By Farooq Shah
I had been worried about how to fund my son’s further education for weeks, with no extra source of income to rely on. The fees for coaching centres are exorbitant, and I already have another son studying at the elite IIT Kharagpur in West Bengal, so the financial burden was weighing heavily on me. I knew I needed to borrow some money, but I was hesitant to ask my friends for help.
It was at this point that Anjali Om Raina, a Kashmiri Pandit lady whom I barely knew, came to my rescue. Without any hesitation, she transferred Rs 50,000 to my account, providing me with the financial support I so desperately needed. I promised to pay her back as soon as I received my next salary.
As I received the unexpected transfer, I was taken aback by her warm and affectionate gesture. It was truly remarkable, especially given the current hostility between Muslims and Pandits in the region. The recent events in which members of her community lost their lives in a terrible way made her act of kindness all the more significant.
Her act of kindness made me realize that there are still people who refuse to be swayed by the bitterness and hatred that surrounds them. Instead, they choose to reach out to those who are different from them, to offer a helping hand, and to build bridges of understanding and compassion.
The violence and animosity between the two communities has been on the rise for some time, fuelled by political tensions and religious differences. The tragic killings of Pandit community members in Kashmir only served to deepen the mistrust and hostility between the two communities. In such a polarized environment, Anjali’s outreach is not only rare but also extraordinary.
Anjali’s act of kindness made me slip into reveries of the time when Muslims and Pandits lived peacefully in Kashmir, and the memory of that time still holds a special place in my heart. For many years, Muslims and Pandits in Kashmir shared not only a common language, but also a culture that earned them an identity distinct from those living in other parts of India.
It’s essential to resist the schemes and manipulations of those who aim to create division among humans, especially on the basis of religion. Instead, we should take action to ease suffering and set a positive example, educating our children on the benefits of living in a harmonious environment.
Irresponsible filmmaking and media have the potential to exacerbate existing tensions and sow fresh seeds of discord between communities divided on the basis of religion. For example, portraying one religious group in a negative light or perpetuating stereotypes can reinforce prejudices and fuel animosity. This can ultimately lead to a breakdown of trust and understanding between different communities, making it even harder to build bridges and promote peace.
Cinema and media also have the potential to play a positive role in promoting unity and understanding among communities. By portraying different religions and cultures in a respectful and accurate manner, media can help break down stereotypes and increase empathy and understanding between people of different backgrounds.
It’s important for filmmakers and media professionals to be mindful of the impact their work can have on society. They should take care not to perpetuate harmful stereotypes or perpetuate division between different communities. By being responsible and thoughtful in their approach, media professionals can play an important role in promoting unity and understanding among people of different religions and cultures.
Division and hatred based on religion, race, or any other pretext only leads to conflict and suffering. As individuals, it’s our responsibility to promote unity, compassion, and understanding among people of different backgrounds.
One way to achieve this is by leading by example and practicing kindness and empathy towards others. We should strive to understand and respect the beliefs and values of those around us, even if they differ from our own. It’s also important to speak out against discrimination and prejudice whenever we see it, and to actively work towards building bridges and fostering a sense of community.
By promoting these values and setting a positive example, we can create a better world for ourselves and for future generations. We must work together to create a peaceful and inclusive society where all individuals are valued and respected, regardless of their religion or any other factor.
Anjali’s act of kindness is a reminder of the power of individuals to make a positive difference in their communities. It shows that even in the face of division and hatred, one person can make a significant impact by promoting understanding, empathy, and unity. It’s important to replicate such acts in other communities and spread the message of peace and harmony. We need more people like Anjali to lead by example and inspire others to come together for the greater good.
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