39 Years in Politics, New Responsibility: Saleem Ahmed Pledges to Serve All Communities as Legislative Council Chairman
39 ವರ್ಷಗಳ ರಾಜಕೀಯ ಪಯಣಕ್ಕೆ ಹೊಸ ತಿರುವು: ಪಕ್ಷಾತೀತವಾಗಿ ಎಲ್ಲರ ಸೇವೆಗೆ ಸಲೀಂ ಅಹಮದ್ ಸಂಕಲ್ಪ
Bengaluru, October 30: Political positions may change and responsibilities may grow, but the trust and affection of people and a commitment to public service remain the true measure of leadership. This was the message that emerged from a felicitation ceremony organised in honour of Saleem Ahmed at Gandhi Bhavan in Bengaluru on Friday.
The Kannada Shree Samanyara Koota organised the programme to felicitate Ahmed following his selection as Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council. Political leaders, religious heads, litterateurs, educationists and representatives of different communities attended the gathering, making it an occasion that highlighted social harmony, mutual respect and inclusive leadership.
‘I Was a Player, Now I Have to Be an Umpire’
Addressing the gathering after receiving the felicitation, Saleem Ahmed described his new position as a significant responsibility after nearly 39 years in party politics.
Drawing an analogy with cricket, he said, “Until now, I was a player on the field. Now I have moved into the position of an umpire or judge.” He said the new role required him to exercise caution, integrity and impartiality while upholding the dignity of the office.
Ahmed acknowledged that the Chairman’s position carried considerable authority but also placed a greater responsibility on him. Although the office did not allow him to engage in party-political activities, he said it provided an important platform to work for society and fulfil people’s expectations.
He recalled that many well-wishers had hoped to see him become a minister, but their prayers and blessings had instead led him to this important constitutional position.
“I am deeply grateful for the love, trust and affection shown to me by people from all communities. My responsibility is to serve everyone without being confined to any political party. I will discharge this responsibility with dedication and commitment. I seek everyone’s prayers and cooperation,” he said.
Gandhi Bhavan Becomes a Symbol of Community Harmony
The programme was inaugurated by noted litterateur and filmmaker Naadoja Professor Baraguru Ramachandrappa. Maulana Mufti Dr. Maqsood Imran Rashadi and Channabasava Mahaswamiji felicitated Ahmed. Former minister Dr. Jayamala attended as the chief guest, while Naadoja Dr. Ponde P. Krishna, president of the Karnataka Gandhi Smaraka Nidhi, presided over the event.
In his introductory remarks, Kannada Shree Samanyara Koota president Sri Shra. De. Parshwanath described the gathering as a reflection of genuine affection and unity among people belonging to different religions and communities.
He highlighted the significance of organising the felicitation at Gandhi Bhavan, saying the venue represented the values and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, which Ahmed also respected.
Parshwanath observed that the large turnout was a reflection of people’s genuine affection and trust in Ahmed. He said attendees had travelled from different places not for any material benefit or payment, but because of their personal regard for him.
He also expressed the hope that Ahmed would follow the inclusive political legacy of senior leader N.B. Nazir, who was known for maintaining cordial relations with people of different religions and dedicating his life to public service.
ಎಲ್ಲ ಸಮುದಾಯಗಳ ಪ್ರೀತಿ, ವಿಶ್ವಾಸಕ್ಕೆ ಕೃತಜ್ಞತೆ: ನಿಷ್ಪಕ್ಷಪಾತ ಸೇವೆಯ ಭರವಸೆ ನೀಡಿದ ಸಲೀಂ ಅಹಮದ್
Call for Religious Dialogue in Kannada
Samiullah Khan, who delivered the welcome address, emphasised the need for religious leaders to communicate with people in their local language. He highlighted the importance of making religious teachings accessible in Kannada to strengthen mutual understanding and trust among communities.
The gathering also expressed the hope that Islamic scholars would study and explain the fundamental principles of Islam in Kannada, enabling people from different backgrounds to understand the religion better. Speakers stressed that dialogue, education and mutual respect were essential for building stronger inter-community relationships.
Dr. Jayamala recalled her personal association with Ahmed, while Dr. Ponde P. Krishna expressed happiness that a former student of Seshadripuram College had risen to an important public position. Channabasava Mahaswamiji recalled his association with Ahmed and announced his appointment as vice-president of their math.
The programme featured Kannada songs by Vidwan Qasim Mallige Maduvu. S. Pinakapani compered the event, while Hajira Khanam read the felicitation letter in Kannada. Ahmed was also presented with a traditional Kannada peta.
Held at the Sri Mahadeva Desai Auditorium in Gandhi Bhavan, the ceremony conveyed a broader message that public office carries responsibility beyond political affiliations and that the real strength of leadership lies in people’s trust, inclusive conduct and commitment to serving society.
ಹೊಸ ಸ್ಥಾನ, ಹೊಸ ಹೊಣೆಗಾರಿಕೆ: ಜನರ ನಿರೀಕ್ಷೆಗಳಿಗೆ ನ್ಯಾಯ ಒದಗಿಸುವುದಾಗಿ ಸಲೀಂ ಅಹಮದ್ ಭರವಸೆ
