Mangalore: Not only in the Hindu, but fundamentalism exists even in the Muslim Community, said Dinesh Amin Mattu, popular columnist and media advisor to CM Siddarammaih.
After inaugurating a Kannada book titled, ‘Badootada Jothege… Gandhi Jayanthi, by B.M Basheer, the chief guest said that the writer should be the voice of people. After Sara Aboobecker, and Fakeer Mohammed Katpadi, we have not seen a Muslim writer.
What we expect from a Muslim writer is to share their experience as a Muslim in India. If we take a secret survey among Muslim women, at least 90% of them would not agree to wear Burkha. But, they are not ready to tell it openly. In fact, the Muslim writers have to voice the opinion of these people. Fundamentalism exists even in the Muslim community, he said.
He observed that there was a time when the Hindu-Muslim-Christian, all these faiths came together to carry out profession. For instance, he said that the Moghaveera community goes fishing, while it is the Muslims who sell and it’s a staple food for coastal Karnataka. Similarly, jasmine is grown by Christians, sold by Muslims and bought by Hindus. We enjoyed a good bond despite religious differences. But, today the communal element has come into our mindset. This is not good for a secular state, he said.
Asking the writers to be sensitive and reactive to issues, he said that this is the social responsibility. If we don’t react seeing an old lady selling vegetables or a small boy washing vessels at the canteen, we cannot become writers, he said.
Explaining about the book, activist Amritha Athradi said that the book which consists of 152 articles is a voice of the voiceless and aggrieved section of the society. These articles which have appeared in Vartha Bharati, a Kannada daily have been compiled into a book, she said.
Dr. Kalegowda Nagavar said that people don’t want to respond to the situations. There is no sense of retaliation among people. Silence does not solve issues, he said.
Author BM Basheer thanked Ladayi Publication, Gadaga and Sahamatha Manglaore for their support.
Dr. Vasudeva Belle welcomed, Krissna Murthy Chitrapura thanked the gathering. Basavaraj Sulibavi (Ba.Su) delivered the key note address.
