Date:08/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/08/stories/2008090860370400.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

A show of communal harmony

Special Correspondent

— Photo: S. R. Raghunathan

COMING TOGETHER: Muslims of MMDA colony in Mathur near Madhavaram welcoming the Vinayaka idols procession in Chennai on Sunday.

CHENNAI: It was a show of communal harmony at Madhavaram here on Sunday when Vinayakar idols were taken in procession for immersion . The devotees were warmly received by members of the Muslim and Christian faiths along the way. The move was aimed at defusing tension that usually prevails during the occasion, police said.

Over a 100 Muslims on the Third Main Road of Mathur MMDA Colony received the procession in front of the Al-masjid-ul-aqsa Jumma Masjid. The Hindu residents of Mathur, who led the procession, were greeted with shawls and juice.

Leader of the mosque M.M. Umar Kathap said, “We all live like brothers and are from the same village. Today’s event is an example that we respect each other’s religious beliefs.”

L. Siva, who owns a cycle shop on the street, said, “I have been here for the past five years and have not seen anything as fascinating as this.”

As a reciprocal gesture, the idol immersion committee members agreed to host a feast for the Muslims on the day of Id.

A similar reception was accorded by about 120 Christians in front of the Evangelical Church of India, a street away. Fr Williams Vallavattol of the church greeted the procession.

The initiative, aimed at bringing about peace and harmony, was taken by the Chennai Suburban Commissioner S.R. Jangid.

A special team worked with representatives of the three faiths for several days ahead of the festival, he said.

“This is our way of celebrating the 150th year of Tamil Nadu police. Director-General of Police K.P. Jain has instructed the police to strive for establishing peace and communal harmony. We have made a humble beginning…,” Mr. Jangid said.