The village on the border between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu has set an example for communal harmony by celebrating Maramma festival together. Only a wall separates the Maramma Temple and a mosque, in the heart of the village. Maramma Kondotsava (a ritual involving walking barefoot on burning coals by devotees of the deity) is held in front of the mosque. During the annual fair, everyone including Muslims, as a mark of respect for the sentiments of Hindus, abstain from eating non-vegetarian food.
This festival imprints the imbibed tolerance of Indians towards diversities. Indeed, post seven decades of independence the attributes of tolerance and secularism should have been a day to day affair in our country. With unfortunate turn of events witnessing the fundamental feature of our Constitution is found to be rare.
In recent happening of the events, one among the temples of Coastal Karnataka, the Muslim traders were banned on trading in the temple fares. Tragically, as a reaction to the incident social media posts claiming to be Muslims stated, not to have trade with Hindus. Indeed, where diversities exist differences occur. But the differences should never be at the cost of country’s integrity.
The Constitution of India has entitled certain Fundamental Duties. Among eleven duties under Article 51 of the Constitution, ‘Protecting the sovereignty, unity and Integrity of India’ is one among them. The ancestors of our nation have gifted us the freedom at the cost of their family, life and education. Indian Union is the outcome of bloodshed of innumerable souls. It is the duty of each and every citizen to uphold the sanctity of the nation. Let our conscience and belief prove to strengthen the fraternity and not a foundation for country’s disintegration.
Image by Vikramjit Kakati
