By Mumtaz Alam Falahi, TwoCircles.net,
Patna: Encouraged by good response from Hindu pilgrims at the recent Kumbh, a group of social activists led by Delhi-based Faisal Khan is now working among Muslim pilgrims of Ajmer Dargah. At Kumbh, the group talked to the pilgrims not on Kumbh or religion, but on common social issues like education, livelihood and communal harmony. Now at Ajmer, they are doing the same. Interesting. Isn’t it?
The group of seven social activists, most of the time individually, talks to an Ajmer pilgrim or a group of them, in a polite manner, regarding their issues and problems in their areas. Then the activists inform them about their rights of education and human rights, and if the audience is from rural area, then additionally about NREGA (National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) – the central government law that guarantees employment in rural areas. The activists also stress the communal harmony in their talks.
Ajmer Sharif [Photo by www.timesofindiatravel.com]
Why Kumbh or Ajmer? “They are here in lakhs, and more importantly, attentive and receptive, if you have something to present in serious and friendly manner,” Faisal Khan tells TCN on phone from Ajmer Dargah. “At Jantar Mantar or any other urban area percentage of your pamphlets is thrown by the public seconds after you give it to them, but here about 98% of literature goes directly into their hand and they keep it,” adds Khan. Moreover, at such massive gatherings you meet people from across the country, offering you a good opportunity to know from them about their areas and to convey your message across, he says.
He decided to work among Ajmer pilgrims – when annual Urs is on there – after the encouraging response from Kumbh. “The achievements of Kumbh which we attained during four to five days and experiences gained there encouraged us a lot, so we decided to visit Ajmer Sharif Urs in which more than 15 lac people will be participating from all the corners of country. The majority of visitors are the common man and poor people,” Khan says.
Khan and his team have started 4-day campaign at Ajmer Dargah on June 16. “We have decided that we will be distributing approximately 50,000 pamphlets and booklets to them mainly on issues of Education, Livelihood, Human rights and Communal Harmony,” Faisal Khan informs.
And response? “Great,” says Khan adding “We are overwhelmed.”
In near future Khan is planning to visit Muslim areas under Jago Jago campaign. He will lead his team on cycles and talk to the community people about their issues and inform them about their rights. Best Wishes!