By Anusha Hussain
In the midst of the cheering slogans and the crowds packed at the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) rally at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, there was a more serene story of compassion that brings into focus how the human heart is still capable of great warmth, even in the midst of conflict.
This incident has been recorded in videos and pictures posted on the Internet and it has touched many hearts with the message of gratitude and unity. In the feature image, activist and CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke can be seen publicly praising and hugging Mohammad Junaid and praising him for being the real spirit behind their resilience.
For many days, these young protesters were sitting on the hard pavement amidst the harsh weather of Delhi. However, they weren’t alone in all of this as Mohammad Junaid took it upon himself to ensure that nobody was going hungry or thirsty. Every day, Junaid ensured that food and refreshment were supplied to the protesting youngsters. Starting with hot tea to comfort sore throats, and pakodas and poori-sabzi early mornings, and finally, ending with snacks and drinks, Mohammad Junaid ensured that the protesting ground became an area of care.
In the video, Dipke can be seen giving a speech before the audience, being highly emotional about the realisation that it was possible for them to sit here for three consecutive days only because of Junaid’s commitment.
“If it wasn’t for Mohammad Bhai backing us, was it possible for us to be sitting here for these last three days?” Dipke asks the cheering crowd. “No matter what they do to separate us… As long as he stands by me, no one can stop this movement.”
Most beautifully said were the words spoken by Dipke on love of the country, smashing the restrictive interpretations that divide people. Regarding Junaid, Dipke said: “Never demand a certificate of patriotism from anybody because you yourself are demanding it… Mohammad Bhai, I think, is the biggest patriot. For the reason that I am just sitting here and the people who come here, they are all served by him.”
At a time when there are countless instances around us to create a picture of separation and differences, the embrace between Abhijeet and Mohammad Junaid becomes a beautiful example of how strong human kindness still is. It becomes clear that after stripping everything away, the only thing that can unite people is their common humanity – a cup of tea, a shared meal, and a hug.
Junaid did not ask anything about their origins; he simply noticed tired people and wanted to look after them. And in response to his selfless actions, he was rewarded with the greatest possible reward – he was loved by a community for being the very best of them.
