Udupi: Actor and social activist Prakash Raj was honoured with the Manava Ratna Award at an inter-community friendship convention organised by the Udupi District Muslim Okkoota at the UBMC Auditorium in Mission Compound, Udupi.

The award was presented by District In-charge Minister Rizwan Arshad in recognition of Prakash Raj’s social engagement and commitment to raising his voice on public issues.

The programme was inaugurated by former Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim, along with Prakash Raj and other dignitaries, by watering a plant, symbolising the importance of nurturing harmony and human values.

‘Raising our voice for people is our responsibility’

Speaking after receiving the award, Prakash Raj said acting was his profession, but taking a stand on behalf of society was equally important.

He observed that it was the people who had supported and nurtured him as an artist, and therefore, raising his voice for their concerns was his responsibility.

He also remarked that people were increasingly emphasising the importance of an artist’s social stand over acting alone.

Describing the coastal region as a land known for communal harmony, he called for collective efforts to oppose forces that create unrest and division. He stressed the need to understand the importance of the Constitution drafted by Dr B R Ambedkar and stand against inequality, caste discrimination and the mindset associated with Manusmriti.

Expresses concern over growing hatred and division

Prakash Raj expressed concern over attempts to create divisions in society in the name of caste and community. He alleged that people who spread hatred based on religion and identity were creating an atmosphere of fear.

He also voiced concern over what he described as efforts to create hostility towards the Muslim community.

Emphasising the importance of unity, he said the gathering should not be viewed merely as a one-day stage programme but as the beginning of a sustained effort to protect human values and communal harmony.

He called upon people from different communities and organisations to come together and resist attempts to disturb peace in the coastal region.

Announces two-year statewide public outreach

Prakash Raj announced that he would travel across all districts of Karnataka over the next two years, engaging with people and understanding their concerns.

He said the objective was to study social issues in depth, listen to the difficulties faced by organisations and communities, and bring the realities of the coastal region before the public.

He stressed that every major issue affecting the coast should be presented with supporting facts and figures rather than being discussed only through general statements.

He also called for meaningful conversations with people to understand the challenges affecting their daily lives.

Highlights employment concerns among coastal youth

Raising concerns about the region’s economic and social conditions, Prakash Raj said the health, economy and future of young people in the coastal belt were facing serious challenges.

He pointed out that thousands of young people from the region were leaving their homes and families to work in Dubai and other foreign countries in search of employment.

He expressed concern that the system had failed to create sufficient local employment opportunities for young people, particularly in Dakshina Kannada. He also highlighted the lack of suitable employment opportunities for women in the region.

According to him, understanding these concerns requires direct interaction with people, community organisations and those affected by the problems.

Calls for peaceful protests and continuous public engagement

Prakash Raj said he intended to engage with people through discussions and peaceful protests to create awareness about the social challenges facing the coastal region.

He called for efforts to unite people to protect the coastal belt, Karnataka and the country from powerful forces that threaten social harmony.

He cautioned against limiting such efforts to a single speech or public programme, stressing that sustained public engagement was essential to bring meaningful change.

Concluding his address, he said patience, unity and continuous contact with people would form the foundation of the proposed public outreach and social campaign.

The convention brought together people from different communities to promote friendship, mutual understanding and communal harmony.