Pics: Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Jun 24: In a commendable gesture aimed at fostering communal harmony, Sri Krishna Math under the guidance of Paryaya Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji on Saturday June 24 hosted 'Iftar Souharda Koota' for around 150-200 Muslims.

After the iftar, in yet another historic moment, the participating Muslims offered Namaz (prayer) in congregation in a hall at the Sri Krishna Math.

Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji distributed dates to the Muslims to break their fast. On the menu were items like ghee and curd rice, payasa, fruits etc. The Muslims broke their fast in the Anna Brahma hall in the Math.

Among those who broke their fast in the iftar Inayatulla Razwi, Khateeb of Anjuman Masjid, Udupi, M A Gafoor, chairman of Karnataka Minority Development Corporation, Congress leader Abid Ali, Pejawar Swamiji and Eshateertha Swamiji junior, Rahim Uchil of BJP Minority Cell, Congress leader Abid Ali, Ansar Ahmed of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike and others.

Addressing the gathering, Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji stressed on the need for fostering peace in society and said, "There is an atmosphere of turmoil now, but it should transform into peace. Let this Iftar Souharda Koota at Krishna Math spread peace in society.

"Muslims in Kasargod, Mangaluru and Bhatkal have shown me much respect and had even given special offerings during Paryaya. When there was attempt to gherao Sri Krishna Math, Muslims came forward to defend it. In the Ayodhya Ram Mandir issue, I tried to settle the conflict by calling both parties and holding discussions, but unfortunately there was political interferene in the matter and the issue has remained unresolved," he said.

He also recalled that 30 years ago, a similar Iftar get-together was hosted for Muslims at the Sri Krishna Math.

In his address, M A Gafoor said, "Sri Vishweshateetha Swamiji has conveyed a good message on peace to society. Muslims have observed fast for a month. The message of peace should travel around the world. Many years ago, when there was drought in Udupi, Haji Abdulla had given oil to the Sri Krishna Math to hold Deepotsava, and thereby set an example of communal harmony. The Krishnapura Math donated land to Mother of Sorrows Church. We have been living together in harmony for decades. The decision to hold this Iftar Koota and offer Namaz here is indeed historic.

"Let Pejawar Swamiji's message of religious tolerance spread to the entire country. Nowadays we see other countries in so much trouble. It is painful to see such turmoil everywhere. Let this message of peace travel across the world," he added.

Junior Swamiji Sri Vishwaprasannateertha, programme convenor Arif, Suresh Shetty Gurme, Aboobaker Parkala, Nityanand Olekadu and many others were present.