Jan. - March 2006 
Year 12    No.114

Cover Story


The Media: Harbinger of good news

 
Varanasi bounces back leaving behind Terrible Tuesday fears

BY AMAN SHARMA
March 13, 2006

Varanasi, March 12: If those who triggered the serial blasts here last week were aiming to disrupt communal
harmony, they have failed. Five days later, no communal violence or rioting has been reported. The police did not have to detain even one person for inciting communal tension, as is usual after such incidents. Massive processions were taken out following the blasts but none targeted any community. In the 50-odd inter-religious rallies taken out jointly by Hindus and Muslims, Varanasi spoke in one voice against terrorism.

"This is the Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb (Hindu-Muslim culture) of this city," says outgoing Varanasi SSP Navniet Sekera. "The economic set-up of the city is such that it weaves both communities together so strongly. You have Hindus and Muslims producing the famous Benarasi silk saris together. Many Muslims run travel and tour businesses in the city, which mainly depend on tourists to temple destinations. The communal harmony here is remarkable."

That explains why Varanasi was back on its feet within two hours of the blasts. The main market near the Dasashvamedh and Godaulia ghats reopened at 9 p.m. and remained open late into the evening of March 7. "The next day BJP workers forced us to close down though we wanted to keep our shops open to send a strong message to terrorists," says prasad seller Tulsi Nath.

At Gauriganj there are over 200 sari units mostly owned by Muslims where Hindu artisans are employed. "We are one. Nothing can divide us," says Mohammad Sadiq Haq who employs nearly two dozen Hindus in his loom.

Another instance of the Hindu-Muslim bond was seen at the Indian Medical Association as its blood bank in-charge, Dr Kartikeya Singh, announced: "We are not taking any more blood donations now. Our refrigerators are full because people lined up in scores to donate blood after the blasts. Muslims and women were the main donors." Ahmed Khan, secretary to shehnai legend Bismillah Khan, says he inspired scores from his community to donate blood for the injured. "That is the best way to send the message that we are one. Everyone knows that Ustad Bismillah Khan has played the shehnai all his life at the Sankat Mochan temple," Khan tells us.

The city is now into its week-long festivities for Holi, which began with traditional verve on Friday, with people thronging the Kashi Vishwanath temple. "The town smells of spirituality and colour. No tension or fear was evident during the celebration yesterday. Varanasi is bouncing back," says district magistrate Nitin Gokharan.

(Courtesy: The Indian Express.)


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