In Maharashtra's Latur district, the village of Rui is witnessing unity and tolerance between Hindus and Muslims. An ancient Ram temple, destroyed during the battle between the Peshwas and the Nizam of Hyderabad around 275 years ago, and a masjid/dargah, destroyed about 63 years ago by some Hindus who were angered by the violence under the Razakar Movement in 1947-48 have been rebuilt, thanks to the efforts of both the communities.
On April 9, the two places of worship will be inaugurated and a ‘National Conference on Communal Harmony' would be held, president of the Organising Committee of the conference Vishwanath D. Karad told reporters here on Tuesday.
According to him, the residents of the village, which has a population of 4,000, have initiated the programme. “The people belonging to all religions like as well as all castes and communities have willingly come together for the renovation and reconstruction of the Shri Ram Temple and the Jama Masjid/Dargah Sharif,” he said adding, “This is nothing but historic.”
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The former Vice-Chancellor of Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University, S.N. Pathan, stated that this was a model that should be emulated by the entire country to foster peace and unity.
The conference is titled ‘Hindu-Muslim Total Unity — Necessity for a Strong and Able India of the 21st Century.'
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It will focus on communal harmony and the infinite necessity for world peace.
Dispelling myths
Understandings and misunderstandings of the concept of religion as seen from the perspective of science and spirituality would also be discussed.
Union Minister for Power Sushil Kumar Shinde, Maharashtra Minister for Public Works Chhagan Bhujbal and Maulana Mehmood Madani, MP, are expected to attend the conference.