Everyday if you tune into your favourite news channels, you’ll notice that there’s at least one debate that’s going on based on Hindus and Muslims. And even if they begin with something on sports or the weather, it’ll somehow find its way to a heated conversation on the two religious factions. But here’s the kicker. When you go out in person, you don’t see the kind of rift these reporters are trying to portray. So, what’s the reality?
In a short but sweet Facebook post, Delhi girl Sania Ahmad simply gave an example about how Hindus and Muslims live in her area. And the answer was clear as day. The hatred existed only in those TV screens and not on the streets.
“I live in the predominantly Muslim area of Jamia Nagar in Delhi. There are a few Hindu families that live near my house though. In an area of mosques every few kilometers, there is a small temple for these families here. Nowadays, because of Navratras, the temple plays bhajans all day. However, during each of the azaans, they pause the bhajans. On the other side, the Muslim meat shops near their houses put up a black curtain and sell their wares discreetly from behind it during these 9 nights, in respect of their fast and sentiments.
The beauty of peaceful co-existence! Sigh!”
Sania’s post was well received on social media and it looked like everyone learnt a very important lesson about co-existence.
1. We can all achieve that.
2. Louder for the people in the back, please.
3. That’s very true.
4. Everyone needs to follow that example.
5. Always, always.
6. How nice.
7. That’s why we need to share it.
As time goes by, the level of discourse among the so-called educated classes are becoming dirtier and dirtier. That’s why before it infects our lives, we need to show them that we aren’t willing to be shaped by their hypocrisies. Instead, we can share, compromise and love each other for the sake of a more peaceful India.