-Mohammad Atharulla Shareef
Bengaluru: Various civil society groups in Karnataka, unaffiliated with political parties, actively support social causes. Many collaborate through platforms like ‘Karnataka Raja Sevakta Horat’ (25 groups), ‘Jana Andolan Gul Maha Maitri’ (36 groups), and ‘Yaddu Karnataka’ (112 groups). Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Karnataka is also part of these federations.
An Iftar gathering was held at Darul Salam Buffet Hall on March 13, 2025. Leaders discussed communal harmony, peace, and justice. Speakers included Advocate Arvin Narayan (PUCL Karnataka), Advocate Vinay Srinivasan (Alternative Law Forum), Smt. Mallige Srimane (Karnataka Jan Shakti), Dr. Manohar Chandra Prasad (Christian Dalit Community), Noor Shridhar (Yaddalu Karnataka), and Dr. Anurama (Mahila Andolan).
Over 110 representatives from 65 organizations attended. Participants included Dalits, tribals, farmers, workers, women, Christians, students, and human rights activists. Intellectuals raised concerns over rising communalism, especially in coastal areas. A speaker stressed that sustainable development needs peace.
Notable attendees were Kisan leader Badgalpur Nagendra, Dalit Horat’s Chan Bispa, activist S.R. Heeremath, Father Arun Lewis (Ashiarvad Centre), and Father Gerald D’Souza (Christian Law College). The event began with a Quranic recitation by Maulana Hafiz Wahiduddin Khan Umari. Riaz Ahmad Ron gave the welcome address. Muhammad Yousuf Kani introduced participants. Dr. Balgami Muhammad Saad, Jamaat president, concluded with remarks on Ramadan and human rights.
The event focused on countering sectarian tensions and promoting interfaith harmony. Leaders committed to continuing such initiatives for unity and peace.
