ray of hope

Let me share one inoccuous incident in Mumbai train this evening. Saturday evening train was quite empty by Mumbai standard, if you know what I mean. One young Muslim with skull cap and long beard enters and takes his seat between two persons. Let us name him A. A was carrying Quran, which he flips through and closes. It is in Arabic and English. He was also carrying a folder with lecture sheets from some Islamic convention or study circle- neatly typed papers in English. One young boy, let's name him B, across A seeks to see the Quran. A is hesitant. He asks ' you want to read'. B nods. The book passes hand. A asks the name of B. B is not a muslim. Another young person, name him C gets in and sits across A. While taking his seat, B's foot touches A's body. Indian Hindu custom , in such a situation demands that C should touch A's body and touch own forehead with same hand. C does precisely that. A asks C why he did so. C tries to explain his ancestral practice.A is not convinced.He tries to explain that none other than Almighty need to be bowed to.Conversation continuesin low voice, both trying to strengthen arguments.No animosity, no acrimony. C wants to know where he could get a copy of Quran, which he had been looking for in Marathi. B also enquires same. It is interesting that two young, by birth Hindu ordinary souls were seeking to go through Quran, when Maulavis are issuing fatwas everyday. What drew my attention is the fact that in a public place like train, three unknown persons of different religious background trying to understand each other's view point. It is really heartening. Since demolition of Babri mosque in particular, there has been a great divide among two communities where healthy discussions are almost non-existent. More and more open exchanges without hatred may temper our mindset