Muslim trust turns saviour for Godhra’s Hindu widows

VADODARA:
Kala Patel (40) could barely make two ends meet with her meager earnings as a cook. Widowed eight years ago, she struggles with the expenses of her three children. But on Sunday, she got help from a quarter she least expected.

A Godhra-based Muslim charitable trust ensured that her family does not go hungry for the next three months by giving her provisions and eatables.

There are 54 other widows like her from the majority community who got a helping hand from the Hamdard Charitable Trust.

Godhra, the ground zero of 2002 Gujarat riots, is seeing a surge of sadbhavna.

"Godhra earned a bad name after the 2002 riots and there was a general perception that Hindus and Muslims don't stay in harmony here. The trust decided to extend support to Hindu widows and strengthen the unity between two communities," said Mufti Haroon Sindhi, president of HCT.

Leaders of Hindu and Muslim communities shared the stage at the Sardar Nagar Hall at the function that displayed community camaraderie.
"I am sure that this Sadbhavna will go a long way in forging strong ties between both the communities. Women, especially widows, are neglected in our society, so we felt the need to help them lead a respectful life. We will continue supporting Hindu widows," Sindhi said.

"It was a touching gesture from the Muslim trust and I cannot express how much this means to me," said Sharda Bhoi (50), whose husband died in an accident 15 years ago.

Nalin Bhatt, a community leader from Dahod who attended the event, said, "It's a sign of Sadbhavna from Muslims and I hope that Hindus too reciprocate. Both the communities have always stayed together in Godhra."

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Muslim-trust-turns-saviour-for-Godhras-Hindu-widows/articleshow/20734529.cms?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=TOIIndiaNews