Mohammad Imran, also known as Happy Malik, hands over 325 square yards in Jhampur, Sangrur district; local leaders praise rare act of interfaith solidarity
MOHALI – At a time when communal tensions often dominate headlines, a Muslim family in Punjab has offered a strong message of unity by donating valuable land for the construction of a Hindu temple in Mohali district.
In Jhampur village of Sangrur district, businessman Mohammad Imran, popularly known as Happy Malik, has donated 325 square yards of land worth around Rs 80 lakh for the construction of a temple. He has also decided to bear the full cost of construction.
The land will be used to build a Hanuman temple and a Sanatan Dharam temple. According to the plan, three marla will be used for the Hanuman temple and ten marla for the Sanatan Dharam temple.
The formal handover took place on Thursday (12 February), during a public programme attended by the Shahi Imam of Punjab, Maulana Mohammad Usman Rahmani Ludhianvi. During the event, Imran handed over the land registry documents to temple committee member Rajaram.
After a havan ceremony, work on the temple construction began.
Locals said that there was no vacant land available in the village for a religious structure due to an increasing population and ongoing construction. When temple committee members approached Imran, he agreed to donate the land.
Speaking at the event, Maulana Ludhianvi said, “The message going out from the soil of Punjab is like nectar for the whole country. It shows what true brotherhood looks like.”
He added that when Rajaram approached Imran about the difficulty in finding land, Imran did not hesitate.
“Imran himself came forward and expressed his wish to donate the land. He said if it benefits his Hindu brothers, there can be no greater happiness,” the Shahi Imam said.
Temple committee member Rajaram described the occasion as a joyful moment for the village.
“Our dream is being fulfilled because of Imran and the Shahi Imam,” he said. “People in Jhampur stand with each other in every situation. No one sees themselves only as Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or Christian. We live here as brothers.”
Another temple official said, “People may identify themselves by their homes or their faith, but when we stand together as a society, we are human first. No one else showed the courage to give land for the temple. Happy Malik stepped forward.”
Mohammad Imran said that helping others has been his dream since childhood.
“I have always wanted to contribute to people’s needs,” he said. “When I built a mosque, I did not want people to think I was doing it only because I am a Muslim. Later, I helped build a church. Now I have decided to help in building a temple.”
He added that his long-term aim is to open a hospital so that poor people can receive treatment.
“If I can help people in any way, that gives me real satisfaction,” Imran said.
His friend Sanjay Jindal is also supporting the temple construction.
This development has drawn attention across the region, especially at a time when incidents of communal tension are reported in different parts of the country.
Villagers say the initiative has strengthened trust among communities in Jhampur.
One resident said, “This is not just about a temple. It is about respect. It shows that we can stand for each other’s faith without fear.”
The initiative from Jhampur village in Mohali district stands as a reminder that acts of goodwill can bring communities closer, even when public debate elsewhere may suggest division.
