A Gesture of Harmony: Rakshana Vedike Leader’s Mosque Visit Champions Unity and Shared Heritage
Bengaluru – In a powerful testament to communal harmony that has resonated across Karnataka, Narayana Gowda, the prominent President of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, paid a significant visit to the Masjid e Taha in Mathikere, transcending political and religious lines to foster a spirit of brotherhood and mutual respect.
The visit, marked by emotional warmth and a shared commitment to social progress, saw Gowda and his team warmly welcomed by the mosque’s committee. He was given a comprehensive tour of the facility, engaged in heartfelt discussions with local community members, and lauded the management for its extensive social services offered to the marginalized, irrespective of religion or caste.
ಸಾಮರಸ್ಯದ ಸಂದೇಶ, ಏಕತೆಯ ಕಿರಣ & ಸೋದರತ್ವದ ಸೇತುವೆ: ನಾರಾಯಣ ಗೌಡರ ‘ಮಸೀದಿ ಈ ತಾಹಾ ಭೇಟಿ’
A Call for Awareness and Educational Empowerment
During his interactions, Narayana Gowda delivered a motivational message focused on the power of education and historical awareness. He stressed the need for the community to embrace learning and aspire to lofty goals.
“Education is the cornerstone of progress for any community,” stated Gowda. “I urge our youth to dream big and strive for prestigious positions like IAS and IPS. It is equally vital that they are aware of the profound sacrifices made by their own forebears for the sake of Karnataka’s unity and development.”
He expressed a deep sense of disappointment that many citizens remain unaware of key Muslim figures in Karnataka’s history. “It is a matter of great regret that the stories of heroes like Ramzan Saheb, the lone martyr for the Kannada cause, and freedom fighter Dr. S.K. Kareem Khan, are not more widely known. Their legacy is a part of our shared heritage.”
The Mosque as a Hub of Social Service
Samiullah Khan, President of the Masjid e Taha Committee, widely known as Kannada Samiullah, elaborated on the mosque’s role that extends far beyond a place of worship. He detailed how the institution serves as a vibrant hub for community development.
“Our multi-purpose building is a beacon of hope and service,” Khan explained. “We host Quranic classes, a library, Ramadan arrangements for women, free medical camps, and other activities that benefit everyone. The strength of Masjid e Taha comes not from property or rental income, but from the divine blessings and the dedicated support of our youth and volunteers who manage everything from tiffin services to our cemetery.”
He emphasized that all their work is driven by a higher purpose. “After thorough consultation with our committee, we confirm that this work is undertaken for genuine social causes and to promote the sacred cause of communal harmony,” Khan added.
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A Landmark Visit and a Shared Vision for the Future
The event was also marked by the presentation of Islamic teachings, including Quranic verses translated into the Kannada language, focusing on humanity and the rights of women in Islam. This presentation was reported to have brought great joy to Gowda and his team, further cementing the bonds of understanding.
Samiullah Khan described the visit as a pivotal achievement for the community. “The distribution of books on our history and faith, and seeing them being read by leaders like Narayana Gowda, marks a significant step forward. This is a moment of great spiritual and social joy for us,” he shared.
Looking ahead, Khan recalled a pending demand from the community. “We have appealed to the Government of Karnataka to institute an award in the name of Ramzan Saheb, similar to those in the names of Basavanna or Kittur Chennamma. This would rightly honour Muslims who sacrificed for Karnataka and ensure our children learn about their contributions,” he stated.
Reflecting on the profound symbolism of the day, Samiullah Khan concluded, “This visit was about fostering divine brotherhood. We aimed to demonstrate the original concept of Islam—one of love and affection—by opening our doors and hearts to our non-Muslim brothers and sisters. It is through such gestures that the true spirit of Karnataka’s unity is strengthened.”
Key Quotes
From Narayana Gowda:
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“The legacy of Muslim heroes like Ramzan Saheb is a sacred part of our shared heritage in Karnataka, a truth we must no longer ignore.”
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“My visit to the Masjid was not about politics, but about people—a spiritual journey to strengthen the bonds of our brotherhood.”
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“I urge every child, regardless of community, to dream big. Our state’s progress is fueled by its youth aspiring to be IAS, IPS, and leaders of tomorrow.”
From Samiullah Khan (Kannada Samiullah):
4. “We opened our doors not just to a leader, but to an idea—that a mosque can be a beacon of hope and harmony for all humanity.”
5. “This was a divine moment of unity, where verses from the Quran in Kannada built a bridge of understanding between our communities.”
6. “Our strength comes not from bricks, but from faith and service. This visit has blessed our mission to serve the marginalized, irrespective of caste or creed.”
7. “True Islam is demonstrated through love and affection. By welcoming our brothers from other faiths, we live its original, motivational message.”
