An Iftar of Harmony: A Unique Tradition of Worship and Camaraderie Sustained for 22 Years in Faridkot,
-The City Flocks to the Mahatma Gandhi School Grounds; -ADGP M.F. Farooqui States: “The Love of Baba Farid’s Land is a Model for the Entire Nation”…
Faridkot (Alexander D’Souza): The historic and sacred land of Faridkot once again bore witness to mutual harmony and brotherhood. On Friday (March 13), all the religious and social organizations of the city joined hands to organize a grand Iftar party at the grounds of the Mahatma Gandhi Senior Secondary School. Held continuously for the past 22 years, this event has evolved from being merely a ritual into a living testament to the city’s unbreakable unity.
ADGP Farooqui Remarks: “Respecting Sentiments is as Essential as Worship”:
On this special occasion, Mr. M.F. Farooqui (IPS), ADGP of the Punjab Armed Police (Jalandhar), attended as the Chief Guest. He not only partook in the Iftar meal with the fasting devotees but also met with representatives from various communities, urging them to further strengthen communal harmony.
“The holy month of Ramadan teaches us to understand one another’s sentiments and to spread love. Fasting is an integral part of every religion—some call it *Vrat*, while others call it *Roza*. The people of Faridkot have truly internalized the core message of religion: love and tolerance. The manner in which our non-Muslim brethren here arrange the Iftar spread for their Muslim brethren serves as an inspiration for the entire nation,” stated M.F. Farooqui, ADGP.
Fasting (*Roza*): Not Merely Hunger, but the Purification of the Soul:
Shedding light on the significance of fasting, Dilawar Hussain, President of the Muslim Welfare Society, remarked that it is not merely about abstaining from food from dawn till dusk; rather, it is a means to purify the mind and cultivate compassion towards the poor. When people of different faiths sit together to break their fast, it sends a profound message of equality and unity throughout society.
‘God’s Angels’ Have Been Upholding This Responsibility for Two Decades:
The organizers responsible for making the event a success-whom the city residents affectionately call ‘God’s Angels’-received widespread praise from all quarters. The massive crowd gathered on the school grounds served as proof that Baba Farid’s spirit of humanity and Sufi philosophy remain deeply ingrained in the very atmosphere of Faridkot to this day.
Prayers Offered for Peace and Progress:
The occasion was graced by the presence of numerous political figures from the city, heads of religious institutions, and social activists. Speaking with one voice, everyone offered collective prayers for the peace, prosperity, and progress of both Faridkot and Punjab.
News: 14-3
Photo Caption 01: ADGP M.F. Farooqui and other dignitaries interacting with those observing the fast during the Iftar party held at the Mahatma Gandhi School in Faridkot.
Photo Caption 02: A group of dignitaries breaking their fast alongside the observers during the Iftar party held at the Mahatma Gandhi School in Faridkot.
