Karachi witnessed an egregious act on 14th July 2023, one that sent shockwaves not just across Pakistan, but also resonated deeply in India. A video showcasing the demolition of the historic 150-year-old Shree Mari Mata Mandir went viral, capturing the angst of many and drawing sharp reactions from various quarters. The significance of this sacred site was so profound that the ripples caused by its destruction were felt even in the highest echelons of the Pakistan administration. Responding to the escalating situation, they promptly issued a decree, calling for an immediate cessation of any related activities.

Nestled in the bustling environs of Soldier Bazaar in Karachi, the revered Mandir was not just a mere structure. It stood as a testament to time, representing the faith and spirit of the local Tamil community. Entrusted to the care of the Pakistan Madras Hindu Panchayat, this sanctuary of faith had witnessed countless prayers and was an emblem of the Tamil community's deep-rooted presence in the region.

While many were quick to label the demolition as a communal incident, scratching the surface reveals a murkier backdrop, marred by deceit, corruption, and personal vendettas.

The temple's guardianship fell upon the shoulders of Ms. Rekha Hiralal Sonawati, also known as Nagin Bai. She is the daughter of the late Pujari Hiralal Sonawati, who dedicated his life to the service of the Mandir. After his demise, Rekha valiantly stepped into his shoes. However, she found herself embroiled in a neighbourly dispute that would soon take a sinister turn. After voicing her concerns regarding her neighbour's construction activities, she alleges that the latter, in a fit of revenge, manipulated and shared misleading videos. These videos depicted construction on her own private property. Rekha staunchly asserts that the temple itself remained unharmed.

The incident has spotlighted not only the vulnerability of Pakistan's minority Tamil community but also the ease with which personal animosities can overshadow the sanctity of centuries-old religious establishments. How many more such sacred sites need to be compromised before adequate protections are established?

As the news of the demolition of Shree Mari Mata Mandir ricocheted across the globe, intricate details began to emerge, painting a more complex tapestry of events and sentiments. Central to this narrative was Rekha Hiralal Sonawati, the temple's guardian, who soon found herself at odds with the very community she was supposed to serve.

The Tamil community in Pakistan, already grappling with the realities of being a minority, cried foul against Rekha. They contended that she, along with her husband Imran Shamsi, harboured intentions of seizing the temple land. According to community elders, Rekha gradually marginalized the temple, moving it to a less significant part of the plot, which was initially a drainage area. The community's anguish was palpable as they recounted how she restricted their religious practices, preventing them from their annual rituals. Further amplifying their grievances was a serious allegation against Rekha - that she had negotiated a deal to sell the temple plot for a hefty sum of 7 crore Pakistani rupees.

Eyewitnesses from earlier times, those who have seen the temple in its full glory, echoed the community's concerns. Surprisingly, even Rekha's own kin, her sister Mangla Hiralal Sonawati, candidly voiced her dissent. Mangla recalled the family's history, emphasizing that their father's role as a 'pujari' didn't grant them ownership rights over the temple. Drawing attention to their Suryavanshi Rajput lineage, she explained that the Mandir was dedicated to Shree Mari Mata, an embodiment of the Tamil community's religious fervour.

An overlooked facet in this tumultuous tale is the existence of a vibrant Tamil community in Karachi. Their journey to Karachi from Tamil Nadu, the southernmost tip of India, is a testament to their resilience and determination. The logistics of such a relocation, especially during bygone eras, would have been fraught with challenges.

As destiny would have it, while I delved deep into this topic, I found myself in the heart of Tamil Nadu. During my stay, I chanced upon a conversation with Vikram Swami, a Pakistani Tamil now residing in UAE. His tales, reflections, and insights added another layer to this intricate story, reminding us all of the age-old adage - truth is often stranger than fiction.

The city of Karachi, with its bustling streets, amalgamated cultures, and vibrant history, holds within it a patchwork of ethnicities. Among them is the Tamil community, a resilient group whose narrative in this city is both intriguing and inspiring.

Meet Vikram Swami, a third-generation Tamil from Karachi, who embodies the hopes, dreams, and struggles of this community. His family's journey commenced in the 1940s when his grandparents left the lush landscapes of Tamil Nadu, seeking better prospects in Karachi. While Vikram has kin in Mangalampeth, Tamil Nadu, the tides of politics and visa complexities have kept him from reuniting with his extended family.

Like many from his community, Vikram chose a life of service, following in his mother's footsteps into the nursing profession. Today, he serves with dedication in the UAE, but his heart often harkens back to Karachi, where tales of Tamil tenacity are woven.

The Tamils' trek to Karachi was primarily driven by the allure of employment. Many found positions in the then British General Hospital, now known as Jinnah Hospital. In recognition of their dedication, they were allocated residential lands behind the hospital. Today, their descendants can be found not just around Jinnah Hospital but also in Korangi, Saddar, Drigh Road, and Nasir Colony. Approximately 1,000 Tamil families lend their unique flavour to Karachi's melting pot.

Religion and tradition anchor the Tamil community. Their devotion culminates in two main festivals. The first pays homage to their Kul-Devi, Mari Mata, revered for her powers to usher in rains and heal ailments. This deity, in many ways, mirrors North India's Hindu Goddess, Sheetala Mata. The second major festival, Panguni Uthiran, is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya or Murugan.

Marriage, a sacred bond, is primarily an affair within the community for Tamils in Karachi. While earlier generations occasionally had matrimonial ties with Tamils across the border, escalating geopolitical tensions and stringent visa regulations have put a damper on such unions. A poignant reality emerges as the younger generation veers away from their native Tamil language, gravitating towards Urdu. Yet, within their hearts, the spirit of Tamil Nadu remains undimmed, even in the bustling bylanes of Karachi.

Karachi's ethnic tapestry continues to surprise. Woven into this myriad fabric is the resilient Tamil community, and at its heart, two temples that have been the epicenter of faith and heritage: the Mariamman Mandir and the Hanuman Mandir. These sanctuaries, standing as stalwart symbols of devotion, have borne witness to the highs and lows of the Tamil diaspora in Karachi.

Vikram Swami, the bridge connecting past and present, sheds light on the community's lineage. His maternal-grandfather, Mayavan Kullavittiyan, once held the esteemed title of the first president of the Pakistan Madras Hindu Panchayat. Entrusted with the guardianship of community affairs and temples, the Panchayat has shouldered immense responsibility. Yet, the ambition of renovating these temples remains a distant dream, hindered by financial constraints. The reality is stark: despite their rich cultural heritage, many in the Tamil community grapple with economic challenges, often engaging in menial jobs to keep the home fires burning.

Recent controversies surrounding the Mari Mata Mandir have galvanized individuals beyond just the Tamil community. Initially, the broader Hindu community was hesitant to wade into these turbulent waters. However, as echoes of the dispute reverberated across borders, a wave of solidarity emerged. The Pakistani Hindu and Muslim communities, transcending cultural and religious differences, rallied in support of the Tamils. Mahant Ramnath Maharaj, the esteemed priest of Karachi's Hanuman Mandir, has emerged as a beacon of hope, extending both moral and legal support to the Tamil community.

Pakistan, with its intricate interplay of diverse cultures, recently marked the National Minority Day on August 11th. This significant day was punctuated by the inaugural Minority Rights March 2023 in Karachi. As voices rose in unison, they highlighted pressing issues, from forced conversions to the nuances of blasphemy. Yet, the bitter truth remains: tangible political measures to combat forced conversions have consistently met with resistance. Notably, the Pakistan People’s Party's valiant efforts in 2019 were thwarted by Islamist opposition, and even a 2021 initiative met a similar fate, with concerns about inadvertently exacerbating the vulnerability of minorities.

At this crucial juncture, Pakistan stands at the crossroads of history and hope. By ensuring justice in this property dispute, the nation has the potential to sculpt a narrative of inclusivity and fairness. It presents an invaluable opportunity to not only secure the faith of its minorities but also to project to the world a vision of Pakistan where justice is not just a word but a lived reality for all its citizens.

References:

indianarrative.com - Mark Kinra