In a small village of Jagraon, the rural police district and sub-division of the Ludhiana, Punjab, something not less than a miracle happened. Some Sikh villagers did something that has set a beautiful example of communal harmony.
The Times of India reported that the village is a a Sikh majority village with a lone Muslim family. The villagers have helped renovate an over century old mosque. On Monday, the mosque in Malla village of Jagraon, around 45 kms from the city, was inaugurated on Monday by the Shahi Imaam, Punjab, as villagers organised a special lunch.
Naib Shahi Imaam, Punjab, Muhammad Usmaan Ludhianvi said,
The Malla village mosque was closed in 1947 after it’s run-down building collapsed. About six months ago, we approached the villagers, seeking their help to renovate it. Even as the village has just one Muslim family, the response had been overwhelming.
Like the day when the renovation work had started, the Sikh villagers, on Monday, too organised langar(community kitchen). Besides the fund contribution, the villagers actively participated in the construction work too. Such examples of communal harmony are not uncommon in Punjab.
The sole Muslim family is all praise for their contribution. The village sarpanch, Gurmail Singh, said,
Punjab has always been the epitome of communal harmony.Punjabis respect all religions and for them, humanity comes first.
Iqbal Hussain said,
Our Sikh brothers have always stood by us. And today, they helped rebuild our place of worship. We cannot thank them enough.
We are proud of the fact that our village represents unity in diversity. The renovation of mosque by all community members is a tight slap on those who try to divide people on religious lines for petty political benefits.
We wish such peace and harmony be observed everywhere in India!
