Life along the J.F. Kennedy Road in India’s second municipality, Machilipatnam, is otherwise a witness to religious harmony and epitome of unity in diversity.
Cupid-struck youths always cherish an evening ride on the road at least once in their lifetime, while non-resident Indians obviously drop by at Nair Tea point to claim that they are Bandarwallas. The three-km road that shares a border with French Colony offers a glimpse of unity and integrity among Hindus and Muslims, who have developed a strong bond of brotherhood over several generations.
The unique identity of the busiest roadway is that it is home for renowned educational institutions, offering primary education to Post Graduation and of late Madrasas and a Hindi Institute. Victoria Mahal known as Town Hall, is not just a venue for literary discussion for intellectuals and literary persons, it’s the sole venue that Masula residents turned into hub for cultural activities. Kekini Mahal, otherwise historical Bandar Fort, is literally considered a landmark from where a different lifestyle and religious practices of Muslims can be witnessed.
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However, the first half of the Kennedy Road up to the fort is known for habitations of the Hindus and others.
“Many friends invite our families for Ramazan and they also respect our invitation for Vinayaka Chavithi or Dasara. At the end of the day, a good relationship with our fellow residents is what matters, not the religion or social life,” said M.V. Nageswara Rao, a service centre owner on the Kennedy Road. Very next junction from the fort is a place from where one can take a path towards Koneru Junction, Railways Station or to buy Bandar Laddu at Thatayya Sweets.