Mysuru: The Sri Madhava Krupa Ganeshotsava, one of the prominent Ganesh festivals in the city, witnessed a rare and significant moment on Monday, with two prominent Muslim experts inaugurating different events organised as part of the celebrations.
Renowned millet expert and Padma Shri awardee Dr Khadar Vali, popularly known as the ‘Millet Man’, inaugurated the Ganeshotsava, while well-known physician Dr Javed Nayeem inaugurated an exhibition showcasing the journey of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Several members of the Muslim community were also present on the occasion.
Inaugurating the exhibition, Dr Javed Nayeem said communal harmony had been his dream since childhood and called upon people to work together to strengthen it.
“Unity is our strength and harmony is essential for the progress of all of us,” he said.
He said greater awareness about the Sangh Parivar would help dispel misconceptions and promote better understanding among communities.
“It is not right to criticise the Sangh Parivar without understanding its work. Once we understand its service activities, we can appreciate its importance, strength and role in nation-building,” he said.
Describing the RSS exhibition as significant, Dr Nayeem said its message of unity was particularly relevant to society. “I have dreamt of unity among all communities since my childhood. The message conveyed by this exhibition is extremely important. Communal harmony is the strength of the nation and is essential for its progress,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Khadar Vali stressed the need for sustainable agriculture and sustainable food practices. Explaining the health concerns associated with excessive consumption of meat protein, he said millets and plant-based proteins could play an important role in promoting healthier lifestyles.
“There should be a wider discussion and debate on sustainable food practices. Millets have a major role to play in a sustainable lifestyle,” he said.
Dr Vali also said the practices and traditions of Sanatana Dharma had universal values and that many traditional practices had scientific reasoning behind them.
“If people understand the scientific reasons behind these practices, it can add greater meaning to life,” he said.
Chamarajanagar University Vice-Chancellor Prof M R Gangadhar, Ganeshotsava Committee president Dr Balakrishna Gowda, Darshan Raj, Vasudeva Bhat and others were present.