04, Nov 2023 | Mariyam Usmani

If you love stargazing you would love Rajasthan because after the dusty storms the stars become clear enough for bare eyes. But what about the storms of hate flowing fast, flinging stinging grains of sand in the eyes of the public so that we become blind to the everyday reality of collective harmony?

Amidst the systematic hate leading to growing anger and despair, it is important to showcase a lived reality of camaraderie, equality and sharing which is the bedrock of the Indian Constitution and secularism. That way we not only hold on to every thread of hope, but effectively project these narratives, lest we lose our will to fight the good fight. As part of our #EverydayHarmony series, CJP brings you instances where Indians share and care, every single day… our food, our businesses, our homes and our friendships. This instances show how we Indians continue to reject hateful and divisive agendas even while street violence and social media are used as part of a sinister, hate-filled political agenda to tell us otherwise. Let’s reinforce India’s everyday lived reality, and through that collectively and aggressively, uphold and defend a unique pluralism, a diverse culture and truly secular values. Donate now to help us combat hate and prejudice!

For the past months, the western state of Rajasthan has been peppered with fuelled hate, inciting prejudice against Muslims, the game plan being to polarise voting-behaviour as the assembly elections approach. Rajasthan goes to polls on November 23. The socio-political moves from ultra, right-wing organisations like VHP, RSS and Bajrang Dal and their mushrooming affiliates have considerably grown in the past few months. The opposition either remains silent or feebly attempts to bust the manipulated hate. It is therefore important to take note of the existing reality, the everyday, heart-warming instances of lived positives that are the natural foil to both fake news and hate-speech. We must also question why psychologists suggest to stay away from the toxic news-shows and why independent journalists like Ravish Kumar recommend that the rational citizens should not consume the godi-media news or irrational information from news hour anchors? These everyday stories of hope are a frequent reminder of our treasured Ganga-Jamuni heritage.

The pink city of Jaipur, the light flickers of the Jodhpur, the vibrant folk art, colourful embroidery, the legacy of classic music and dance have been fascinating people from different places and communities for decades. Travellers imbibe these sparks of stars to strengthen their footsteps and invoke the path ahead. CJP has a regular monitor in its Nafrat ka Naqsha. While we log in data of peppered hate —during April, 2023 CJP has taken note of the spiteful Trishul distribution events in Rajasthan, where the speakers provoked the Hindu mob against the minority via manufactured narratives and impelled them for violence—we need to also constantly record the welcome reprieve from everyday harmony. These instances are also important means to counter the injustices caused by hate and exclusion.

Over just a few short weeks, Rajasthan has also witnessed tales of courage and syncretic sagacity which can fortify the foothold of our everyday religious harmony.

Barmer

Rajasthan consists of a considerably low ratio of Muslim population and most of the districts are dominated by the Hindu community. Several times, orthodox norms, misogyny, communalism and casteism have spilt and resulted in the brutal incidents of discrimination, still wise and grounded people have not left believing in the ethos of accord. In the Barmer district of Rajasthan, many villages have celebrated the pious month of Ramzan. Gohad ka tala, Aarbi ki Gafan, Saroope ka tala and Navatala villages own the legacy of partition when a throng of citizens from Pakistan came and got shelter in adjoining districts. Some villagers are even followers of Peer-Pithora who has an enormous fan-following in Sindh, Pakistan.

A report in LiveHindustan tells us they have been following the Islamic rituals during the month of Ramzan for decades. The cultural similarity and parallel values fix them through the yarn of affection where no communal barriers exist to differentiate and boost the trenches. They wake up at Sehri (the early morning ritual), keep Roza (fast), do Iftar (break the fast) and offer Namaz with a noteworthy bravura. Sharing food and prayers on the same ‘Dastarkwan’ ( place food mat) while several streets are swelling up with the clatter and chaos of hateful slogans is beautiful enough to melt down the mountains of prejudices.

Jaipur  

In the similar way, Jaipur, particularly known for its historical- cultural significance has also witnessed a similar instance where citizens have crossed the walls of religion and division of faith.

As reported by The New Indian Express, Rajendra Bagadi from the pink city was suffering from cancer and unfortunately, he lost his life during the brutal Covid-19 pandemic. However, the local Muslims came to the forefront and took the responsibility of rituals while Rajendra’s wife and children accompanied them. Showing a true spirit of fraternity and humanitarian principle, they supported the family during such a fragile time.  At the time, the video of Muslims performing the last rites of this Hindu man also went viral on the social-media portals where netizens hailed this story via powerful comments and appreciation.

Karauli

The recently released Bollywood fiction movie, ‘Afwah’ sheds some light on the element of fake news and hate speech in the city of Rajasthan. But what do people do when a hate-incident takes place or when rumours flutter to rouse ferocity? Most of the time, the herd has no time (nor inclination) to fact-check or scrutinise the veracity of the information being peddled, but they do spend time and energy to spread the poison.

Madhulika Rajput, a middle-aged lady who runs a shop in the town was not among them. She gave shelter to the Muslim men when a ferocious Hindu mob was chasing them. The violent crowd was also repeating the catchphrase of ‘Jai Shri ram’ but she took a sane step by saving the Muslim men inside the complex. While expressing her perplexities regarding the mishap she said – ‘They asked if anyone was hiding, but I said no one was here. I did not want the riot to spread further.’

Around 35 people got wounded during the bout but her wisdom has set an example against growing communalism. It’s also a powerful response to those chauvinists who underestimate the bravery of their women among conflict.

The word ‘Rajasthan’ translates into ‘the land of kings’. Now it depends on us whether we want to nurture the kings of hate, autocracy and oppression or we choose ordinary people who display, every day, a deep understanding of humanity while saving the crux of democracy.

Related:

An oasis of Sufi harmony, Hazrat Nizamuddin’s tomb stands out

Everyday Harmony: Muslim Man Risks Life To Save A Hindu Girl From Drowning In Madhya Pradesh

Love & Harmony over Hate: Int’l Day to Counter Hate speech, CJP’s unique efforts