To mark the 70th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and oppose the threat to communal harmony in Karnataka, Souhardategagi Karnataka, a forum floated for the cause, has called for the formation of a human chain in all districts of the State on January 30.

On Tuesday, Bengaluru will witness thousands of people joining to form a human chain from Nelamangala to Bidadi. Eminent personalities such as M.S. Sathyu, Girish Kasaravalli, and Baragur Ramachandrappa are expected to participate. Jnanpith recipients Girish Karnad and Chandrashekar Kambar have extended support for the movement.

‘Obscurantism, communalism threats’

According to K.S. Vimala, coordinator of Souhardategagi Karnataka, the objective is to “save the idea of India from the dark forces of obscurantism and communalism”.

Some cultural personalities too will be joining in from various parts of the State. “The need of the hour is to create an atmosphere where one can question without any fear and uphold human values. Formation of a human chain is a step in this direction,” said actor Prakash Raj. “I am coming to Mysuru to join the human chain, and I expect you (the public) to join me there.”

Theatre personality and activist Prasanna will join the chain at Surapura of Kalaburagi, where he is working to spread awareness about the importance of protecting the handicrafts industry. S.G. Siddaramaiah, president of the Karnataka Development Authority, will participate in the programme at Belagavi, said S.Y. Gurushant, coordinator of the movement.

He said the idea is also to register protest against government failure to contain communal forces and spread awareness among people to fight such forces.

He made it clear that the movement was apolitical and the intention was to send a strong message to those in power who are trying to divide society in the name of religion. “On January 30, every city, town and hobli of Karnataka will witness a human chain. This will be a first-of-its-kind attempt in recent history,” he said.

In Bengaluru, a human chain will be formed from Nelamangala to Bidadi, through Jalahalli Cross, Yeshwantput, Malleswaram, Seshadripuram, Vidhana Soudha, Nrupatunga Road, Town Hall, K.R. Market, Mysuru Road, Nayandanahalli, and Kengeri. “Approximately 5,000 people are expected to join hands,” said Ms. Vimala.