From Harmony To Hostility, How Dakshina Kannada Lost Its Secular Soul

CH NEWS

Shyam Sundar Vattam

MYSURU

Once celebrated as a cradle of communal harmony, Dakshina Kannada, formerly known as the peaceful and progressive Mangaluru, has witnessed a disheartening transformation over the past few decades. What was once a district that led the state in literacy, education, and social cohesion is now grappling with deep-rooted communal polarization. The catalyst for this shift was the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya in 1992. This event, which scarred the collective psyche of the Muslim community across India, found echoes even in this serene coastal belt. Instead of promoting healing, political players, particularly those pushing the Hindutva agenda. capitalized on the fear, resentment, and identity crisis that followed. A district that had long voted for the Congress Party and championed secular ideals suddenly became a battleground for majoritarian politics.

A retired senior police officer who served in the region candidly told CH how the social fabric unraveled in real time. It was shocking to see how quickly the atmosphere changed, he said. Dakshina Kannada was once a model for peaceful coexistence, but after the Ayodhya incident, politics entered religious spaces like never before. The rise of right-wing outfits, along with a growing saffron presence, brought not just political shifts but also recurring violence. Communal riots, street clashes, and targeted killings became alarmingly common. Educational institutions and social circles, once symbols of unity, became segregated along religious lines. With every incident, mistrust deepened, and political opportunism surged, he noted. Ironically, this district still boasts some of the best educational institutions and highest literacy rates in the state. 

Dakshina Kannada's story serves as a stark reminder,  peace and progress are fragile, and when politics trumps people, even the most harmonious societies can fracture. Will this once-secular district reclaim its lost identity, or will it remain a cautionary tale of division? Only time will tell.