Indians united against terrorism and communalism: A convention in Chickmagalur (28-29 December 2008)

Karnataka
Komu Souharda Vedike
Karnataka
Communal Harmony Forum
Durga Nilaya,
2ndcross, Bapuji
Nagar, Shimoga. Ph: 9448256216

Indians united against terrorism and communalism
A convention by people of multiple faiths, communities and beliefs On 28,29 December in Chickmagalur

An appeal seeking your active participation and support on this important occassion

Friends

You are all aware of the consistent struggle by the Karnataka Komu Souharda Vedike for the past 6 years against the poisonous spread of communal hatred. In this struggle you have been a supporter and participant in one way or another. Unfortunately, Karnataka’s present circumstance has placed additional responsibility on all of us.

First, with the BJP government coming to power in Karnataka, the communal forces have gained strength. We have been witness to the state wide attacks on the churches, increasing atrocities against Dalits and the manner of conduct in Bababudangiri. This is perhaps testimony to the increasing communalization on the social, administration, educational fronts.

Second, the recent terror attacks in Mumbai have shaken the entire country. Muslim fundamentalism, Hindutva fundamentalism and communalisation have in turn been strengthening each other. As a consequence, the harmony and democracy of this state has been destroyed.

It has become the responsibility of every democratic and peace loving person to oppose these forces due to these two reasons. Last month, based on these issues, there was an intense discussion within the Central Committee of the Karnataka Komu Souharda Vedike. Following these discussions, we met with several progressive organizations. As a result of all these interactions, a decision to organize a convention which would truly reflect Karnataka’s democratic and harmonious nature was reached. The convention would necessarily unite all progressive, democratic organizations which believe in communal harmony for the state.

In the context of this decision, a convention will be held in Chikmaglur on December 28 and 29, 2008 which will bring together people of multiple faiths, religions and beliefs. The convention will adopt a central slogan of Indians uniting to work against terrorism and communalism.

As you are aware the Vedike’s work for the past 6 years has resulted in the defeat of a communalization of Bababudangiri. We have been successful in putting an end to all communal agendas and conspiracies in that region. But with the BJP government coming into power, these agendas have again sprung to life – the government has misused its power and reach to foment new rites and rituals at Bababudangiri. The High Court recently overturned a previous judgement which explicitly stated that only rituals which were in practice prior to 1975 could be followed in Bababudangiri. The latest High Court judgement states that the rituals should be scrutinized yet again. On the basis of this judgement, in October, homas and havanas were conducted during Datta Mala Abhiyan for the first time since the struggle began. In the same manner, even during Datta Jayanthi, homas, havanas and ‘religious meetings’ that were communally provocative were held extremely close to the Dargah in violation of the spirit of the shrine.

When the Vedike and other like-minded organizations and people approached the Supreme Court in the matter, the Supreme Court too upheld a decision banning brahminical rituals at the place. Given this background, we feel that organizing a convention that talks of communal harmony should be held in Chikmaglur itself.
We intend to bring together progressive organizations, heads of religious matts, litterateurs, filmmakers and artists, singers, and many others on those two days. We have conceptualised various programmes to highlight the fact that India and Karnataka has always had a rich tradition of plurality and communal harmony. These include an inter-religous meeting, a meeting of different organizations that are working in their own ways to uphold the culture of harmony, literary meets which will bring together poets and writers who have contributed to this culture, cultural programmes, art shows by senior and junior artists and a discussion with the usually reticent film stars who are now willing to associate with people’s movements...many other similar sessions will be held.

We appeal to you to not only be present with us on those days but to join us in the organizational aspects as well. As the appended budget reflects the entire programme is likely to cost between Rs.7 lakhs. We would be happy to discuss with you various ways in which you can contribute to this effort.

Walking together in solidarity,

KL Ashok, Chief State Secretary,
Karnataka Komu Souharda Vedike – 94482 56216
Deepu, State Secretary, Karnataka Komu
Souharda Vedike – 94483 67627
Gowri, State Secretary, Karnataka Komu
Souharda Vedike – 94482 20998