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GUJARAT, INDIA, January 30, 2004: Gujarat may still be a state deeply divided on communal lines but a small village in its Anand district is an example of communal harmony. After the post-Godhra riots broke out, 64-year-old Ismail Rehman from Petli, a Hindu-dominated village, had to flee. Now nearly two years later, Ismail has returned to Petli after the Hindus there promised him protection and rebuilt his shop. Nearly 200 Muslim residents who fled in 2002 have also returned. Across Anand district, several Muslims who fled during the riots still remain scattered. But the difference in Petli has been mainly due to its village body, the Gram Samiti. All disputes in the village are sorted out by the Gram Samiti. The village chief, who has reassured and brought the Muslim villagers back, says not just Gujarat but the entire nation has a lesson to learn from his village. Petli village has shown how to heal the scars of communal violence and it will remain an example for communal harmony to every village in India.

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