New Delhi

India is home to world’s most religions, myriad cultures, languages and dialects. The India template in a unique one and doesn’t fit into any preconceived or seen anywhere in the world. It’s only natural for people to interact and create stories of unity and harmony. Awaz-the Voice brings you five such published stories, “Unforgettable Experiences” that you can read at the year-end and begin New Year on an optimistic and joyous note:

In 2007, as school children living in a Bihar village, we were unaware of the divisions the world often tries to impose. Life was simple, and happiness came easily. Festivals were moments of joy, not symbols of difference. Among all those days, "Makar Sankranti" holds a special place in my heart, because it was a day that brought me closer to Anil and his family.

As the festrival marking the transition of the sun from the zodiac of Sagittarius to Capricorn is approaching (January 14), my mind goes back to those days of love and innocence.

Read Full Story: https://www.awazthevoice.in/stories-news/ashhar-anil-dosti-a-bond-that-transcends-religions-46007.html

Mrs. Yasmin entered my life in Class 7, tall, graceful, with a voice that could make even the dullest poem sound like a secret being shared. She was Muslim, and everyone in school knew when she got married because for weeks, the staffroom was filled with congratulations and glowing compliments. 

She had married in the traditional Muslim fashion, Nikah under a shimmering dupatta, hands adorned with beautiful henna. We had seen photographs of her wedding, she looked radiant, elegant, exactly as a Lucknawi bride should.

Read Full Story: https://www.awazthevoice.in/stories-news/young-bride-mrs-yasim-taught-me-differences-can-be-celebrated-45933.html

A group of enthusiastic cricketers from our neighbourhood, including myself, expressed our desire to play for that renowned club and even went to its grounds. My teammates included a few Dalits and four or five Muslims.

Anyway, most of the people at the club were Bengali-speaking upper-caste Hindus and Ashraf Muslims. They told me that while I could play, my friends were not welcome. They didn’t hide their scorn and contempt while saying, "We won't let these low-class people play. How can they play with us!" One of them said without batting an eyelid.

Read Full Story: https://www.awazthevoice.in/stories-news/cricket-taught-me-to-value-human-talent-over-caste-and-religion-45787.html

One summer afternoon, my uncle was closing his mill for lunch break when a stranger approached him. “Can you guide me to Bablooji’s house?” he enquired. Bablooji was an engineer posted in Pulwama, South Kashmir. His old mother lived alone in the house, which was located on the backside of ours.

Like other non-Muslims, Bablooji (nickname) too lived and worked in a secure zone, as per the official policy. Occasionally, he visited home to meet his mother.

My Uncle directed him to Bablooji’s house.

He had closed two gates of his mills and was crossing the small bridge over the canal to his home when he heard the gunshots. 

Read Full Story: https://www.awazthevoice.in/stories-news/when-muslim-villagers-wept-for-hindus-fleeing-after-killings-44943.html

Phoolchand ji's eyes lit up with a resolve to protect my family. He immediately woke up all the male members of his family; everyone picked up lathis. They woke up the other neighbours too.

ALSO READ: Visiting Lord Ayyappa’s Muslim friend Vavar during the Sabrimala pilgrimage

About ten or 12 people brandishing sticks were standing outside my house when my wife woke up to the call of the doorbell. She thought that I had come home from Aligarh. But when she looked out from the first-floor balcony to check, she was stunned.

Read Full Story: https://www.awazthevoice.in/stories-news/when-neighbours-saved-my-family-and-firmed-my-faith-in-inclusive-india-44675.html