Nathowal (Ludhiana): While one part of the country finds itself drenched in anti-secularism, a village in Ludhiana finds itself untouched by religious differences. Nathowal in Ludhiana has a population of around 7,000 of which around 500 are Muslims and around 50 members are Hindus. The Sikh and Hindu community members are helping the Muslims repair an old mosque and even construct a second storey, bearing more than 65 per cent of the expenses.
A contractor and president of Jamia Masjid, Mansa Khan said, “All three communities lived in peace here even before Partition. During Partition, 10 to 12 families migrated to Pakistan but 50 families stayed back as our Sikh brothers didn't allow them to leave. Today, our relations are only stronger.” Repair on the mosque started six months ago. Of the £25,000 invested in the project, around £15,000 have been contributed by Sikhs and Hindus. They also ferry bricks, cement and sand for the construction.
“Our village is more of a family. If a villager wants to donate money to a religious place he contributes equally to the gurdwara and the mosque. We will continue to uphold this spirit in the future. When we started work on the mosque, every villager pledged to help irrespective of his religion,” says Pyara Singh, block committee member and president of Gurudwara Dharamshalla in the village. A prominent member of the Hindu community, Bir Bhan said, “There may be communal tension in any part of the country but this village has always been peaceful. The villagers have even planned to build a temple.”
