‘Sowharada Bharat’ urges unity beyond caste and religion, promoting peace, harmony, and cultural solidarity while condemning hatred and communal politics
Ramanagara
The book Sowharada Bharat, authored by Prof. Baraguru Ramachandrappa, was released at M.H. College auditorium on Sunday, highlighting the importance of building a harmonious India beyond caste and religious divisions. Speaking at the event, writer Dr. K. Sharifa emphasised that “hatred must be set aside to construct a united India. The state government is taking steps to implement anti-hate speech legislation, but those exploiting religious hatred for political gain resist such measures.” She stressed that messages of peace and unity should resonate everywhere.
Dr. Sharifa also drew attention to societal inequalities, saying, “Before independence, the British looted the nation; today, corporate forces perpetuate similar exploitation. This injustice under the shadow of democracy must end.” She condemned the Gujarat government’s release of 11 convicts in the Bilkis Banu case, citing it as evidence of how communal interests continue to undermine justice.
City Council President K. Sheshadri Shashi, who presided over the event, expressed concern over communal forces influencing media outlets to fuel hatred between communities. He added, “Truth exists beyond temples, yet devotion is not wrong. Like water called differently in various languages, the one God is known by many names. We must defeat the evil within and live in harmony.”
Dr. H.D. Umashankar of Nammavaru noted, “We live in challenging times. To counter rising communalism among youth, we must actively promote the harmony that defines our identity.”
The programme included cultural and literary contributions: R. Nagaraju welcomed guests, Padmarekha delivered the introduction, Shivarahalli Shivkumar sang peace songs, and prominent figures such as Kumabapura V. Babu, Dr. Ankanahalli Partha, Piyush principals’ association president Kottipur Shivanna, district Kannada Sahitya Parishat president B.T. Nagesh, folk scholar Dr. M. Bairegowda, and Dalit organization leader Shivakumar Swami attended, along with other literary and social leaders.
The event underlined the urgent need to replace hatred with understanding and strengthen India’s cultural unity across religions and communities.