Alva’s Celebrates Grand Iftar
Vidyagiri (Moodubidire): The 22nd Annual Grand Iftar Koota, hosted by Alva’s Education Foundation, was held at the Krishisiri campus in Vidyagiri on Saturday. The event witnessed the participation of over 12,000 people, including students, faculty, and local residents, reaffirming Alva’s commitment to fostering communal harmony and unity. A mass prayer was arranged following the Iftar.
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind State Secretary Mohamad Kunhi delivered the Ramzan message. Addressing the audience, Kunhi emphasized that societal transformation can only be achieved through goodness and love. “Evil cannot be countered with evil; instead, it should be overcome with righteousness and compassion,” he remarked.
Dr. Abdul Qadir Shaheen, Chairman of Shaheen Group of Institutions, Bidar, emphasized the importance of the Iftar gathering at Alva’s in fostering communal harmony. He noted that such events exemplify unity beyond religious and cultural differences, praising Alva’s efforts in this regard as truly commendable.
Alva’s Education Foundation Chairman, Dr. M. Mohan Alva, underscored the importance of interfaith harmony and the foundation’s commitment to cultural integration. “Religions across the world emphasize peace, compassion, and unity. Hinduism’s principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ sees the world as one family; Islam teaches tolerance and brotherhood; Christianity preaches love; Buddhism advocates non-violence; and Jainism promotes peace. It is our collective responsibility to build bridges of understanding,” he said.
Known for its inclusive approach, Alva’s Education Foundation celebrates festivals such as Deepavali, Christmas, Mahaveer Jayanti, Onam, and Manipur’s Ningol Chakouba, alongside national events like Independence Day and Republic Day. They also organize literary and cultural programs like Nudisiri and Virasat to foster unity and instill cultural values among students and the larger community. The foundation’s commitment to diversity and integration continues to create an environment where students from different backgrounds come together to celebrate harmony and mutual respect, he noted.
The Iftar feast included a variety of traditional delicacies and a prayer space was provided to observe namaz.
The event was attended by Udupi Additional Deputy Commissioner Abhid Gadyal, Alva’s Education Foundation Trustees Vivek Alva and Vinay Alva, Bharat constructions proprietor Mustafa, Vijayapura Royal school director Mohammad Indi, Alva’s Fizzeria and BCC owner M.S. Jainuddin, and Fortune Builders head Abu Lal Puttige, among others.
