Udupi: Promoting unity across faiths, the Sunni Yuvajana Sangha (SYS) Karnataka held a Souharda Sanchara—a harmony walk—followed by the Souharda Sandesha peace message programme in Udupi on Sunday.
The event began with a symbolic peace march from the Udupi Jamiya Masjid, concluding at the Mother of Sorrows Church, where dignitaries from various communities delivered messages of communal harmony and constitutional values.
Sri Vasanthnath Guruji of Jogimane Trust, Byndoor, applauded the inclusiveness of the gathering. “I asked if only SYS members were part of this, and was told it includes all groups in Udupi. That is true harmony. We must live as one people, one religion—that of being Indian.”
Fr Leo Praveen D’Souza, assistant parish priest, drew inspiration from Kuvempu’s anthem, noting, “We sang words of peace in school, but forget them as adults. A society is like a bouquet—one toxic flower can ruin it. God is one; we fight over names instead of living in brotherhood under one Constitution.”
SYS Karnataka president Maulana Basheer Sadi said the aim is to unite society against forces of division, and announced plans to hold similar events across the state.
Vittal Hegde emphasized, “The Constitution is our shared holy book. Religion is private, but the Constitution binds us publicly.”
Amruth Shenoy echoed this, urging frequent events to reinforce harmony in an increasingly polarized environment.
The programme witnessed participation from leaders across communities, including advocates, religious scholars, and social activists, underscoring the shared commitment to peace.