Bishop Peter Saldanha, Abdulla Kunhi, Dr. Shantaram Shetty call for unity during interfaith iftar
Mangalore: An interfaith Iftar gathering was held at The Yenepoya School Ground, Jeppinamogaru, on Saturday, bringing together prominent dignitaries and community leaders to celebrate the spirit of Ramadan and reinforce the values of unity and brotherhood. The event was organized by Dr. N. Vinaya Hegde, Chancellor of Nitte (Deemed to be University), Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of the Diocese of Mangalore, and Dr. Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi, Chancellor of Yenepoya (Deemed to be University).
Speaking at the gathering, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha emphasized the importance of communal harmony, stating that such gatherings help people understand each other and strengthen the bonds between communities. He highlighted the message of Ramadan, urging everyone to hold on to humanity and brotherhood, especially in challenging times.
Renowned orthopedic surgeon and Pro-Chancellor of Nitte University, Dr. Shantharam Shetty, echoed these sentiments. He remarked that all faiths—be it Islam, Christianity, or Hinduism—preach love and unity. Citing scriptures from different religions, he underscored the universal message of brotherhood and the need for collective coexistence.
Dr. Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi elaborated on the significance of Ramadan, noting that the event was aimed at fostering interfaith understanding. "The best religion in the world is humanity," he stated, reinforcing the idea that Prophet Mohammed’s message was one of unity and peace. He expressed gratitude to all attendees for participating in the event and contributing to its success.
As the sun set, Ustad Salman led the azaan prayers, marking the time for Iftar. Attendees broke their fast together, sharing a meal in the spirit of togetherness and communal harmony.
The event was attended by several key figures including Karnataka Assembly Speaker UT Khader, MLC Ivan D’Souza, Farhaad Yenepoya, Prof. Dr. UT Iftikhar Ali, and several other prominent personalities and officials.
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Another North Goa nightclub sealed; Kejriwal says corruption led to fire tragedy
Panaji (PTI): As part of a crackdown against tourist establishments violating laws and safety norms in the aftermath of the Arpora fire tragedy, Goa authorities on Saturday sealed a renowned club at Vagator and revoked the fire department NOC of another club.
Cafe CO2 Goa, located on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea at Vagator beach in North Goa, was sealed. The move came two days after Goya Club, also in Vagator, was shut down for alleged violations of rules.
Elsewhere, campaigning for local body polls, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal said the fire incident at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub at Arpora, which claimed 25 lives on December 6, happened because the BJP government in the state was corrupt.
An inspection of Cafe CO2 Goa by a state government-appointed team revealed that the establishment, with a seating capacity of 250, did not possess a no-objection certificate (NOC) of the Fire and Emergency Services Department. The club, which sits atop Ozrant Cliff, also did not have structural stability, the team found.
The Fire and Emergency Services on Saturday also revoked the NOC issued to Diaz Pool Club and Bar at Anjuna as the fire extinguishers installed in the establishment were found to be inadequate, said divisional fire officer Shripad Gawas.
A notice was issued to Nitin Wadhwa, the partner of the club, he said in the order.
Campaigning at Chimbel village near Panaji in support of his party's Zilla Panchayat election candidate, Aam Aadmi Party leader Kejriwal said the nightclub fire at Arpora happened because of the "corruption of the Pramod Sawant-led state government."
"Why this fire incident happened? I read in the newspapers that the nightclub had no occupancy certificate, no building licence, no excise licence, no construction licence or trade licence. The entire club was illegal but still it was going on," he said.
"How could it go on? Couldn't Pramod Sawant or anyone else see it? I was told that hafta (bribe) was being paid," the former Delhi chief minister said.
A person can not work without bribing officials in the coastal state, Kejriwal said, alleging that officers, MLAs and even ministers are accepting bribes.
