Thousands of students of madarsas and schools joined hands in Muzaffarnagar on the eve of Independence Day to resume the lost bond between two communities after last year's fierce communal riot.
The idea was the brain child of IG of Meerut zone Alok Sharma, who also initiated a Kabbadi league in the riot ravaged district in a bid to bring the two conflicting communities closer.
The rally of Thursday saw thousands of students from madarsa and schools of Budhana and Shahapur participate with great enthusiasm. While passing through alleys and streets of the town, students rented the air with slogans of unity, communal harmony and brotherhood. They also waved placards with similar messages.
Sharma inaugurated the rally and addressing the gathering of students and people insisted, "We must work to resume the lost trust and faith so that once again everyone can live a peaceful and happy life".
He called the children "ambassadors of peace who could work to bring change in the society".
Appreciating the effort, Hafiz Sherdeen Rana, convenor of the Kasim Ul Uloom Madarsa in Budhana opined, "It was indeed a meaningful effort which will cast a positive impact on the riot ravaged society. We should continue organising such events, even for elders."
Echoing Hafiz's views, Dr Garima Vermna, principal of Maples Public School in Budhana said, "We are looking forward to being the part of similar events in the future to ensure our contribution in reviving our country's unique characteristic — 'unity in diversity'."
The district's Budhana and Shahpur areas were badly affected during the riot. The riot claimed lives of 64 persons while thousands of hapless villagers took shelter in relief camps.
{{/usCountry}}The district's Budhana and Shahpur areas were badly affected during the riot. The riot claimed lives of 64 persons while thousands of hapless villagers took shelter in relief camps.
{{/usCountry}}In order to resume the lost trust and sentiments of communal harmony, officials are now banking upon activities like these to bring them closer. Encouraged by the success of such social initiatives, senior officials are planning to organise a few more events.
"We have received a lot of ideas from people of different ages which would nurture the thought of unity further," said the IG unfolding a group of youngsters has given him idea of organising 'joint coaching for the youngsters of both communities who have been preparing for their recruitments in Armed forces, police and other competitions'.
Police officials are working on every possible ideas which could be any help in reposing trust and faith between the communities who lived together for centuries in peaceful atmosphere.