Dispelling the canker of hatred in violent times

bangalore: if you thought communal feelings are taking a demonic shape be it through the gujarat violence or the recent clashes in j.j. nagar, there is a flicker of hope. bangaloreans, who have earlier stood against nuclear tests and the campaign of women against violence, have come out and stood up this time again. this group of individuals has come together to build a resistance and creative alternative to the growing violence.they come from different religious, political, social, linguistic and professional backgrounds. to name a few, dr s.k. biswas, professor, department of mechanical engineering, indian institute of science; dr rev. ambrose pinto, principal, st joseph''s evening college; prof. hasan mansur, former head of english department, bangalore university and member of pucl; dona fernandes from mahila okkoota; trade unionist balakrishna; and journalist c.k. meena have come together in a united stand against all forms of violence. the group has already been meeting regularly and has a basic aim of dispelling myths doing the rounds about minorities and other religions. they will distribute pamphlets that will convey correct information regarding the beginning and beliefs of key religions in the world. ``with muharrum, holi and good friday, we should leave no room for any possible violence,'''' says mansur. the group will substantiate peace initiatives by bringing out literature (pamphlets, booklets and leaflets) in english, kannada, tamil, hindi and urdu and distribute it in communally sensitive areas in bangalore. it will also hold peace rallies to be attended by students. ``we plan to hold a workshop in may to screen a film by anand patwardhan to be followed by a discussion on the theme of violence perpetrated in the name of religion, politics and domination,'''' says prof. biswas. ``there will also be an exhibition of photographs brought from the aftermath of gujarat carnage,'''' he adds. the group of varied ages, abilities, castes, genders, sexuality and ideologies is perturbed by the growing violence perpetrated by religious groups. the group will involve more students and youth to spread the message of peace and more importantly dismantle the barriers created so easily in the name of protecting a religious site even in the educated minds.