Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday declared that his administration will act as the voice of minority communities, guaranteeing equal respect and security for every religion under the Constitution.
Addressing the audience at the inauguration of the Karnataka Urdu Academy's annual awards, book release and the 'Jashn-e-Urdu' programme held in Bengaluru's historic Puttanna Chetty Town Hall, he outlined a series of steps aimed at strengthening minority welfare.
A special meeting is slated for next week to hear grievances from religious minorities, with invitations extended to leaders and legislators representing Christians, Muslims, Jains, Buddhists as well as Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe representatives. Shivakumar said the forum will help the government understand concerns and craft solutions without offending anyone's sentiments.
He reaffirmed the cabinet's commitment to fulfil promises made in the election manifesto and to protect the rights and dignity enshrined in the Constitution. The chief minister also announced that the state will review additional grant requests from the Karnataka Urdu Academy, promising necessary financial assistance to promote Urdu language, literature and culture.
Speaking about the Minorities Welfare Department, Shivakumar warned that dissenting opinions should not lead to the department's closure. “Our government remains dedicated to safeguarding minority interests and ensuring no community suffers injustice,” he asserted.
Referencing the oath taken alongside senior leaders such as Rahul Gandhi, he stressed that upholding constitutional values is non‑negotiable. The chief minister described Urdu as a language that transcends communal boundaries, celebrated worldwide for its poetry and shayari, and urged universal respect for its heritage.
He recalled his participation in an Urdu shayari session during the Mysuru Dasara celebrations, noting that the hour‑long event attracted audiences from Muslim, Jain, Brahmin, Kannadiga and Hindi‑speaking backgrounds, underscoring the language's inclusive appeal.
Image: Wikipedia — D.K. Shivakumar
📰 Source: Mangalorean News