Tanveer Hussain
Budgam, May 31: In a remarkable testament to interfaith harmony, Gulzar Hussain, a Muslim resident of Budgam district, has quietly dedicated decades of his life to preserving the sanctity of the historic Dia-Nag Shiv Temple. His selfless service has become a symbol of Kashmir’s enduring spirit of communal coexistence.
Every morning, after offering prayers at his local mosque, Gulzar visits the temple to clean its premises and light an oil lamp, an act of reverence that he performs not out of obligation but out of devotion and respect for his Hindu brethren, especially the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community.
“Even if they can’t visit often, I want them to feel blessed when they come,” he told the news agency Kashmir News Trust.
His consistent care of the temple, even in the absence of regular visitors, has earned him respect across communities. Locals and Kashmiri Pandits alike have expressed deep appreciation for Gulzar’s commitment to preserving not just a place of worship, but a shared cultural legacy.
The Dia-Nag Shiv Temple, though now less frequented, remains a vital symbol of Kashmir’s pluralistic heritage. And Gulzar Hussain, through his silent devotion, has kept its flame alive, both literally and metaphorically.
In an era where discord often overshadows unity, his actions are a poignant reminder that the soul of Kashmiriyat, defined by mutual respect, religious harmony, and brotherhood, still beats strong in the Valley. [KNT]
