Sharing a meal, strengthening brotherhood, upholding unity – a unique programme in Shivamogga village - The HinduPublished - June 29, 2026 08:42 pm IST - ShivamoggaResidents of Kunchenahalli near Shivamogga participated in Samanathegagi Sahabhojana, an event to promote social harmony, brotherhood, on Sunday. Superintendent of Police Shivamogga B. Nikhil, founder-president of Parivarthana Vedike B. Gopal, and others participated. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTResidents of Kunchenahalli village near Shivamogga came together on Sunday for a unique initiative to promote social harmony by rejecting caste discrimination and fostering a spirit of equality and brotherhood.The programme was organised by Arivu Bharata, a Kolar-based organisation committed to eradicating untouchability, at the residence of Jagadish Gowda in the village.A highlight of the event was an inter-caste community meal, during which people from different social backgrounds dined together as a symbol of unity. The host’s house was formally declared an “untouchability-free home”, and participants took a collective pledge to uphold equality, human dignity and brotherhood. They also took part in a tree-planting drive to mark the occasion.Shivamogga Superintendent of Police B. Nikhil, who attended the programme, said he had participated in similar initiatives during his earlier tenure in Kolar.“Such programmes help break caste barriers and strengthen social unity. The simple act of sharing a meal together fosters mutual respect and brotherhood. Despite legal safeguards, untouchability continues to be practised in several rural areas. We must make sustained efforts to eliminate it completely,” he said.R.M. Manjunath Gowda, Malnad Area Development Board Chairman; Arivu Shivappa, founder of Arivu Bharata; H.K. Vivekananda, who has undertaken a walk of more than 8,400 km in the State to promote human values; B. Gopal, founder-president of Parivarthana Vedike, and several other dignitaries participated in the programme.Villagers enthusiastically joined the activities, reaffirming their commitment to building an inclusive and discrimination-free society.Published - June 29, 2026 08:42 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }