On June 20th, I was at home when I witnessed an event that rekindled the hope of social harmony in my heart, the same harmony I grew up with.
A few raindrops began to fall, and I thought I should check the roof to ensure there was no blockage in the water flow. My mother uses a portable tandoor, so I decided to store it away safely. As I reached the roof, I suddenly heard an announcement (It is there in beginning of this article). It was common for our village to make important announcements through the gurdwara, so I assumed it was one of those. The voice was that of our gurdwara’s priest, but surprisingly, it was coming from the nearby Baba Ramdev Ji temple. My mischievous mind wondered if the priest had left the gurdwara and come to Baba Ramdev Ji’s temple out of anger. However, after listening to the announcement, I realized that the ancient Ramdev Ji temple was proposed to be rebuilt because the old structure and premises had become dilapidated.
Over the loudspeaker, the familiar voice of the priest said:
“Our ancestors built this temple, and just as we periodically renovate and reconstruct our homes, it is now time for us to make some changes here as well. This temple has not been renovated in the last 100 years. With the help of the villagers, we must seek permission from the Almighty to demolish the old structure and lay the foundation for a new one. The start of this cool weather, marked by the rain, seems like a divine approval and a sign of happiness.
Living together in a diverse environment, we are fortunate to serve the Lord in all forms. Sometimes He appears as Nanak Ji, and sometimes as Baba Ramdev Ji. May this temple bring prosperity, wealth, and health to our village. May joy and prosperity come into all our lives. Let us all come together and lay the foundation for this new construction.“
In times when our country often seems divided by communal tensions, this event felt like a breath of fresh air, bringing a soothing sense of calm to my heart. It reminded me that the soul of India, defined by unity in diversity, is still alive. This harmonious blend of traditions and mutual respect in our village offers a glimmer of hope.
Good Day!
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