Church in Kerala opens gates for Eid prayers
Malappuram (PTI): In a heartwarming display of communal harmony, the gates of a church compound in Kerala's Malappuram district were opened for Muslim faithful to offer Eid prayers on Wednesday.
Hundreds of Muslim faithful gathered on the spacious grounds in front of the Nicholas Memorial CSI Church in Manjeri on Wednesday morning. They came together to participate in the Eid prayers organised by the Joint Eid Committee, Manjeri. The decision to open the church gates for Eid prayers stemmed from the closure of the Government UP School ground, which usually served as the venue for Eid prayers in the predominantly Muslim town. The closure was due to preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
Fr Joy Maslamani, the vicar of the church, expressed happiness at the opportunity to extend hospitality to the Muslim community during this auspicious occasion. He emphasised the importance of fostering love and unity, especially in times marked by religious tensions. Abdul Ali, a member of the Eid celebration committee, praised the inclusive gesture, stating that such secular spaces offer a powerful response to divisive forces seeking to sow discord among secular-minded individuals.
This gesture by the authorities of the Church of South India (CSI) was hailed by netizens as the true "Kerala Story." This move also comes at a time when various churches under the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church were screening the Sudipto Sen-directed controversial movie "The Kerala Story," which tells the story of a group of women from Kerala who were forced to convert to Islam and join the terror outfit ISIS.
Netizens opined that the CSI Church's act of solidarity transcends religious boundaries and serves as a reminder of Kerala's rich tradition of coexistence and mutual respect among diverse communities. Hailing the Church authorities, K M Hussain Majeri, a digital creator, wrote on his Facebook, "This is 'the real Kerala Story'."
Jouhar Trippanachi, who attended the Eidgah at the Church ground, said that it was a heartwarming Eid day at the joint Eidgah held at CSI Church Ground. "The Eidgah is a platform for unity and religious friendship within the community. Such instances are very chilling in this demonic age where conscious efforts are being made to divide people in the name of religion. Thanks to Father Joy Masilamani and Manjeri CSI Church officials. Eid Mubarak to all," he wrote on his Facebook page.
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Controversy surrounding book on Shivaji Maharaj 'unwarranted', says Fadnavis
Solapur (PTI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday termed as "unwarranted" the controversy over a book on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, in which Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad allegedly made objectionable remarks against its publisher.
An audio clip surfaced last week on social media, in which Gaikwad was heard using offensive language and threatening Kolhapur-based publisher Prashant Ambi. The MLA referred to the book titled 'Shivaji Kon Hota' (Who was Shivaji), written by CPI leader Govind Pansare and originally published in 1988.
Talking to reporters here, CM Fadnavis, "The book was published in the 1980s. Have those who have raked up a controversy read the book? The stature of the warrior king is so big that no one can insult him. Whatever is happening is anti-social and insensitive."
The controversy over the book is unwarranted, he said, and cautioned against attempts to sensationalise issues merely to remain in the news.
When asked about the BJP's candidates for the upcoming legislative council polls, Fadnavis said appointments and candidate selections are decided by the party's parliamentary board, and not by him individually.
"All decisions will be taken as per the party process," he said, adding that discussions are ongoing and outcomes will be known after due deliberations.
Nine council members, including former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, are retiring on May 13. As per the schedule announced by the Election Commission of India, polling will be held on May 12. The counting of votes will take place on the same day at 5 pm, and the entire process is expected to be completed by May 13.
The BJP has decided to contest four of the nine seats in the biennial elections.
On the sugar sector, he said the state has consistently achieved over 99 per cent of the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) payments to farmers, though there may be minor fluctuations due to market conditions affecting sugar mills.
He added that the government has extended support to the sector and held meetings to address issues faced by factories. A committee has been formed to review post-season challenges and suggest policy measures, including possible assistance from the Centre.
