Mangalore: Intellectuals Converge in City for Communal Harmony  
Pics: Prajwal Ukkuda 
Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (RS/CN) 

Mangalore, Mar 14: Writers, artists, and intellectuals of the state came together for communal harmony in ‘Mangaluru Chalo Sauharda Samavesha’ organized  by the ‘Manavatha  Vedike’ in the city in front of the deputy commissioner’s (DC) office on  Saturday March 14. 

The rally was organized by the Manavatha Vedike, prior to the conference, and began from Hampanakatta.

The rally and public conference was organized against the recent disturbances in the coastal districts in the name of culture and religion.  

Inaugurating the conference, Prasanna, senior director of theatre, said the communities in the coastal area had a history of living in harmony which has now been affected.  

The conference was inaugurated by releasing white balloons and doves. 

Meenakshi Bali, writer, said, “Communal harmony is being disturbed for so many reasons by fascists seeking to implement their own system. India is made of so many religions, castes, creeds, and culture. But there is mercy in every  culture  and religion. A merciless religion is not a religion. Every  individual  wants to  live  with  their own  system, but  implementing fascist rule will not stay for long”..  

Pandit Shivacharya Swami, Sanehalli Matt, said “The people have to understand our culture of harmony. Creating disturbances and violence has not been taught in any   religion.” 

B Suresh, director of television serials, said, “Terrorism and attacks in the name of religion are the same. Humanity and living is important. The reason for such disturbances are the political leaders who are wrongly chosen by us. The people should think while voting.”  

Sara Aboobakkar, writer, said, “The pub attack in the city has been supported by 80 percent of women. In the Indian constitution there is no discrimination between men and women. Where men go women also can go, so without knowing our constitutional rights, attacks on women should not be tolerated.”

A street play by ‘Samudaya’ team and songs about communal harmony by Pichchally  Shrinivas, Janardhan, and Mime Ramdas, were a special attraction of the event.  

Signatures were also collected on a large canvas.

Artist M S Murthy, writer Kashinath Ambalige, human rights activist K S Vimala, theatre director Surendra Rao, Manavatha Vedike president Yashavantha Maroli, and secretary Vasudeva Uchchil were also present.