In Dhuri’s Puneval village, a Brahmin family gave prime land and raised money to build a mosque, setting a strong example of Hindu–Muslim unity
NEW DELHI – At a time when stories of tension, mistrust and hostility towards Muslims often dominate headlines, a quiet yet powerful act from Punjab’s Sangrur district has restored faith in India’s shared culture. In the Puneval village of Dhuri assembly constituency, a Hindu Brahmin family has donated land and helped raise funds to build a mosque for local Muslims, demonstrating that brotherhood still lives in the hearts of ordinary people.
The act has drawn praise not only from Muslims but also from Hindus, Sikhs and social groups across the country. Many say this single gesture has exposed those who spread hate and has reminded the nation of its long tradition of living together with respect.
Puneval is a small village with a population of around 2,500 people. Among them live nearly 30 Muslim families. For years, these families had no mosque of their own. To offer prayers, they had to travel to nearby villages, often facing difficulty during early morning or late evening prayers.
“We had no place to pray here,” said a Muslim resident. “During rain or illness, it became very hard, especially for elders. Still, we never complained.”
The problem was well known in the village. Many Hindu residents were aware that their Muslim neighbours had no proper space for worship.
Pandit Jaspal Ram and Pandit Vijay Kumar, members of a respected Brahmin family in the village, decided to act. They spoke among themselves and then with the village elders. Soon after, they made a decision that surprised many.
“We felt this was wrong,” said Pandit Jaspal Ram. “If our Muslim brothers live here, they should be able to pray here. Faith should never be a reason for trouble.”
The family donated nearly five marlas of their own valuable land for the mosque. This land was part of their private property, not unused or disputed land.
Pandit Vijay Kumar said, “This land was precious for us, but helping people is more important. God teaches kindness, not hate.”
The gesture did not stop at donating land. After giving the plot, the family also took the lead in raising money for the mosque’s construction. They contributed from their own pocket and also collected donations from other villagers.
Media reports say the mosque has been built with two rooms and a veranda. The structure is simple yet dignified, reflecting the spirit in which it was built.
A Hindu resident who donated money said, “This mosque belongs to the village, not to one religion. When neighbours are at peace, the village stays strong.”
For Muslim families, the gesture has been deeply emotional. Many said they never imagined such support at a time when Muslims often feel targeted.
“We are thankful beyond words,” said a Muslim elder. “This family treated our pain as their own.”
Another resident said, “When people talk about hate on TV, we will tell them to come to our village and see the truth.”
Women from Muslim households also expressed relief. “Now our children will see prayer as something normal, not something distant,” said a mother.
The mosque was inaugurated on 8 February by Punjab’s Shahi Imam, Maulana Mohammad Usman Rahmani Ludhianvi. The event turned into a symbol of unity, with Hindus and Muslims standing side by side.
Village sarpanch Makkar welcomed the Shahi Imam along with members of both communities. The first prayer was offered peacefully, without slogans or noise.
Maulana Ludhianvi said, “There is no place for hate on the land of Punjab. This soil teaches love.”
During the inauguration, the Shahi Imam spoke about Punjab’s long tradition of harmony.
“Since the time of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs have lived together here,” he said. “What this Brahmin family has done is not new for Punjab. It is our old way.”
He also honoured Pandit Jaspal Ram and Pandit Vijay Kumar for their act.
“This is not just a donation,” he said. “This is a message to the whole country.”
In recent years, Muslims in many parts of India have faced hostility over their faith, food habits and places of worship. Incidents of violence and hate speech have created fear and mistrust.
Against this backdrop, the mosque story stands out. Social media users have widely shared the news, calling it a slap in the face of those who spread hate.
A teacher from Patiala said, “This story should be taught in schools. It shows what India truly is.”
Residents of Puneval say relations between communities were already friendly, yet this act has strengthened bonds further.
“There was never tension here,” said a Sikh farmer. “Now there is even more respect.”
Children from Hindu and Muslim families play together near the mosque site. Elders sit together and talk, just as they did before.
“This mosque has brought hearts closer,” said a shopkeeper.
One striking aspect of the event was the absence of political drama. No party flags were seen, and no speeches were made for publicity.
Pandit Jaspal Ram said, “We did not do this for praise. We did it because it felt right.”
Muslim leaders also requested people not to turn the act into a political debate. “Let this remain a human story,” said one cleric.
Many observers say the Puneval example shows how easily tension can be avoided when people listen to their conscience.
A social worker said, “Big speeches do nothing. Small acts like this change society.”
Legal experts also noted that respect for religious needs prevents conflict. “When communities support each other, courts and police are not needed,” said an advocate.
A young Hindu woman from the village said, “I feel proud. This is the Punjab I know.”
A Muslim youth added, “We will protect this place with love, not fear.”
An elderly Sikh man summed it up simply. “God lives where hearts are clean.”
While hate voices remain loud in many places, stories like Puneval offer hope. They show that common people still believe in shared living.
“This is not about Hindu or Muslim,” said a resident. “This is about being human.”
The mosque story has now reached far beyond Punjab. People from other states have called the Brahmin family to express their gratitude.
Pandit Vijay Kumar said, “If our act inspires even one village, our effort is worth it.”
Muslim families say they will remember this kindness for generations. “This mosque stands on land of love,” said one resident.
At a time when words often divide, Puneval village has shown that action can unite. A mosque built by a Hindu family has become more than a prayer space. It has become a reply to hate.
As one villager said quietly, “This is how hate loses.”
