Nearly 4,000 Join Peace Rally in Shimoga to Promote Communal Harmony

Shimoga, Karnataka, September 12, 2026: Nearly 4,000 people from Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities took part in the fourth annual Peace Rally in Shimoga on Wednesday, calling for communal harmony, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

Organised by the Shimoga Multipurpose Social Service Society (SMSSS) in collaboration with the Shimoga Souharda Samiti and other civil society groups, the rally began at Ambedkar Bhavan and concluded at Ramanjesti Park.

District Superintendent of Police Nikhil flagged off the rally and praised the organisers for sustaining the initiative over the past four years. His participation underscored the importance of cooperation between law enforcement and civil society in promoting peace and social cohesion.

Religious leaders and representatives of different communities joined the rally, including Shri Shri Basava Murulasidda Swamiji, Shri Shri Neelakantha Swamiji, Fr. Pius D'Souza, Director of SMSSS, Fr. Franklin D’Souza, Youth Director, Fr. Santhosh Pereira, Fr. Abraham and Fr. Glanson D’Souza.

Muslim community leaders Moulana Shahul Hamid and Mufti Shafiulla also participated, reinforcing the rally’s message that communal harmony can be strengthened through dialogue, mutual respect and collective action.

The event was organised as part of the broader “Brand Shimoga” initiative, which seeks to promote a positive identity for the district by highlighting peace, social responsibility and development. The initiative is spearheaded by Advocate K.P. Sripal, with coordinating support from Kiran of Open Mind School, Rafee and Jagadisha K.H.

SMSSS has been instrumental in bringing together people from different sections of society and creating opportunities for dialogue and peaceful coexistence.

The large turnout for the annual rally reflected continued public support for efforts to build a peaceful and united Shimoga. Organisers said the initiative seeks to project the district through its aspirations for peace, social cohesion and progress rather than the challenges it has faced in the past.

The rally brought together citizens, religious leaders, youth, civil society organisations and law enforcement agencies around a shared vision of communal harmony and a more inclusive society.

By Catholic Connect Reporter