Progressive outfits join for harmony meet in Udupi

By NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Unity among likeminded people and organisations is necessary to effectively counter the growing influence of communal forces. With this concept in mind, Bahutva Karnataka, a coalition of progressive outfits on Tuesday said that they will be organising ‘Samarasya Nadige-Sahabalve Convention’ (Harmony Meet) in Udupi on May 14.

Speaking at a press meet in Bengaluru, Dalit Sangharsha Samithi (DSS) leader Dr Mohan Raj said that the ‘hidden agenda’ of the extremist forces in the state is unfolding one after another. “Lack of unity among the outfits that oppose to such trends will only help the advancement of forces which harm social harmony,” he said.

The association also pointed out that people in Karnataka have fashioned their lives in a manner that does not hurt other communities or threaten the intercommunity friendships. “The traditional values draw upon the spirituality of Sharana, Naatha, Siddha and Sufi ways of life,” Dr Raj added.

Historian and writer Ramachandra Guha said that the gover nment should protect the common people’s interest and the economic development of the state rather than focusing on communal issues. “Communal forces are interfering in personal issues such as marriage, food and clothings,” Shariffa, an activist from the Women’s Group said.

Several organisations such as Sahabalve Udupi along with Dalit groups, women’s groups, LGBTQIA+ groups, farmers groups and several other organisations will participate in the event.

Dr Mohan Raj also said that Karnataka is a secular and diverse state in terms of caste, religion, thoughts and harmony.