Mysuru, 22 September (IANS) Booker Awardee and activist Banu Mushtaq said after inaugurating the historic Dashera Festival on Monday, he felt that Mother Chamundeshwari “has invited herself to her absode” because she said that Dussera is only a festival, “it involves all to involve”, “.
Addressing the gathering over Chamundi Hill at Mysuru, Mushtaq said: “I am inaugurating the Grand Dashera Festival today with the blessings of Maa Chamundeshwari. Earlier, I mentioned that one of my close friends took a fast in the Chamundi temple. Karnataka.”
He said, “In this regard, despite the creation of all obstacles and a historical status in the state, mother Chamundi has ensured that I am standing in front of you today,” she said.
“This is the most valuable moment of my life, with all of you in this important, holy moment, under the shadow of Maa Chamundi. Dashera is not just a festival; it is the pulse of this land. It is a culture festival, a moment to include for all, and a fair of integrity,” he repeated.
Mushtaq insisted that all those born in this land have “ownership, responsibility and fundamental memories”. “This festival remembers the heritage of Mysuru Kings, culture, and the big dilita of Kannada land and language. The culture stands for the celebration of different voices. It carries the scent of integrity. Dashera is a celebration of our culture.”
“As far as I know, the Urdu speaking people of Mysuru have given their names in Urdu all days of Navratri. He calls Vijaya Dashami as ‘Silingon’. It has also become a part of their culture and literature.
Recalling that his uncle, Sipai Mohammad Ghosh served as a personal guard for the Masuru king, said: “I feel proud of it. There were many individual guards, but the anterior Maharaja Jayachmarajendra a paradise kept his trust in Muslim without any doubt, appointed him as his personal guard.”
Culture is called “a bridge connected to the heart”, he said that it does not spread hatred, and its purpose is to spread love. “Our beliefs and method of life are limited to our homes. We are always for life. The culture of this land is the mindset of inclusion.”
“Today, the whole world is moving towards war. When hatred and bloodshed has become an ideal, Mysuru Dushera reminds us that this state is a land of harmony and peace, a garden of all religions,” she said.
“Let us respect democratic values and all cultures. Let the fragrance of integrity spread from this land to other parts of the world. Goddess Chamundeshwari’s strength can guide all of us. Mother Chamundi is standing for courage and sympathy; let her destroy hatred and intolerance,” she line up.
Mushtaq said that she wants Dashera not to be limited to this state or this nation. “This should ignite the light of peace, sympathy and justice. Life has taught me many lessons. My stand is always for life – it is like a shadow under a tree. We should build life not with guns but with ‘letters’, not with hatred but with ‘love’,” he appealed.
“Democracy is not just a system; it stands for values. It is about respecting every voice and interacting with the lives of others. It is our duty to maintain it. We are all one – as the sky does not separate anyone, and the earth embraces everyone. It hugs all the humans that make boundaries. We should erase them.
“Goddess Chamundi reflects the vast strength of women. She represents the invincible spirit of femininity. Women are not only standing for motherhood and gentleness; they are also a symbol of struggle against injustice. I take inspiration from her,” she said.
He said, “Looking at history, the vision of the then king Nalwadi Krishnaraja Vadiyar becomes relevant. They nurtured the idea of distributing resources – political, economic and social power. When they shared they multiply resources, they multiply resources,” he said.
“Everyone has an uniform stake, and let Babasaheb Ambedkar’s ideals highlight all hearts. I have participated in hundreds of programs, burnt hundreds of formal lamps, and have received garlands many times. I also take ‘Mangalarati.” My biography, ‘Booker Banu’, will be released tomorrow (Tuesday), where I shared my experiences and conversations with Hindu traditions and people, “said Banu Mushtaq.
He said, “I thank Chief Minister Siddaramaiah that I should be invited to inaugurate Dashera despite all the challenges, and to increase my moral support,” he said.
Later, while talking to the media about his controversial comments on Hindu traditions and Kannada flags, Mushtaq clarified: “Do I perform Namaz or my relationship with God is personal. Religious practices are always limited to my home. I respect all religions and people should understand my statement only in my entirety.
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MKA / VD