Karnataka’s Alipur draws attention for decades-old Iran ties amid West Asia tensions
Chikkaballapur: As tensions escalate in West Asia, the small town of Alipur in Gauribidanur taluk has drawn attention due to its decades-long religious and cultural ties with Iran, Prajavani reported.
Though geographically far from the conflict zone, residents of Alipur, a town panchayat with a population of around 25,000 Shia Muslims, closely follow developments in Iran. The town is regarded as one of the largest Shia Muslim settlements in South India, and many families here maintain deep spiritual and educational connections with the Islamic Republic.
Over the years, Shia Muslims from Alipur have travelled to Iran for religious studies, pilgrimage, and higher education. The influence of Iranian religious leadership is visible in the town’s institutions as well. A hospital in the village is named after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s spiritual lineage, and a large portrait of Ayatollah Imam Khamenei adorns the building.
Alipur has also been visited by several prominent personalities from India and abroad. Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, and senior Congress leaders have attended events in the town. In 2018, former Thai Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Sonthi Bunyaratglin took part in a Unity Day celebration at the village’s Nobel School. WWE wrestler ‘The Great Khali’ visited the town in 2021 for a private event, drawing large crowds.
Many residents have business and trade links with countries in West Asia, including Iran and Gulf nations. Some families are involved in the gemstone trade and overseas commerce. According to officials, more than 120 people from Alipur are currently residing in Iran.
In view of the prevailing war situation in the Middle East, the Chikkaballapur district administration has set up a helpline to assist residents stranded abroad. District Collector Prabhu has urged families to provide details such as the name, age, passport number, contact information, and current location of relatives overseas. Information can be shared through the District Disaster Management Centre helpline number 08156-277002 or via WhatsApp at 9591178093 and 9845531026.
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In era marked by conflict, Gandhi's principle of non-violence offers way forward: Vice Prez
Motihari (PTI): Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Saturday said in an era marked by conflict, division, and intolerance, Mahatma Gandhi's principle of non-violence offers a powerful way forward for humanity.
Addressing the third convocation of Mahatma Gandhi Central University in East Champaran district, Radhakrishnan asserted that fields such as AI and data science are opening new avenues for growth and innovation, as he urged the youth to embrace these advancements with curiosity and responsibility.
"We all know that Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment in Bihar, and Gandhi found his true 'karma boomi' in this very land of Champaran," he said.
Radhakrishnan said, be it Buddhism, Jainism, or the idea of socialist revolution, everything took shape here.
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"Bihar has produced visionaries like Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan, who shaped the moral and political conscience of India. I myself, as an 18 or 19 years old, had a deep association with the JP movement in 1974 as the district general secretary of Coimbatore," he said.
The vice president remembered the contributions of Karpoori Thakur, first president Rajendra Prasad and philanthropist Maharani Janki Kunwar in uplifting India's socio-political status.
Congratulating the graduating students, he urged them to embrace nationalism and play their roles in "building a healthy and resilient society that never accepts non-ethical things".
"As you receive your degrees today, you are expected to serve as torchbearers of India's rich legacy. May you carry forward the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and contribute to the realisation of a strong, prosperous, and well-developed India," he said.
The vice president advised students to use technology for personal growth and to empower society.
"Fields such as artificial intelligence and data science are redefining the possibilities and opening new avenues for growth and innovation. I encourage you to embrace these advancements with curiosity and responsibility," he said.
Radhakrishnan said specialised research opportunities provided by the varsity demonstrate its commitment to reviving and promoting India's traditional intellectual heritage.
"I am also informed that the university actively maintains a culture of sports and fitness as part of the Fit India movement. It has established a vision to provide world-class education and build proper talent," he said.
Governor Syed Ata Hasnain and Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary were among those present at the function.
