00:00Nowhere is the UAE's history of religious tolerance more evident than in the winding
00:15alleys of Burdubai.
00:16Here, an ancient mosque and temple have been standing together since long before the UAE's
00:22formation.
00:23The temple was established in 1902.
00:53The Guru Mandir became a part of the temple complex in 1958.
01:10Over the years, the temple has been a place of worship for thousands of Hindus who have
01:15made the UAE their home.
01:45The large expat Indian community in the UAE welcomed the recent announcement that land
02:03for a new temple has been granted in Abu Dhabi.
02:05However, there were a few who did not like the idea.
02:09In over a century of peaceful coexistence, have Hindus ever faced intolerance?
02:39When was this?
02:40This was, even my, I came, it is 1956 also.
02:45Sheikh Rashid gave Diwali, there were only one bank, Grey McKenzie, mean shipping, that
02:52Grey McKenzie in Burdubai and bank one.
02:55Sheikh Rashid was declaring it's a holiday, custom also closed for one day.
03:01Sheikh Rashid also himself here, visiting two or hardly two people, house, say salam
03:08alaikum Diwali.
03:09Ahmed is a Muslim shopkeeper from Iran, whose family has been selling temple wares for over
03:1450 years at the complex.
03:16His is the oldest such store in the area, a witness to the harmony between communities.
03:23That was 40-50 years ago.
03:27Now it's been 20 years, so every day is a different season.
03:31On Saturdays it's different, on Mondays it's different.
03:34Then you get to know what is what.
03:37The years that have gone past are testament to the religious tolerance enjoyed by people
03:42living in the UAE.
03:43The safety and security provided by the authorities has been phenomenal.
03:48Some intolerant, hardcore people have tried to disturb, but when the matter has been brought
03:55to the notice of the authorities, they immediately come in and they categorically say that you
04:02have our permission to do your prayers in your temple, and if you feel that you are
04:08being threatened or being stopped by somebody, bring it to our knowledge.
04:14With the sound of the Adhan from the mosque, interspersed with mantras from the temple,
04:19boats cross the creek, and people peacefully go about their day, with plans no doubt of
04:24returning tomorrow.
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