Inter-faith prayers offered for Nirmala Deshpande in Karachi

Inter-faith prayers were offered at the Jinnah Medical and Dental College here on Saturday for Indian peace activist Nirmala Deshpande, who recently died in New Delhi.

Karachi, May 11 : Inter-faith prayers were offered at the Jinnah Medical and Dental College here on Saturday for Indian peace activist Nirmala Deshpande, who recently died in New Delhi.

The prayers were offered by Hafiz Siddiq Memon who represented the Muslim community, Professor Nag Pal, who represented the Hindu community, Sardar Kirshin Singh, who represented the Sikh community and Father Thomas Gulfam, who represented the Christian community.

Dr Tipu Sultan presided over the meeting attended by people from different walks of life who paid homage to Deshpande, who was affectionately called 'Didi' (Sister) by her admirers in India and Pakistan, The News reported.

The Association of People of Asia (APA) organized the event, which was graced by leaders Dr Farooq Sattar, Syed Khadim Ali Shah, Manzoor Badayuni, Aslam Khwaja, Abdul Khaliq Junejo, Rochi Ram, Zulfiqar Halepoto, and Suleman Abro.

Deshpande was described as an icon of peace who desired everlasting peace in South Asia and other countries. Her vision for raising women's status in society was also extolled, while her campaign to uplift the conditions of the poor and downtrodden, besides tribals was lauded.

The unanimous view was that her stature was such that she could not be substituted for a long time to come and the void she has left probably could never be filled.

They were unanimous at the idea that Deshpande's mission of peace should be carried forward. They also discussed the immersion of Didi's ashes, brought from India by Karamat Ali and B.M. Kutty, in the River Indus according to her wish and mark of love and affection for the people of Pakistan.

It was decided that her ashes will be immersed at one of the following points, Panjnad, Sukkur or Kotri as soon as possible.

ANI