the programme aimed to make mosques welcoming spaces for dialogue and shared values.
