It’s not very hard to find communal clash stories today where communities lose no opportunity in baying for each other’s blood. But there is an exception to this.
A Hindu couple in Purnea district performed the marriage of their adopted Muslim daughter as per Muslim rituals.
Shabbo, poor orphan was adopted and brought up by Upendra Gupta for 20 years and was married off to a Muslim groom according to Islamic marriage customs.
Shabbo was only four years-old when her parents died and no one was ready to take care of the girl. So, Gupta took the responsibility of providing shelter to Shabbo at that time.
The wedding ceremony was attended by people belonging to both Muslim and Hindu communities.
Gupta tells that the family celebrated both Eid and Diwali together with Shabbo. “A daughter has to leave for her in-laws home one day, but the moments we spent together would always be cherished,” he said.
The locals appreciate Upendra Gupta’s generosity and consider his act as a unique signal of religious harmony.