Udupi : Minister for food and civil supplies and consumer affairs U T Khader on Sunday hailed the gesture by Sri Vishvesha Tirtha, seer of Paryaya Adhokshaja Math in organizing an iftar meet at Sri Krishna Math. Around 100 members of Muslims community took part in the iftar meet held at Annabrahma Hall and later performed namaz in the same hall. The seer later personally served them fruits, juice and snacks in a move aimed at fostering communal amity.

Speaking to media over the traditional Eid lunch hosted by him, Khader said the community needs such meaningful gestures. “Coming from a person of his stature, the gesture will have ripple effect in fostering communal amity not just in the district or the state, but across the country as well,” Khader said adding it is this spirit that leader of Hindu chauvinistic organisations in the district must understand and replicate in true letter and spirit in their own backyard.