Author: Satish Jha & Ismail Zabha
Publication: Daily News & Analysis
Date: February 28, 2011
URL: http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report_wedding-bells-toll-communal-harmony-in-gujarat_1513742
The acrimony that germinated in the two communities
of Godhra after the infamous train carnage nine years ago is changing.
With the passage of time, people in the district
headquarters town of Panchmahals are doing their bit to ensure that communal
harmony is maintained between them.
One bright example is the mass marriage that
Muslims have been holding on February 27 every year - for the past four years.
On February 27 in 2002, the S-6 coach of Sabarmati
Express had been burnt. And on Sunday, when residents of Godhra were remembering
the day with soaked emotions, 27 Muslim couples entered into nuptial bond
at a big gathering, where a large number of Hindus were present as guests.
The mass marriage was organised by Godhra
Samagra Muslim Samaj Samooh Lagan Committee. The committee hit upon the idea
of holding mass marriage for 27 couples on February 27 four years ago in an
attempt to rise over the circumstances and ensure peace in the town.
"Marriage signals a new beginning in
life, so we are trying to spread the message of communal harmony among citizens
on this occasion by holding mass marriage and inviting our Hindu friends.We
have had enough in the name of religion and it's time to live together in
peace," said Sadiq Tijoriwala, a committee member.
For the newly-wed 27 couples, good wishes
poured in from all directions. They were showered with blessings by their
Hindu well-wishers. According to Tijoriwala, while the Soni Samaj gifted the
couples with gold and silver ornaments, other well-wishers from the Hindu
community donated over Rs1.5 lakh (by cash) collectively.
"Such efforts do help and eventually
bring both the communities together. There is a common perception among people
that Muslims and Hindus are poles apart and can't co-exist. But we have been
living together for centuries," said Paranjayaditya Parmar, MLA from
Santrampur, who attended the wedding.
