5 days Ago By Shariq Majeed
Ludhiana: Setting an example of communal harmony , a Hindu priest joined those who laid the foundation stone of a mosque in Mandi Ahmedgarh . Shahi Imam, Punjab, Maulana Usman Rehmani Ludhianvi inaugurated work on the mosque. Talking to TOI, 45-year-old Vikas Krishan, president, Mandi Ahmedgarh municipal committee and a social worker, said that he, along with a gathering comprising six to seven Hindus and about 30 Sikhs, attended the inauguration stone laying function for construction of the mosque at Channa Road on Sunday.
Besides, he said that a crowd of 200 to 300 attended the event. The brahmin priest said that Shahi Imam, Punjab and organisers invited him to the foundation stone laying ceremony, for which they gave him a brick. Vikas Krishan expressed gratitude at being chosen for the "holy work" of uniting people.
Observing that no religious text sanctioned hatred, Vikas said that during the function, he was impressed by the messages of Shahi Imam. He also said that since devout Muslims have to say Namaz five times a day, having a mosque nearby would make it easier for them to offer prayers. President, Mandi Ahmedgarh Municipal Committee assured that he would continuously monitor progress of work on the mosque and support the cause.
He added that people of various religions lived in communal harmony and brotherhood in Mandi Ahmedgarh. Vikas Krishan said that among his acquaintances, those present at the function included Jagwant Singh Jaggi, Gursewak Singh, Maninderpal Singh, Sanjay Sood, Shankar Dutt, Subash Mittal, and Kamaljeet Singh Ubhi, chairman, market committee, Mandi Ahmedgarh. He added that MLA, Amargarh, Jaswant Singh Gajjan Majra also attended the function.
Shahi Imam, Punjab said that Punjab had always given a message of communal harmony to the country, which was exemplified in Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs coming together to lay the foundation stone of the mosque. "Punjab has always given the message of brotherhood to the rest of the country and we want this message to be repeated from time to time," he said. Members of the mosque management committee said that construction work was likely to be completed in around four months.
Qari Furkan Ahmed, secretary, Masjid management committee, said that land for the mosque had been given by the family of the late Haji Gulzar and his wife Naseeb for their Isal-e-Sawab (votive ritual of praying for the dead and doing good deeds on their behalf). He added that after construction, around 100 persons can pray at the mosque. "There were around 50 to 60 persons in Maula Basti area of Mandi Ahmedgarh, who had to go to other mosques for prayers, especially Friday prayers, so the construction of the mosque was important," said the secretary.
He added that in a few days, construction work would start after installation of a water pump. Secretary, Masjid management committee said that Nasir Khan, president, Khair-un-Nas Society of Hyderabad, had also come for the foundation stone-laying function. MSID:: 120284080 413 |.
