A mosque that briefly turns temple every year: Communal Harmony Project-15

It's unbelievable but true. There exists a mosque where the idol of Hindu god is kept once every year for a period of ten days with no communal disturbance ever in the last three decades.

Right now all eyes are focused on Ayodhya, ahead of the verdict over the Ram Temple-Babri Masjid controversy.

But, on the other hand we have such shining examples of communal harmony, as reported by journalist Chandan Haygunde.

He writes about Gotkhindi town in Maharashtra's Sangli district gives an indication about the unique diversity of the country as also the fact that how far the common man can go in terms of being liberal and accomodating for others.

By any standards the Muslims of Gotkhindi have gone out of the way in search of coexistence and amity. The twon has a population of 12,000 and just 2.5% population is Muslim.

The tradition began over three decades back when rains suddenly came and the idol of Lord Ganesha were kept in open. It was suggested to keep the idols in the mosque for the period. Even though it goes against the monatheistic beliefs, Muslims obliged and the practice continues to this day.

Haygunde must be congratulated for the brilliant report, 'At Peace' published in Indian Express. The story can be interpreted in many ways but it is just once story. There are tens of thousands of stories of harmony by Hindus and Muslims [& other communities], unbelievable gestures that have not been told or properly publicised.

As a result of exaggerated reporting of the Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid dispute, an image of perpetual Hindu-Muslim conflict was formed in the minds of citizens, which hurt the integrity as also caused incalculable damage to the society. [Photo by Hansraj Patil]

[Harmony exists all around us but is often ignored. Instead, stories of hate, discord and communalism get spread easily.

There are a million examples in our daily lives across India but they don't get promoted, hence, news of hate and discord gets heard more. Let's change it, now. This is a small attempt to change it through Communal Harmony Project]

For reading similar reports on this blog, Click the link HERE and also find out more about Communal Harmony Project

#communalharmony #communalharmonyproject #india

December 6, 1992: Marathi poet's verse on Babri Masjid Demolition Anniversary

I don't generally write any post on the anniversary of Babri Masjid demolition. This year is no exception. However, I thought I could share this poem titled 'Common Pain' with you.

Qulfi is as we all know, is the desi ice-cream. Khobragarhe is a common surname among Dalits and Buddhists. This verse has been penned by Anand Gaikwad, an eminent Marathi poet. He is a Marathi poet and activist]

Now read the Nazm:

The poem has been translated in Urdu, Hindi and English here. It was once published in Shair magazine in Mumbai too]


December 6

Chhota Nasru sold Qulfi
Khobragarhe picked junk
Every morning they met at Patipura
Khobragarhe would buy a Qulfi from Nasru
That day Nasru said
'Qulfi nahi khayega, Ba'sha' [Buddy, won't you eat qulfi today?]
No, said Khobraghare
"Today is Baba Saheb's Niravana Day
......but where is your qulfi box?"
"Today they had demolished the Babri Masjid!
Nasru replied in a choked voice"
Silence stamped the street
And
The atmosphere around them, froze
Just like the Qulfi box

Anand Gaikwad

December 6 is also the death of anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar, an icon for most Indians, especially, the weaker sections--Dalits, Minorities and Bahujans.

It's said that for a large section of India, 1992, is now history. It is also being said that we have moved ahead and there is perhaps a new generation that doesn't care about communal conflicts.
Now read the poem in Devnagari Hindi script and Urdu

The fate of those--The top ten--who were 'heroes' of the Ram Janmabhumi Movement and Save Babri Masjid campaigns is known to most of us. However, there has hardly been any justice for victims of the communal riots that had occurred in the country after the mosque was demolished.

Also, there has been no action on the culprits of the Babri Masjid demolition riots. Two terms and the 'secular' Congress governments in Maharashtra still remain averse to action on even the Mumbai policemen involved in Hari Masjid firing and similar other incidents & even tries its best to shield them.

Ayodhya remains a besieged City that has an extraordinary presence of the Men in Khaki. The make-shift temple is there but for devotees it is yet to become a trouble-free place. Should fear stalk devout in the City of Lord Rama!

One hopes that as sanity returns, there will be national consensus and the issue is amicably resolved. Though there have been voices regarding national monument and hospital or construction of mosque nearby in the past, renewed efforts have begun recently, specially among Muslim intellectuals, who want the issue settled.