Pics: Justin Erol D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Jun 15: In a goodwill gesture on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, Muslim leaders on Friday June 15 visited and greeted Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejawar Math.

The visit comes amidst speculations over the last few days on holding Iftar get-together at Sri Krishna Math. Last year, Pejawar Swamiji had organised 'Iftar Koota' for the Muslim brethren, a move that invited both appreciation as well as criticism. This year, Pejawar Swamiji said he would not be holding the Iftar get-together as Muslims themselves were not keen on it given the controversy last year.

Speaking to reporter after meeting Muslim leaders on Friday, Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji said, "It doesn't need to be only Iftar. I have planned to organise 'Sneha Koota' with people of all religions - Hindus, Christians and Muslims. As I was on a north India tour, I did not get sufficient time to organise 'Sneha Koota'. We will organise the event in the coming days, and it will not be an Iftar but a 'Sneha Koota'. Last year also I had organised it as Sneha Koota, but the people misunderstood it as Iftar Koota.

"I want friendly relationships between people of all religions. For this reason I will organize Sneha Koota. Peace should prevail in the country. All the communities must live in harmony. I will decide about the date of Sneha Koota in the coming days," he added.

Muslim leader Ansar said, "From past five years every Ramadan we have been visiting Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji. Pejawara Swamiji himself has informed about organising a Sneha Koota shortly. The pressure upon Swamiji from some quarters may be the reason for him to cancel Iftar Koota this time. We ourselves had requested him not to organise it this time, as last year it had resulted in a controversy."

Muslim leaders from Udupi were present during the meeting. They presented fruits to Pejawar Swamiji.