Wedding bells toll communal harmony in Gujarat

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.