Media's 'Fatwa' triggers controversy in Dakshina Kannada

February 5, 2014

Puttur, Feb 5: A few Kannada television channels and newspapers in coastal Karnataka have triggered a controversy by terming a local cleric's advice to students as 'Fatwa'. Muslim organizations in Mangalore have dubbed the reports as “ignorant and malicious”

Muhammad Kunhi, a well-known Muslim cleric in Mangalore and manager of Shanti Prakashana speaking to Coastaldigest.com said that media are deliberately trying to tarnish the image of Islam and Muslim society by wrongly using Islamic terminologies for irrelevant matters.

He also said that this is the right time for Muslims to hold a dialogue with media to clear misunderstandigs about 'Fatwa' and discuss about its significance in Muslim society. “We cannot consider an individual cleric or leader's opinion or advice as official 'Fatwa' in the current juncture,” he said

Background

A few television channels and newspapers on Wednesday while reporting an incident of Muslim students refraining from dancing at a particular school, dubbed a local cleric's advice as 'Fatwa'

A cleric of Kodippadi masjid in Puttur had reportedly advised his students not to take part in dance and other cultural activities in the school. As a result, many Muslim students studying in Kodippadi government higher primary school reportedly refused to participate in song, dance and other performances in cultural programmes.

Speaking to Coastaldigest.com, the physical education teacher of the school Stany Praveen Mascarenhas expressed displeasure at these developments. The school organises its annual day and achievement award programme once in an academic year. And on such occasion, students from the Muslim community are left out from cultural activities. This is injustice to the children, as our main aim is to encourage the students and nurture their talent, he said.

Even before, there already were restrictions on higher primary students not to participate in cultural programmes. But this year, it is being imposed even on lower primary children, which is distressing, he said. He said that the school development and monitoring committee (SDMC) had approached the Imam for permission for students to participate in cultural activities, which was denied.

“In the coming days, we will be more pro-active in encouraging the children to come forward inspite of the restriction,” he said.

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Warning! Cancer-causing chemicals found in bakery products, especially cakes in Karnataka

News Network

October 3,2024

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Food Safety and Quality Department has issued an urgent warning following the discovery of potentially cancer-causing chemicals in cakes sold by certain bakeries across the state.

Recent tests conducted by the department revealed that some cake samples, particularly those with vibrant colors, contain harmful synthetic coloring agents such as Allura Red, a substance known to pose health risks. The findings have raised concerns about the use of artificial colors in bakery products, especially given their potential link to cancer and other serious health conditions.

"We routinely test various food products, and this time, our officials noticed unusually dark-colored cakes on the market," said Srinivas K, Commissioner of Food Safety for Karnataka. "Upon testing, we found that a few cakes contained Allura Red, a synthetic dye associated with health risks."

The use of artificial colors, especially in popular cakes like red velvet and pineapple varieties, is widespread as it attracts customers, particularly children. However, many bakers prefer using natural, safer alternatives, while some opt for synthetic dyes to enhance the cake's visual appeal.

"Most bakeries use permissible, natural colors that are safe for consumption. Unfortunately, a few are resorting to synthetic dyes just to make their cakes more attractive," said a bakery owner from Electronic City, speaking anonymously.

Medical experts are warning that consuming synthetic colors can lead to numerous health issues, including asthma and allergic reactions.

"Some of these artificial dyes are carcinogenic, and prolonged exposure could have serious consequences, especially for children and young adults," cautioned Dr. Vandana G, a private medical practitioner.

While the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) confirms that only a limited number of samples tested positive for harmful colors, legal action is being taken against the violators.

"There is no need for widespread panic or halting production. We are closely monitoring the situation, and only a few bakeries were found to be non-compliant. Rest assured, appropriate legal measures are underway," assured an FSSAI official.

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