Mangaluru: In a unique initiative promoting equality, brotherhood and social inclusion, the Rajakesari Seva Trust (R), Mangaluru-Dakshina Kannada, and Navasahaja Samudra Sangathan (R), Dakshina Kannada, joined hands with members of the gender minority community to celebrate Raksha Bandhan in a special manner.
The programme was held at the Sri Munishwara Mahaganapati Kalamantapa in Police Lane, Mangaluru, on Sunday. Members of the gender minority community tied rakhis to one another and celebrated the festival together, conveying a message of acceptance and equality.
The organisers said the initiative was aimed at reinforcing the idea that people who may appear different in society are an integral part of the community and deserve equal dignity, respect and opportunities.
Celebration sends message of equality
The Raksha Bandhan programme was organised as a social initiative to promote fraternity and challenge discrimination faced by gender minorities.
By bringing members of the community together for the festival, the organisers sought to highlight the traditional values of Raksha Bandhan while giving the celebration a broader message of social harmony.
The event focused on the belief that social differences should not become a reason for exclusion and that every individual has an equal place in society.
Members of the gender minority community themselves participated in the rakhi ceremony, making the celebration an occasion for mutual bonding and fellowship.
MLA praises initiative
The programme was presided over by Deepak G Belthangady, founder of Rajakesari Seva Trust Karnataka.
Mangaluru South MLA D Vedavyas Kamath was present throughout the programme and expressed happiness over the initiative.
He described the programme as a first-of-its-kind effort in the state and appreciated the Rajakesari Seva Trust for organising an innovative social initiative.
Kamath also encouraged the organisation to conduct more programmes aimed at bringing different sections of society together.
The organisers said such initiatives could help create greater awareness about the importance of treating every member of society with dignity and respect.
Navasahaja organisation welcomes effort
Nikhila Kriti, Dakshina Kannada district president of the Navasahaja community organisation, appreciated the effort to bring together members of a community that often faces discrimination and social challenges.
She said efforts to build brotherhood among people who experience discrimination in civil society were commendable.
The programme provided an opportunity for participants to come together in a festive atmosphere and strengthen bonds beyond social identities.
The organisers emphasised that initiatives promoting interaction and understanding can play a role in reducing prejudice and encouraging a more inclusive social environment.
Guests and office-bearers participate
Charan Alape, Mangaluru Mahanagara Dharma Jagran coordinator of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, and Arundhati, district secretary of Navasahaja Samudra Sangathan, were present as chief guests.
Manoj Kunder, a member of the Rajakesari Seva Trust, was also felicitated during the programme.
Other office-bearers of the Rajakesari Seva Trust who attended included Dakshina Kannada district president Santosh Kolya, district general secretary Lokesh Kulal Mangaladevi, organising secretary Varun Kumar Bappanadu, sports coordinator Sandeep Salian and secretary Sharath Chilimbi.
Members and supporters of the participating organisations also took part in the celebration.
Focus on social harmony
The organisers said the programme was not merely a festival celebration but an attempt to communicate the values of equality, brotherhood and humanity.
Raksha Bandhan is traditionally associated with the bond between siblings and the promise of protection and affection. By facilitating a celebration involving members of the gender minority community, the organisers sought to broaden that message into one of mutual respect and social solidarity.
The initiative also sought to create a space where participants could celebrate together without social barriers.
The organisers expressed their determination to continue conducting socially oriented programmes in the future. They said such initiatives would focus on strengthening equality, fraternity and humanitarian values in society.
The celebration concluded with the organisers reiterating their commitment to creating greater social acceptance and encouraging communities to come together irrespective of differences.