Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, May 14: "A democratic system can succeed only when minorities are able to live in an environment that is free from fear," said former higher education minister B A Moideen.
He was speaking at a Muslim youth convention organized by Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) at Shanti Nilaya in Balmatta here on Sunday May 14.
"Secularism is the life force of this nation. Hence youths should stop propoganda in the name of caste and religion and instead should promote and strive for harmony. The coastal region was peaceful and harmonious in the past, so the youth of today have the responsibility of wiping out the disharmony that we see here now," he said.
"We have a history of co-existing as brothers. But these days, attempts are being made to sow the seeds of hatred among us. While we fight for our rights, we need to remember our responsibilities too. Even when fighing for justice in harassment and abuse cases, one should do so without considering caste and religion. Democracy flourishes when there are efforts to eliminate discrimination on the basis of caste and religion," he added.
DYFI national president Mohammed Riyaz Calicut inaugurated the programme.
Educationist Harekala Hajabba, AIIEA national president Amanulla Khan, DYFI state secretary Rajshekhar Murthy and others were present as guests.
DYFI state president Muneer Katipalla delivered the keynote address. DYFI district president Imtiyaz B K compered.