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An oasis of tolerance

MALERKOTLA, MARCH 31. Punjab is one of the states, where the line that demarcates people on the basis of religion is very blurred. Although many Muslims migrated to Pakistan following the partition in 1947, many, however, stayed back and it is not surprising to find that language and culture still bind the people of Punjab together after all these years. Six decades after the partition, all those Muslims who stayed back have prospered in varied fields of agriculture, business and professional services, another glaring symbol of India's communal harmony. And nothing reflects this facet better than Malerkotla, the oldest princely state in the region.

With more than 70 per cent of its residents being Muslims, Malerkotla is one of the two areas in Punjab where Muslims are still in a majority, and enjoying their social status as successful businesspersons, affluent farmers and rich entrepreneurs. The spirit of communal harmony that pervaded the history of this small state is still present and endured even through the most trying days of partition. Despite the fact that generations have passed, people like Sayed Iqbal Hussain have inherited the six centuries-old legacies of their ancestors. Top politicians, entrepreneurs or even ordinary people do not think of forsaking Malerkotla.

Though there have been many ups and downs, Malerkotla is one place where life flows smoothly as in the days of yore and remains an oasis of tolerance. "Bonds are strong and deep in Malerkotla, and each resident shares others' joys and sorrows -- be it a birth or a death. Hindus and Muslims live together with no problem between them. The government has its own policies but we are having no problem living here,'' says Hussain, a resident.

The centuries old Jama Masjid, a magnificent structure of great architectural aesthetics also adds beauty to the town. At this land of `nawabs', founded by Bayazid Khan, during the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb in the 15th Century, there have been many changes as time progressed, but the youth have enjoyed equal status in all avenues, be it education, employment and business, unlike many other Muslim countries like Pakistan. Faizal Haque a resident of Malerkotla said, ``Indian Muslims are on top of the world. I recently visited Pakistan where I saw that 33 per cent there are educated whereas in India it is 63 per cent. Muslims in India are far above other Muslims in the rest of the world''.

Professionals like Sayed Tanvir; a practicing homeopathic doctor, is the pride of the town. His specialty is treating patients who have come from all over India. Dr Tanvir said, "If there had been any discrimination in the country then A.P.J. Kalam would never have become the President of India. Pakistan claims that it has the most Muslims, I think the number of Muslims living in India is higher in any part of the world. Take my example, I am a Muslim and my patients are growing day by day. I am doing very well while sitting at this small place''. --ANI

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An oasis of tolerance

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