Media Release
Shivamogga, Sep 10: Shivamogga came alive on Wednesday evening as nearly 4,000 citizens—women and men, young and old, and people belonging to Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities—came together not in protest, but in a shared commitment to peace and communal harmony.
The fourth annual Peace Rally, organised by the Shimoga Multipurpose Social Service Society (SMSSS) in collaboration with the Shimoga Souharda Samiti and like-minded citizens of Shivamogga, passed through the heart of the city with a powerful message: Shivamogga chooses peace, unity and coexistence.
The rally was formally flagged off at Ambedkar Bhavan by the district superintendent of police, Nikhil. Addressing the gathering, he appreciated the organisers for their consistent four-year commitment to peace-building and communal harmony. His presence added significance to the initiative, highlighting the important role of civil society in strengthening peace and social cohesion at the grassroots level.
The rally concluded at Ramanjesti Park, with the route itself carrying a meaningful symbolism—from Ambedkar Bhavan, a landmark associated with constitutional equality and social justice, to a public space open to all citizens.
One of the most striking features of the rally was the participation of religious leaders from different faith traditions. Shri Basava Murulasidda Swamiji and Shri Neelakantha Swamiji walked alongside Fr Pius D'Souza, director of SMSSS; Fr Franklin D’Souza, youth director; Fr Santhosh Pereira; Fr Abraham; and Fr Glanson D’Souza. Their united presence demonstrated that faith can become a bridge of friendship and understanding rather than a source of division.
Muslim community leaders, including Moulana Shahul Hamid and Mufti Shafiulla, also participated in the rally. Walking together in solidarity, religious leaders and citizens sent a powerful message that communal harmony is built through mutual respect, dialogue and shared action.
Behind the rally is a broader civic vision expressed through the “Brand Shimoga” initiative. It seeks to collectively reshape the identity of the district—from one sometimes associated with communal tensions to a model of peaceful coexistence, social responsibility and development.
The initiative is spearheaded by advocate K P Sripal, with coordinating leadership from Kiran of Open Mind School, Rafee and Jagadisha K H. Their efforts reflect the growing role of civil society in shaping the future of Shimoga and ensuring that the district's identity is defined not by its past challenges, but by its aspirations for peace and progress.
What began as a single initiative has now grown into an annual expression of the people's commitment to harmony. With each passing year, the Peace Rally has gathered greater participation and stronger conviction, demonstrating that communal harmony is not simply the absence of conflict, but a conscious and continuous choice made by citizens.
SMSSS has played a significant role in bringing together diverse sections of society and contributing to the success of the rally. Its sustained efforts demonstrate how grassroots organisations can create meaningful platforms for dialogue, solidarity and peaceful coexistence.
The peace rally carried a message that reached far beyond the streets of Shimoga. Nearly 4,000 people walked together from Ambedkar Bhavan to Ramanjesti Park, showing that communities can come together to shape their own narrative; that youth, religious leaders, civil society and law enforcement can work towards a common vision; and that 'Brand Shimoga' is not merely a slogan or campaign, but a living expression of unity.
The road to harmony does not build itself. Shivamogga has once again shown that when people choose to walk together, they can build a future together.