All India Payam-e-Insaniyat Forum, Mangaluru, held an Intellectual Symposium on Saturday at Hotel AJ Grand in the city. The event was led by Moulana Syed Bilal Abdul Hai Hasani Nadwi, the General Secretary of the Forum, and brought together intellectuals from various faiths and religions.
The program started with a Peace Song performed by students from Iqra Arabic School, Mangaluru, followed by an introduction to the Forum by Moulana Farhan Nadvi.
Following the introduction, the symposium continued with a discussion featuring several social activists and intellectuals from various associations and NGOs. They shared their perspectives on the event's theme, "Towards Building a Progressive Nation with a Supporting and Empowering Atmosphere."
Parineeta, from Mangaluru University, emphasized that the growing animosity being intentionally spread in society is like a cancer that will harm everyone, not just minority communities. She urged for more dialogue between different communities and faiths to promote brotherhood and unity.
Rajaram also spoke at the event, expressing concern that while India often talks about secularism, it is not being practiced as it should be. He stressed that secularism should be treated as a public ethic, with respect for all faiths, and encouraged people to be self-critical of their own beliefs to foster constructive development.
The symposium also covered a wide range of issues related to the theme, several important topics were brought up by the participants during the discussions.
The issue of hunger was highlighted as a significant challenge that the nation must address. Speakers emphasized the need for more effective measures to ensure that everyone, especially the underprivileged, has access to basic necessities like food.
Inclusivity was another key topic of discussion. The participants underscored the importance of creating a society where everyone, regardless of their background, is given equal opportunities and respect.
The gap between the rich and the poor was also a concern. The intellectuals pointed out that the growing economic divide is a major obstacle to national progress.
The menace of drugs was discussed as a pressing issue that needs urgent attention. Participants warned about the increasing influence of drugs on the youth and its potential to derail the future of the country. They called for stronger measures to combat drug abuse and spread awareness about its dangers.
Venkatesh from the RSS praised the efforts of the All India Payam-e-Insaniyat Forum during the symposium. He commended the forum for its dedication to promoting peace and unity among various communities.
In his presidential address, Moulana Bilal Abdul Hai Hasani Nadwi expressed concern over the current state of humanity. He lamented that human life has become the cheapest thing today because humanity and morality seem to have been lost from the human race.
Reflecting on India’s rich history, Moulana Nadwi emphasized that the country has always been known for its love and inclusivity. He highlighted the importance of disciplining the youth and steering them away from drugs and other harmful addictions, stating that this is crucial for the nation's future.
Moulana Nadwi warned that evil spreads when there is no one to stand against it and call it out. He also spoke about the lingering effects of British colonial rule, particularly how the academic syllabus left behind by the British was designed to create divisions within the country. He criticized how these divisions have been further nurtured and promoted by the people themselves.
He expressed concern over the weakening of the three foundational fabrics of the country: secularism, democracy, and non-violence. According to him, these core values are being eroded, posing a serious threat to the nation’s unity and integrity.
Moulana Nadwi concluded by urging people to be selfless and to take on the responsibility of the entire humanity, rather than focusing solely on individual goals and ambitions. He called for a collective effort to restore moral and ethical values in society.
Chief Editor of Vartha Bharati Abdussalam Puthige and Moulana Salim Khalifa Nadwi were present on the dias during the event.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Bengaluru (PTI): The opposition BJP on Friday intensified its protests against the Congress government in Karnataka over the Waqf land issue, holding agitations in different parts of the state.
On Thursday, the party held protests in Kalaburagi, Ballari, Haveri, Shivamogga, Udupi, and other places alleging encroachments by the Waqf board in the state.
In Bengaluru, the protest was led by Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R Ashoka on Friday.
He was joined by party MLC C T Ravi, Member of Parliament P C Mohan among several other leaders.
The demonstrations were held under the slogan ‘Namma Bhoomi Namma Hakku' (Our land, Our Right).
There were allegations by a section of farmers from Vijayapura district that their lands were marked as Waqf properties. Similar charges had surfaced from a few other places subsequently, and also by some organisations and religious institutions like Mutts.
With the row escalating, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had recently directed officials that all notices issued to farmers be immediately revoked, and any unauthorised amendments in land records without due notice must also be nullified.