Date:12/04/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/04/12/stories/2006041225240300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Kumaraswamy promises support for uplift of Muslims in State

Staff Reporter

Announces proposal to have a member from the community in the KPSC

RELIGIOUS FERVOUR: Muslims taking out a procession as part of Id-Milad celebrations on Tannery Road in Bangalore on Tuesday. — Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy

BANGALORE: As thousands of Muslims marched with religious fervour and converged for an evening of prayers, sermons and words of wisdom here on Tuesday, the birthday of prophet Mohammad was being observed in all its significance.

Assuring his Government's support for the uplift of the community in the State, Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy announced a proposal to have a Muslim member in the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) to help identify meritorious youth from the community and offer them government jobs.

He urged the community to take a pledge on Id-Milad day not to stop their children from going to school.

"Your children should get educated. There are plenty of meritorious students, particularly girls, among Muslims," he said and drew attention to the increased allotment for Muslims' welfare measures in the State Budget.

Mr. Kumaraswamy said he was ready even to sacrifice his post to protect the interests of the community. "I cannot say that I am the son of a tiger as pointed out by an earlier speaker. I am like all of you. The Chief Minister's post is not permanent. But your love and respect is what sustains," he told the gathering.

He said the holy books of all religions preached the same message of love, but the differences were made up by politicians.

Squatting in the makeshift pandal, the gathering of Muslims listened with rapt attention as Muslim leaders quoted from the Quran and explained the messages. The Art of Living founder, Sri Sri Ravishankar chose to uphold the spirit of Sufi saints, the message of love and Bhakti preached by them. "Our youth are being misguided by hatred and anger. They need to be brought back to the path of love. It is the responsibility of all of us," he said.