Athavar Hindu friends' Ramzan 'gift' to Muslims

I would like to share my unique experience of the recent 'Mosaru Kudike' event in Athavar, Mangalore organised by Sarvajanika Srikrishna Jayanthyuthsava Samithi.

A large number of Muslim families also reside around the Athavar Katte area where Mosaru Kudike programme was held.

Muslims generally pay special attention to Aazaan during Ramadan days as they will be more particular about offering Namaz on time.

The Mosaru Kudike celebrations started at 2 pm with much fanfare. Devotional songs and filmy songs were being belted out one after the other through loud speakers. We had hardly any hope that we might get to hear Azaan that day. But to our surprise around the time of Asar Aazaan, the loud speakers suddenly fell silent. We thought it was just a coincidence.

Obviously, the Magrib azaan was very important for us as we depended on it for breaking the fast. The loud orchestra programme was in full swing. We thought of breaking fast checking the time on our watches rather than waiting for the Aazaan.

But to our utter disbelief, the loud speaker fell silent once again just around the time of Magrib Aaazaan. Moreover, all the programmes were suspended until the Aazaan got over.

I was completely overwhelmed by this gesture of my Hindu brothers and my eyes filled in.

At a time when there is a feeling of distrust in the society, I never expected such a noble gesture from the organisers of the programme.

However, the rich culture of this country has once again been brought to the fore by the organizers. They have set an example as to how people can be magnanimous and respect the sentiment of others. They have sent a message of brotherhood and harmony to the larger society. I would personally take this gesture as a hand of friendship extended towards me.

I would also like to appeal the Muslim community to accept this 'gift' with great respect and love and understand the huge responsibility that has been bestowed on us.

I thank the organisers of the Mosarukudike on a personal level and also on behalf of my fellow community members with the hope that more and more organisations would emulate the example set by Srikrishna Jayanthyuthsava Samithi.

The author is the former president of 'Kendra Beary Sahithya Parishath, Mangalore