Bhatkal: Amid rising global conflicts, misinformation spread in the name of religion, and growing hatred on social media, there is an urgent need to revive human values in society, senior journalist A.K. Kukkila said.

He was presiding over a Harmony Iftar gathering organised by the Bhatkal unit of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) and the Bhatkal branch of All India Ideal Teachers Association (AITA) at the campus of Shams PU College in Bhatkal.

Speaking on the occasion, Kukkila said that the fasting observed during Ramzan should not remain a mere ritual. Instead, it should serve as a process of self-transformation that burns away hatred, deceit and other evils within a person, ultimately purifying one’s character.

President of Sadbhavana Manch Satish Kumar Naik said it was ironic that despite advancements in science and education, wars and conflicts are increasing across the world.

President of the Bhatkal Government Employees’ Association M.N. Naik noted that religion should essentially teach compassion and kindness.

Taluk Primary School Teachers’ Association president Ullas Naik highlighted examples of communal harmony in Bhatkal, pointing out that during accidents, free ambulance services are provided without any discrimination of caste or religion, while textbooks are distributed to students in need, reflecting the spirit of brotherhood in the town.

Earlier, AITA State President Mohammed Raza Manvi delivered the introductory address. Among those present were Maulana Syed Zubair S.M., president of the Bhatkal unit of JIH; Nazir Ahmed Qazi, president of the Shams School Board; and Mohammed Sadiq, president of the AITA Bhatkal branch.

AITA secretary Rauf Ahmed Savanur proposed the vote of thanks.

The event witnessed the participation of prominent personalities and members of different communities, who shared the message of coexistence and communal harmony.