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Communal harmony is generally referred to as the peace and goodwill among people of different religions or ethnicities.It is characterised by respect for the beliefs and practices of other people, and a willingness to live in harmony with those who are different.Every country or state in the world needs communal harmony. A country can only develop if there is peace and harmony among the people. One of the numerous concepts that the Indian constitution has inculcated is the core belief of secularism. The preamble of the indian constitution also contains the philosphy of secularism. India does not support state-sponsored religion and does not have a national religion of any kind. India is a country where people of many religious and ethnic backgrounds live. They are free to practise and propagate their own faith owing to the secular constitution of the country.
For a nation like India, with its diverse population and cultures, communal peace is a basic need. In a peaceful community, everyone is treated equally regardless of religion or ethinicity, and as a result tolerance grows among the populace.There are many ways to promote communal harmony among the people.
One way is by using the tool of education. By teaching children about the importance of tolerance and understanding, we can help them develop into adults who are able to live and work together despite their differences.Another way to promote communal harmony is through positive interaction between different groups or the religious groups. When people of different backgrounds come together for a common purpose, such as volunteering or working on a common project, they have an opportunity to get to know one another and build mutual understanding and respect for one another.
For centuries, Hindus and Muslims in the Hammu and Kashmir have shared a close bond, fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect,tolerance and understanding. The traditions of Kashmir reflect a unique blend of Hindu and Islamic influences, embodying the essence of a composite culture that transcends religious or ethnic boundaries. In the shared history of the two communities,People have celebrated each other’s festivals, respected one another’s customs, and generously supported each other as and when needed. The Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims have over many decades nurtured a deep sense of brotherhood, transcending religious boundaries to build a bond of mutual coexistence. In Kashmir, the prevailing atmosphere of love and respect reaffirms the inherent goodness of humanity and offers a glimpse of a future where communal harmony prevails over any divisions.The Kashmir valley although saw the unfortunate exodus of Kashmiri pandits but the things have once again changed for the better and the past glory is being redeemed in order to boost the love and respect among various communities. The Union government and the UT administration have taken many steps to rebuild the bridges and create an atmosphere of mutual respect and coexistence among local Muslim populace and the Kashmiri pandits.Many Kashmiri pandits have already returned to the valley whileas many more have shown their willingness and will be soon part and parcel of the much cherished Kashmiriyat.
The Kashmiri civil society has always been cordial and welcoming to the Kashmiri pandits.The Kashmiriyat per se is not restricted to the Kashmiri culture, tradition or cusine only but it includes the love between kashmiri communities.it is heart-warming to see many civil society organisations stepping in to boost the love between communities to strengthen the secular traditions among the people.
One such grand event which recently concluded and which gives a renewed hope of the revival of Kashmiriyat was organized in the SKICC by Indian Minority Foundation in collaboration with local Kashmiri groups.Indian minority Foundation is a non-government organization which aims to bring people of different minority communities together on a common platform with a mission to inculcate the spirit of communal harmony and participate as One Nation One Family for nation’s development.The SKICC event was attended by his excellency Hon’ble LG JKUT Manoj Sinha and many leading sufi Ulemas,Hindu and Sikh leaders and activists.A huge gathering of common people from different communities once again strengthened the core concept of Kashmiriyat.
One of the main highlights of the event was the presence of a high level delegation of Kashmir writers Association led by KWA head Dr Fida Firdous. Kashmir Writers’ Association is an ardent and vocal voice representing and advocating the Kashmiri ethos, the Kashmiriyat, known for secularism and brotherhood. All of its endeavors orbit around the plugging of brotherhood regardless of peoples’ faith, caste, and creed. It is always at the forefront to welcome moves and efforts seeking and fostering secularism, brotherhood, and peace in the valley.Pertinently KWA delegatation held many meetings with the organizers and other relevant stakeholders including the Indian Minority Foundation chief to discuss the prevalent challenges and the future course of action to present a positive narrative of Kashmir in the mainland India.Many of the KWA members also spoke to the media and shared their thoughts and future vision to strengthen peace and prosperity in the UT of J&K.
It is hoped that such events and gatherings would be continued in future to help the administration at various levels in its endeavor towards peace and development in the Jammu and Kashmir with a special focus on brotherhood and mutual coexistence.
Rayees Masroor
Kupwara Kashmir
(Rayees Masroor is a Freelance writer and columnist and can be reached at Rayeesrocks20@gmail.com )
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