Mangaluru: People from different faiths arrived at the century-old Kudroli Jamia Masjid, renovated in 2013, on the occasion of a special ‘sarvajanika masidi darshana’ programme organised by the committee. The management committee of the masjid, in association with Muslim Aikyata Vedike (MAV), Kudroli, and Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), Mangaluru, organised an opportunity for the public to visit the mosque on Sunday.The programme, aimed at dispelling public misconceptions about the mosque and prayers and providing accurate information, received a positive response.Visitors were warmly welcomed with dates, watermelon juice, tea, snacks, lunch, Islamic books, and gifts of perfume. Various exhibits, including messages from the Quran and the Prophet, the old and new mosque buildings, inauguration photos, video presentations, and Quran translations in multiple languages, were displayed for the public. Visitors asked many questions related to the masjids, namaz, azaan, and functioning jamats, which were answered by the committee members and religious leaders. Visitors freely roamed around the mosque’s interior, upper floors, and ground level, capturing photos.A public meeting held as part of the programme was presided over by KS Mohammed Massod, former chairman of Karnataka State Minorities Commission. Dakshina Kannada District Dharmika Parishad member Lakshmisha Gabladka, delivering the inaugural address, said that the programme provided an opportunity for visitors to have a vision of divinity. “Even when we close our eyes in prayer, our inner eye remains open,” he said.Fr Valerian D’Souza of Holy Rosary Church, Mangaluru, said mutual love is the essence of religions. “The practices of temples, mosques, and churches should be known to everyone. This is a new step inspired by God. These steps should not stop here; they must always continue. People must learn to live with mutual understanding,” he added.Ishaq Puttur, president of the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), Mangaluru South, delivered the Prophet’s message. Kudroli Khazi Mufti Sheikh Mutahhar Hussein Khasmi, MLC Ivan D’Souza, Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatha Temple Committee president H Jairaj Somasundar, Buntara Yane Nadavara Mathru Sangha president Ajith Kumar Rai Maladi, UAE Mogaveera Sangha president Lokesh Puthran, Bengre Mahasabha president Chethan Bengre, and others were present.
