Bridging the divide between communities : Part I
Sunday, 16 December 2012
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India is a land of myriad ethnic groups, where more than 1,650
languages are spoken. Amidst such regional variations, numerous modes of
apparel and countless mannerisms, the amorphous and flexible Indian culture has
not lost its moorings. The real strength of Indian culture lies in unity,
vigour and the ability to contain an amazing diversity within itself where
progressive thought has always co-existed with conservatism.
Veneration for other faiths is a part of our own secular system. It
is, however, pathetic that in recent years the communal clashes, the increasing
evidence of intolerance and disharmony and frequent denunciation of each other
have increased so much as to indicate that the people are forgetting their true
culture, and are allowing themselves to be exploited by selfish, uncultured
people who seek to disrupt and destroy rather than build and consolidate.
This is the story of three artists self-employed as effigy makers
who belonged to two different communities. The story is an attempt to applaud
the true spirit of patriotism shown by the trio who embarked on a wonderful and
fascinating journey of harmony and everlasting friendship. The story aims at
reiterating the universal philosophy, “Live and let live”.
It was the month of October. Farhan, Gopal and Imran were working
day in and day out to design the effigies and erect them on time on the day of
Dusshera, the festival that is symbolic of the victory of good over evil. The
election campaign was at its peak and a legion of supporters and volunteers
thronged the streets to organise demonstrations to appease the voters. It was
hardly a fortnight before the elections when a minor bomb blast (deliberately
planned by some extremist forces) caused a tremendous upheaval in the region.
Although there was no casualty, except for the loss incurred due to the damage
caused to property, this monstrous act was deeply condemned. Several suspects
were imprisoned and interrogated by the police many of whom were innocent.
How unavoidable circumstances can be!
“It seems people will not celebrate Dusshera this year around”,
Gopal sighed with a deep sense of fear in his heart.
“Why are the people of your community always suspicious of our
intentions?” Farhan questioned as he looked puzzled. “We breathe the same air
that you breathe. We drink the water of the same river that you drink. Then why
this hatred and discrimination on the grounds of religion?” he continued as a
tear trickled down his face.
The young man had got his thoughts painted with communal colour.
From one who had always respected and loved people of other communities alike,
he had now started deviating from his values. Neither of them was involved in
this morass, yet they had unknowingly become a part of it.
At this juncture, it is imperative for us to realise that it takes
decades to build a relationship of mutual trust. The more it is exposed to
testing situations, the stronger it becomes. Similar was the state of the trio
who were undergoing a great mental turmoil.
Imran did not have much to say, lest he would aggravate the verbal
spat that had broken out between Gopal and Farhan. He took out a matchstick from
his pocket to clean his upper jaw and continued humming a mundane song.
To be contd...
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activities,
adventure,
clild labour,
culture,
discrimination,
emotions,
evils,
hearts,
love
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