I didn’t know if society needs extremism for its growth, but it exists everywhere. We live with our biases, often unknowingly and sometimes knowingly. Prejudices guide the way we behave, follow our traditions, culture, and family values, and dictate how we live our lives.
I am visiting Surat, staying with a dear friend, and experiencing life in this city. It’s a port city with a business-dominated community and is the fabric capital of India. Fabric mills and diamonds are the biggest industries in the city. It’s located in the northwestern part of India, so it is heavily influenced by Muslim and Persian cultures. I visited the Raman market, which was something I witnessed for the first time in my life. We drove to another part of Surat to eat a very typical Iftaree. Muslims fast the whole day and eat only after sunset. The whole street came alive, with food everywhere and very long lines to eat. And it wasn’t just Muslims in line to eat the tasty food. I’m not sure what happens during the day or early morning before sunrise, but the evening experience was one of a kind. There were a lot of young kids playing, giggling, and laughing. People were eating with their families. I did not see many Muslim women, but I saw a lot of non-Muslim women—basically, a lot of people like me who were there for the food and fun.
And yes, if you are a vegetarian, please eat at home, as there is nothing for you there—no salad, no fruits, no vegetables. I ate to my heart's content, and then we drove to another part of Surat, which was dominated by Bora Muslims. They are another sect of Islam and follow Syedna, their spiritual leader. Surat is the hub for them. The atmosphere, the people—everything—was entirely different from what I had experienced half an hour earlier. The Boras are one of the most educated and well-to-do families in India.
A very dear friend in Boston belongs to that community, so I know about their philosophy. But witnessing it firsthand in their home was an entirely different experience. Even in these two places, not for a single minute did I feel any religious extremism. I definitely did not look like one of them, but people responded to my greetings, made way for me, and courteously answered my silly questions. They took my pictures when I asked and treated me with gentle smiles.
It made me wonder: Are we really any different? Why is it hyped that certain areas are unsafe to visit? Why are women advised not to go alone? Would I have gone on my own if not with a friend? I don’t know how to emphasize the importance of going and experiencing other festivals, lifestyles, and the way people behave in their own habitats. Those happy, smiling young children were no different from Hindu children celebrating Diwali or Holi. Why does religion divide people? Why is it so hard to trust that everyone believes in harmony and wants the best for their children?
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