Karnataka   

Muslims donate Ganesh idols

KOLAR: Kolar city has registered a rare development which helps foster communal amity. The city, which earlier witnessed tension on flimsy grounds, is now working to establish a cordial relationship between communities.

As the Ganesh festival season is upon us, Muslims have come forward to distribute Ganesh idols to several public Ganeshotsav committees in the city and surrounding areas. Tippu Secular Sena (TSS), a social organisation, has handed over Ganesha idols costing Rs. 18,000 to Ganeshotsav committees of Karanjikatta, Shanthi Nagar, Muneshwar Nagar in the city and surrounding Terahalli, Paparajanahalli and Vibhuthipur villages.

The amount of the idols distributed by the committee doesn’t matter. But the noble cause behind the move matters much, TSS president Syed Asifulla said.

“We Indians should live in an amicable and harmonious atmosphere. Nobody should be allowed to disrupt the traditional relationship between Hindus and Muslims,” said Asifulla. The Sena has appealed to people of all faiths to celebrate festivals and perpetuate peace in the society. Humanity should be the foremost consideration than any other aspects, it said. “Bala Gangadhar Tilak had started public celebrations of Ganeshotsav to instil patriotism and unity among people to fight Britishers. In the changed scenario, festivals should serve to strengthen the bond between citizens of different faiths,” TSS committee member Sanaulla Sharif said.

Reacting to the rare gesture, Deputy Superintendent of Police Muni Reddy, who was present at the idol distribution ceremony, felt that such exchanges between communities will help establish peace in the society.

It eases the tension of the police force, he added.

Though the move was undertaken in the background of recent incidents, the TSS has decided to continue the process.

Idols would be made available to more committees in the years to come, Asifulla announced. Venkatesh, an activist of Vinayaka Seva Samithi, said that such a move will go a long way in making vibrant our secular society.

Hindus should also reciprocate, he said.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

“Raw deal for railway projects in Karnataka”
SIT probe into scam mooted
State to go in appeal
68 passport facilitation centres soon
Nod for inking pact with INTACH
DC cautions parties on poll campaign
Make-shift ponds for idol immersion
ZP member killed in road accident
Goa bid to prevent misuse of social security scheme
Festive air
CMC instructions
Woman dies
Muslims donate Ganesh idols
Peace meeting
KFDC outlets to be revamped
‘Rail mass transit system is a must’
Profitable avenue for farmers
Residents move High Court against wedding hall
Rotem commercial tax case hearing adjourned
Festival time in Mysore
Lambani hamlet done up for Chief Minister’s visit
‘Badhi’ to be released today
It’s a question of survival
Short-term course
Greetings
BESCOM directive
For better ties

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu