9th November, 2019 (10:14 am) - The people of Khajuraho are glued to their televisions as they eagerly await the verdict of the historic Ayodhya dispute. The judgment day coincides with the Islamic festival of Eid, which is celebrated with much fervor.
As the five-judge bench headed by the former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi announces the unanimous judgement to allot the disputed land to the Hindus and an alternate land within the city for the construction of a mosque, the town bursts into celebration with fireworks, music, and dance. The three-decades-long conflict had finally come to an end.
Fearing violence, security is tightened, internet connectivity is suspended and section 144 is imposed across the state, putting a halt to Eid processions.
As the celebrations are in full swing, a man stands out amidst all the noise. His name is Bharat and is a reporter for the local newspaper. He must either be in his 40s; that or his shabby attire belies his young age. His shirt is tucked in an untidy manner; his brown hair is slicked all the way back; his glasses slip down his nose and his teeth are stained from chewing tobacco. Usually chirpy and lively in nature, he doesn’t seem his usual self today. As he fixes his glasses for the third time, he looks quite restless and lost.
Of course, he is delighted about the verdict. However, he is worried about the halting of Eid processions, which he says threatens to destabilize an already politically sensitive environment. His friend, Afzal, has been frantically calling him, hoping Bharat could do something.
Despite being a staunch Hindu, Bharat commands the respect of both communities, as they know he stands up for what is right. However, on this occasion, Bharat is torn. He has to balance his happiness about the judgment with his social and moral obligation to enable resumption of the Eid processions.
He goes to a local shop and gets himself a packet of tobacco. As he chews on it, he debates calling the Sub-Divisional Magistrate. As he walks away towards his home, he is filled with uneasiness. To not stand by his principles and to give up without trying is not him.
Bharat relents. He stops in the middle of the road and dials the number of the Magistrate. Even if he gets no for an answer, his conscience would be clear knowing that at least he tried.
As the phone rings on the other end, he is overcome by anxiety. After the third ring, the Magistrate answers, “Hello?” Bharat takes a deep breath and says, “Hello, Sir. I am Bharat. I write for the local newspaper. I wanted to talk to you about the procession that has been halted.”
The Magistrate replies, “Of course, I know you. I have heard a lot about you. Go on.”
Bharat flinches as he wonders what the Magistrate has heard about him, and whether he’ll agree. Collecting all his courage, he goes in one breath, “I was hoping to ask you the favour of letting them go on. I understand it is due to security reasons. However, if there could be police vigilance in the procession and few of us also participate with them, it would be wonderful.”
The Magistrate asks, “Have you spoken about this to your fellow mates? What is their opinion?”
Bharat replies in a soft voice, “Yes, I did. They told me to let the administration do whatever they feel is right. Also, that I should not bother.”
“And you still thought you should speak to me?” asks the Magistrate with a smirk.
“That is because my Muslim brothers trust that I can do something. And I believe in you, Sir. Also, I take the responsibility to ensure that the proceedings are followed in a peaceful manner,” Bharat says with confidence.
“That’s a very big statement you are making. Think twice. This could put you and me in a lot of trouble if something goes wrong,” says the Magistrate.
Bharat replies, “ I am fully aware of it. However, if you trust me this time, You will not regret it.”
Bharat hears a long sigh on the other end. He can sense the officer’s trepidation. After a short pause, the Magistrate replies, “Since you are so adamant about this, I will see what I can do,” and disconnects the call. As he puts his phone back in his pocket, Bharat wonders what will happen next and starts walking towards his home.
As he reaches his home, he gets a call. It is from Afzal. He nervously picks up his phone.
“Bharat, we just received a call from the Magistrate. He has agreed to let us go ahead with the procession! Thank you so much, brother! Please come join us for dinner tonight with your family.”
Bharat is overcome with a deep sense of relief. He can’t stop grinning. He had single-handedly stopped the escalation of communal tensions in the area.
He is unfazed at receiving no mention in the local newspaper, or support from any political party. He is happy in the knowledge that he stuck to his convictions. He lies down on his bed and takes a nap to take it all in before he leaves for a much-deserved celebratory dinner with his friends.
Today was merely one more chapter in Bharat’s story of social activism. Following the Anna Hazare-ed anti-corruption protests in 2011, he started an NGO called Research India Lok Kalyan Society’ to raise societal awareness of governmental and civil responsibilities.
He has been offered a ticket to fight elections numerous times from different political parties but he has declined them all. He is steadfast in his grassroots approach and is wary of being dragged into the murky world of politics and diminishing his respect and impact.
That day, Khajuraho was the only town in the whole district that saw Eid processions take place peacefully.
Bharat: The Local Hero of Khajuraho
A profile piece on a Khajuraho local.
December 5, 2019
SOURCE: TOURMYINDIA