In Punjab, India, Muslims are observing Sikhs and Hindus joining forces to rebuild mosques that were lost during Partition. This effort is emotional for many involved, especially those who remember the violence that once affected the region. The land that once belonged to families was split between India and Pakistan, causing deep divisions. According to a photo essay by the Guardian, villages like Jakhiwal, Punawal, and Umarpura are seeing either the restoration of old mosques or the construction of new ones, often on land given by neighbors of different faiths. In Jakhiwal, a Sikh woman named Bibi Rajinder Kaur, age 77, encouraged her grandson to donate land for a new mosque. In Punawal, Jaspal Sharma, 48, from a Hindu priest family, also offered land for a mosque. After the mosque was finished in February, he hosted a feast for the whole village. Sharma mentioned that the call to prayer created a lively atmosphere in the village, adding that everyone contributed to the effort—some gave money while others provided bricks and cement.
In Umarpura, Sikhs helped restore an old Muslim shrine. Sukhjinder Pander, who worked on the restoration, noted that the community feels united, regardless of what happens elsewhere in the country. He emphasized that Punjab’s spirit cannot accept cruelty against anyone, no matter their caste or religion. This type of cooperation is not new; India Tomorrow reported three years ago about other villagers exhibiting similar acts of tolerance and support. India is often praised for its democracy, which protects diverse languages, races, and faiths. These residents in Punjab show that they don’t need legal systems to uphold these values; it is part of the culture. Pander pointed out that both communities celebrate important festivals like Eid and Gurpurab with great enthusiasm.
What do you think about this example of religious cooperation in Punjab?
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Source: Good News Network, by Andy Corbley