06, May 2022 | CJP Team

In yet another example of India’s plural culture, two Hindu sisters have donated their father’s land to an Eidgah. According to NDTV, the sisters, Saroj and Anita, donated four bighas of land worth around ₹ 1.5 crore to an Eidgah in Kashipur town of Uttarakhand in accordance with their late father’s final wish.

Although their father, Brajnandan Prasad Rastogi, died in 2003, they managed to realise his final wish only now, as their father was hesitant to share his wish with children: a son and two daughters. Rastogi, a great believer of communal harmony, wished to donate the four bighas of agricultural land to an Eidgah for expansion, reported Times of India. When 62-year-old Anita, who lives in Delhi, and 57-year-old Saroj, who lives in Meerut, learnt about this, they contacted their brother Rakesh in Kashipur. The three siblings agreed to give the land to the Eidgah committee.

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!

The gesture touched Muslims in Udham Singh Nagar district so much that to reciprocate the goodwill, they offered prayers for the deceased on Eid. Further, committee President Hasin Khan promised to felicitate the women for their gracious decision. He said that the two sisters are a living example of communal unity. Regarding the father, Khan said Brajnandan was the first to donate money for important occasions. After his death, his son carried on this legacy.

According to the newspaper, the Eidgah is built alongside a Gurudwara and Hanuman temple. However, far from any conflict, the religious heads discuss and time their prayers in a manner that helps maintain peace in the neighbourhood.

This gesture comes as a breath of fresh air amidst an environment of growing communalism, and is a testament to how it is ordinary citizens who do the most to uphold India’s Constitutional values.

Image Courtesy: scoopwhoop.com

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