Patna: In a shining example of communal harmony, Muslims have helped build a Hindu temple dedicated to Durga in Bihar's Gaya district, not just by making donations but also by supervising its construction.
"Muslims have not only donated money for temple construction, they have been involved in it like us," Suresh Prasad said about the shrine at Loco Colony near the railway station in Gaya town, about 100km from here.
The temple was opened for prayers and worship last week.
‘Active help'
Ashok Kumar, another resident, said: "There was active help from Muslims, all of whom are railway employees. This temple is a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity as both joined hands to construct it."
One of those involved was Tawhid Alam. "We have been living here for years and taking care of each other. It is a gesture for communal harmony," he said.
He said the foundation of the temple were laid in 2010 and after that Muslims and Hindus of the locality worked together to construct it.
"We joined Hindus to collect donations for temple construction and also supervise construction work," said Mohammad Rafiq, another Muslim resident.
Muslims donated and collected nearly Rs500,000 (Dh37,700), locals said.
Mohammad Sahab said dozens of Muslims donated money and others helped by doing other work for the construction.
Muslims make up around 16 per cent of the 105 million population of Bihar.
Lalji Prasad, a social activist in Gaya, said this move of the Muslims in the construction of the shrine would send a strong message of harmony and peace.
"People active in public life should propagate how Muslims helped build a temple," he said.
