Mangalore, Nov 4: Shanti Prakashana publishing house celebrated its 25th anniversary on Monday November 4 at Town Hall here with a grand event.

Under the campaign, “Shantigagi Sahitya” (Literature for Peace) Shanti Prakashana has organized a four-day event which includes Vision expo, book exhibition, publisher’s meet, panel discussion, cultural shows, and seminars for women.

The book exhibition was inaugurated minister for forests B Ramanath Rai whereas the Vision expo was inaugurated by Mangalore South MLA J R Lobo.

Mohammed Kunhi, manager of Shanti Prakashana, in his welcome address said, “Shanti Prakashana has been delivering Islamic messages to the Kannadigas; moreover we have been able to initiate welfare works towards the society culturally, socially, spiritually and above all have believed in humanity.”

On this occasion three books were released -‘Tahfeemul Quran’, the third part translated by P Noor Mohammed in Kannada, released by B Ramanath Rai; ‘Maatu Hege Irabeku’, translated to Kannada from the original book ‘Zuban Ki Hifazat’, released by state minister for health and family welfare U T Khadar, and ‘Bhartiya Sanskrutiya Antardharegalu’ translated by P Noor Mohammed from Malayalam, released by MLA K Abhaychandra Jain.

In his presidential address, Ramanath Rai said, “Shanti Prakashana has always been working towards peace and welfare of the society. Vision expo shows that the mistakes done in the past must be rectified in the future. No one will correct us and we need to realize our mistakes and rectify ourselves.”

“People have become selfish and this negativity in the society must be eradicated, nothing belongs to us and everything is god given, we must do our duty faithfully and someday it will bear fruit. We are trying to differentiate ourselves in the name of religion, language, culture etc but the fact is, we don’t become communal when we preach our religion, but we become communal when we disrespect other religions,” he added.

State minister for health and family welfare U T Khadar addressing the gathering said, “We live in a materialistic society, but real wealth is in the growth and prosperity of the society. Every political party may follow a few ideologies but we all strive for peace.”

“It is true that everything today is exaggerated. Moreover, before knowing the truth the society contradicts, and ‘reasons’ that led to violence are created and then we try to solve it – this has become repetitive which should be stopped and everyone must work toward development,” he added.

U T Khadar also said, “It is the beauty of Indian democracy that we being diversified still live in such harmony, which can be found in no other country. Patience and deliverance are also important for today’s youth and they must be encouraged to work for the society.”

MLA K Abhaychandra Jain said, “Peace is the most essential part of a society and such programmes promote peace, growth and development in society.”

Mangalore South MLA J R Lobo said, “Religion is a very crucial aspect of the Indian society, although every religion preaches the same set of rules that are needed to follow, people in the society follow it by different names.”

“Shanti Prakashana has been translating books so that individuals understand each other’s religions. It is very essential to understand and respect other religions for our nation to live in peace,” he added.

Vote of thanks was delivered by Abdussalam Uppinaggadi. Addurazak Anantodri and Mohamed Mobeen Ullal  compered the program.

MLA Mohiuddin Bava, former minister B A Moideen, Shanti Prakashana and Jamaat-e-Islami president Mohammed Abdul Javed, welcome committee member A Pradeep Kumar, Dr CB Habib of Unity healthcare, Yenepoya Mohammed Kunhi of Wakf committee, Congress member Ibrahim Kodijal, Muslim Central Committee member K S Masood, Saduddin Salli, professor B M Ichalan Gaud, Vaman Nadavar, Welfare Party of India member Akbar Ali, Beary academy member M B Abdul Rehman, poet and writer Mohammed Ali, Shanti Prakashana members Gulam Maula, K M Sharif, Banu Mustaque, M Sadulla, Shahid Ismail, Janaki Brahmavar and Vijayalaxmi Shetty were present on the occasion.