New Delhi

“I have never experienced love like this,” said a Hindu parent as he touched the feet of an administrator of the Deeniyat Mosque in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra, expressing his gratitude.

He was among hundreds of parents and guardians from different faiths who had travelled to Bhiwandi with their children for the NEET examination on Monday. Realising that many parents would have to spend long hours waiting in the sweltering heat and intermittent rain, the Deeniyat Mosque committee opened its premises to them, offering a comfortable place to stay throughout the day.

The thoughtful initiative by the mosque committee, supported by local Muslim residents and community halls in nearby housing societies, has drawn widespread appreciation and emerged as a heartwarming example of communal harmony.

Guests were offered cold drinking water, juice, tea, snacks, comfortable seating, and resting rooms. Volunteers remained on hand throughout the day to assist visitors. For many parents, the experience proved deeply moving.

Humanity Beyond Boundaries

Jyoti Sharma from Thane said the hospitality exceeded all expectations.

“Four of us had come here and were worried about where we would spend several hours in the heat and rain. But the warmth with which the mosque volunteers welcomed us, arranged water, juice, food, and a place to rest, removed all our worries. We witnessed a beautiful example of humanity and brotherhood here,” she said.

Recalling her previous experience, Sharma said her daughter had earlier been allotted an examination centre in Navi Mumbai, where parents had struggled due to the lack of facilities.

“This time, considering the long wait and the weather, we were anxious throughout our journey. But as soon as we arrived, a volunteer named Shama welcomed us warmly and informed us that special arrangements had been made for parents,” she said.

According to Sharma, the volunteers first offered them water, followed by food and juice. They were given a comfortable place to sit and even access to a room with a bed where they could rest.

“We spent five hours here peacefully and comfortably. This is a unique and unforgettable experience. All our fears and hesitation disappeared. It felt as if we were among our own family members. We will never forget this kindness, and neither will our daughter,” she added.

She praised the mosque trustees and volunteers for their spirit of service.

“Your efforts are promoting humanity, love, and mutual respect. We thank all of you from the bottom of our hearts.”

‘We Saw Only Humanity’

Another parent echoed similar sentiments.

“I am 100 percent satisfied. People often talk about caste and religion, but here we saw only humanity. People helping each other—that is what matters most,” he said.

He described how volunteers guided parents as soon as they arrived and informed them about the facilities available.

“We were given water, snacks, and even mangoes. Then we were shown to the first floor where arrangements had been made for parents to rest. The fans were running, the atmosphere was calm, and we faced no discomfort at all.”

Comparing the experience with an earlier examination centre in Ulhasnagar, he said parents there had struggled to find a place to sit or rest.

“Here I experienced the true spirit of humanity. The love, sincerity, and cooperation shown by the Deeniyat Mosque Trust are commendable,” he said.

‘It Felt Like a Big Family’

Priya Kanwar, an entrepreneur from Ambernath, said she had never expected such arrangements.

“My daughter’s previous examination centre was much closer to home. This time, when we travelled here, we had no idea such thoughtful arrangements would be available for parents. It was a pleasant surprise.”

She said the warmth and sincerity shown by the volunteers touched her deeply.

“Parents waiting for their children during examinations need only a little support and cooperation. Here, we received that support in abundance. You made us realise that we are not alone but part of a larger family.”

Thanking the mosque administration, she said such initiatives not only ease people’s difficulties but also strengthen the values of compassion, love, and humanity in society.

‘At First, We Were Nervous’

Kalpana Chandra Bhushan Sharma from Thane admitted that she had initially been apprehensive.

“When we first saw the name of Salahuddin College on the admit card, we were nervous. We had many questions in our minds. We did not know the place, the people, or the environment.”

However, her concerns disappeared after arriving at the centre.

“The college facilities are excellent. The campus is beautiful and well-organised. We reached here carrying a lot of anxiety and stress. We had barely slept the previous night. But after seeing the arrangements and the atmosphere, we felt completely at ease.”

She particularly appreciated the efforts of the women volunteers.

“The volunteer girls are doing a wonderful job. They are helping everyone with kindness and affection. Their spirit of service is truly commendable.”

‘Service to Humanity Is the Soul of Religion’

One of the administrators of Deeniyat Mosque said the initiative was a privilege rather than a burden.

“We consider it our good fortune and a blessing that Allah has once again given us the opportunity to serve people. Humanity and service are the soul of religion. Allah Almighty and His Messenger taught us that the best among us are those who benefit others.”

He said a large number of parents made use of the facilities and expressed happiness and gratitude.

“Many parents told us that at previous examination centres they did not even have access to drinking water or a proper place to rest. Here, especially women and mothers found it easy to sit comfortably, rest, use washrooms, and access refreshments.”

He also acknowledged the support of local civic representatives and members of the institution who helped make the arrangements possible.

“Almost everyone who visited blessed us and expressed the hope that such acts of brotherhood and service continue. These efforts help strengthen peace, mutual respect, and harmony in society.”

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What began as a simple act of hospitality ultimately became a powerful reminder that compassion transcends religious and social boundaries. In a time often marked by divisions, the Deeniyat Mosque's initiative offered hundreds of families something more valuable than comfort during a long day of waiting—it gave them a renewed faith in humanity.