Breaking bread with communal harmony

Sarwarpur (Samrala): Sikhs who got a mosque built for just two Muslim families in the village in 2010 are now ensuring to be with the minority community when they break their Ramzan fast at the mosque.
About 90% of the village population is of Sikhs and around 10% are Hindus. “Before Partition, the village had Muslim population in majority, but they went to the other side. However, two families stayed back and we assured them that we will protect them under all circumstances. In 2010, they felt the need for a mosque to offer prayers. The village had a common land with a well where villagers would bathe. UK-based NRIs from the village, Joga Singh and Sajjan Singh, got the mosque constructed there,” said Darshan Singh, 85, a retired school principal.
“We do not want even a single Muslim in our village to feel alone during Ramzan. We want to be with them when they break their fast,” he added.
The villagers said the gesture of the Sikh community has roots in Punjabi values. “At many places in Punjab, Sikhs have helped in construction of mosques. This speaks of great values of Punjabis and their belief in communal harmony and secularism. Sarwarpur is an example of such values. The Muslim community in the village participates in our festivals like Gurpurb and we attend their sacred days, including Eid,” said villager Avtar Singh.
He said not only do they sit with them when they break their fast, but also share food and sherbet.
Muslims are also proud to be part of the village. “It is a great gesture on part of our Sikh brothers. They not only got a mosque constructed, but have always been with us during all festivals. During Ramzan, when we fast, they help us in various ways. They also bring something for us when we break our fast. After the completion of Ramzan month, we celebrate Eid together. We are proud of our village,” said Babbar Hussain.
The strength
The village has a population of about 2,000, of which Muslims are only 25 and they belong to a joint family.