Coast Guard Karnataka holds run for unity at Panambur
Mangaluru, Oct 31: A 'run for unity' programme was organised by Coast Guard district (Karnataka) headquarters at Panambur here Wednesday as a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 143rd birth anniversary.
Participants took part in the 10-km run, flagged off by Organ Donation India Foundation chairman Lal Goel.
The event, supported by Rotary Club, Moodbidri, was co-ordinated by Deputy Commandant Deepika Dhiman.
Coast Guard Karnataka commander DIG SS Dasila in his welcome speech, recalled Sardar Patel's contributions in India's freedom movement and nation building after Independence.
The 'run for unity' was held to celebrate the harmony and unity in the country, which has a diverse culture, he said.
Goel said the programme was to showcase initiatives that are integral to nation build-up through synergies and to broaden public horizons by learning and experiencing more of India and all it has to offer.
Commandant R K Sharma and Rotary Club Moodbidri president Ramesh also spoke.
A unity run integrity pledge was read out to all the volunteers and participants by Commandant Satwant Singh after the programme.
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Chandrashekhar Swamiji apologises for remark on denying voting rights to Muslims
"If my statement has upset our Muslim brothers, I deeply regret it."
Bengaluru: Kumara Chandrashekharanath Swamiji, head of the Vishva Okkaliga Mahasansthana Mutt, has expressed regret over his controversial statement suggesting that "Muslims should be denied voting rights."
In a press release, Swamiji clarified, "Muslims are also citizens of this country. Like everyone else, they too have voting rights. If my statement yesterday has caused discomfort to our Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologise for it."
He further added, "Okkaligas are inherently tolerant of all religions. We have always treated people of every faith equally. Our Mutt maintains cordial relations with Muslims, and they frequently visit us. Similarly, we attend their weddings and other joyous occasions. Hence, there is no intolerance towards this community." Swamiji appealed to the public to disregard the controversy surrounding his remark.
The controversial statement was made during a farmers' rally, ‘Raita Gharjana,’ organised by the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Karnataka Pradesh, at Freedom Park, Bengaluru, on Tuesday. Addressing the gathering, Swamiji had said, "A law should be enacted to deny voting rights to the Muslim community, and the Wakf Board should be abolished."
The remark drew widespread criticism from political leaders and the public alike. Following the backlash, Swamiji issued his apology, stating, "Muslims are also citizens of this country. Like everyone else, they too have voting rights. If my statement yesterday has caused discomfort to our Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologise for it."
