Need to strengthen human values amid rising conflicts and misinformation: A.K. Kukkila

Bhatkal: Senior journalist A.K. Kukkila stressed the need to reinforce human values in society at a time when global conflicts, religious misinformation and hatred on social media are increasing.

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

In his address, Kukkila said the fasting observed during the month of Ramzan should go beyond ritual practices. According to him, the spirit of fasting lies in self-reflection and moral reform, helping individuals remove negative traits such as hatred, dishonesty and hostility from their character.

Sadbhavana Manch president Satish Kumar Naik said that even though the world has made progress in education and scientific development, conflicts and wars continue to grow across many regions.

President of the Bhatkal Government Employees’ Association M.N. Naik said that the core teachings of religion promote compassion, empathy and goodwill towards others.

Taluk Primary School Teachers’ Association president Ullas Naik pointed to Bhatkal as an example of communal harmony. He said that during emergencies such as accidents, free ambulance services are often provided without considering caste or religion, and educational support such as textbooks is extended to students in need, reflecting the town’s tradition of mutual support.

Earlier, AITA State President Mohammed Raza Manvi delivered the introductory address. Those present at the programme included Maulana Syed Zubair S.M., president of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Bhatkal unit; Nazir Ahmed Qazi, president of the Shams School Board; and Mohammed Sadiq, president of AITA Bhatkal branch.

The vote of thanks was delivered by AITA secretary Rauf Ahmed Savanur. The programme was attended by several community leaders and members from different sections of society, who gathered to share a message of harmony and peaceful coexistence.