Farooq Kesri, an auto-mechanic, was overwhelmingly proud that the country’s national flag he had been hoisting at the nearby crossroads stood as a symbol of positive change.
When all eyes were on Godhra on Tuesday as those accused in the infamous carnage case had their share of joy and sadness, one man at the town’s Polan Bazaar had something to show to the world: his loyalty to his motherland. Farooq Kesri, an auto-mechanic, was overwhelmingly proud that the country’s national flag he had been hoisting at the nearby crossroads stood as a symbol of positive change.
In the aftermath of the train carnage nine years ago, Godhra town in general and Muslim-dominated Signal Falia in particular had become infamous. The burning of the S-6 coach of Sabarmati Express gave people the impression that the town and the area were known for their notoriety.
When this particular stigma was haunting the town, Kesri wanted to take help of the Tri-colour. He started hoisting the flag at Polan Bazaar Chowk where his garage is situated. The chowk is near Signal Falia.
He would hoist the flag at sunrise and fold it up at sunset — respectfully and sincerely, without fail — every day.
He has been doing this since May 12, 2006.
“I’m going to change the country’s perception of Godhra and its Muslim inhabitants. Many people allege that there is a ‘mini-Pakistan’ on the outskirts of Godhra. In an attempt to dismiss those accusations, I began hoisting the beloved Tri-colour,’’ says Kesri. He says he wants to silence those who doubt the loyalty of Muslims in India for their motherland. And he asserts that the Constitution has given every citizen the right to unfurl the national flag and he is doing just that.
Today, his small efforts have helped spread an aura of nationalistic spirits in the neighbourhood. People come forward in large numbers to take part in flag hoisting on occasions like the Independence Day and the Republic Day, at the chowk. They also gather in big numbers to hoist the flag on festivals like Eid. All indicating that the winds of change are here.
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