News & Pics: Wilson Saldanha, Shirthady
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Nov 29: With the guiding motto 'Love for all, hatred for none', the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Mangalore, organized Peace Seminar 2025 on the theme 'The role of education in promoting world peace'. The event took place at Ravindra Kala Bhavana, University College, Hampanakatte on Saturday, November 29, drawing academicians, students, and peace advocates.
The seminar commenced with the soulful rendition of Karnataka Naadageethe by the NSS wing of University College, Mangalore, setting a patriotic and harmonious tone for the gathering. Mohammed Yusuf delivered a brief introduction to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Mangaluru, outlining its contributions to social welfare, interfaith harmony, and peace-building initiatives. Chief guests were felicitated with traditional shawls and mementoes.
In the absence of the chief guest, Prof P L Dharma, vice-chancellor of Mangalore University, the inaugural address was delivered by Dr Dayanand Naik, professor of political science. He emphasized real patriotism, fearless freedom, and the importance of transforming terrorism into peace through enlightened education.
Prof Ganapathi Ganapathi Gowda, principal of University College Mangaluru, underscored the need for educational institutions to operate without external pressures, enabling true learning and growth. A documentary on the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, highlighting its global humanitarian contributions and peace efforts, was screened for the audience.
Keynote speaker Shiraz Ahmad, former chief executive director, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community India, focused on the value of secular education. He asserted that individuals who commit violence in the name of Islam do not represent the true teachings of the religion.
The seminar featured insightful talks from distinguished speakers. Dr Ronald Nazareth, registrar, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), emphasized unity in diversity, the importance of social responsibility, and integrating these values alongside academic learning.
Dr Meena Juliet Monteiro, dean of PG Studies and head of the PG department of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, addressed the significance of empathy, forgiveness, social-emotional learning (SEL), and peace education in shaping compassionate individuals.
Sudarshan Kumar N K, faculty, Dept of political science, Kodagu University, discussed the severe impact of conflicts in the MENA region on education, particularly for girls, and called for global cooperation to restore stability and learning opportunities.
Prajna Krishnan, lecturer, Dr MV Shetty Institute of Professional Sciences & Management, highlighted the need for religious harmony within educational systems. She urged students to verify information before sharing, advocating for tolerance, nonviolence, equality, and justice.
The seminar also included an interactive question-and-answer session, enabling participants to engage with the speakers directly.
S Abdul Raheem, president of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Mangalore, delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of speakers, guests, organizers, and attendees. The programme was efficiently compered by Laik Ahmed and Suhail Ahmed, and concluded with a fellowship lunch.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, established in over 214 countries, is widely recognized for its commitment to promoting peace, interfaith harmony, and humanitarian values. Through such initiatives, the community seeks to encourage academic dialogue and foster collective efforts toward a more peaceful and educated society.