"Trust Muslims" Spreads Love in Mumbai
“I'm Muslim and I trust you, Do you trust me enough for a hug?" the Muslim man wrote on a board, International Business Times reported on Friday, August 7.
Standing blindfolded, arms outstretched, waiting for hugs at Mumbai's crowded Chowpatty on Thursday, August 6, Mazim Milla aimed to send a message of peace in India’s commercial capital.
While some came closer to take photos of the Muslim man, many came closer to talk to him and hug him, according to Mid Day newspaper.
“A Muslim man stood at Chowpatty (in Mumbai) on Thursday and asked for trust and hugs. Mumbai trusted and hugged,” editor Sachin Kalbag posted on Twitter.
When asked about his peaceful initiative, the Muslim man said that this is an “experiment to see the reactions of people”.
The photo of the Muslim Man at Mumbai Street has been retweeted hundreds of times, with positive feedback.
“I feel so touched! i'm in tears!!!!!!!!!!!” a Twitter user wrote.
“Wish I had been there. Thanks,” another one said.
Last March, a similar initiative was launched in Canada and was part of a social experiment to test feelings towards Muslims after recent attacks and politicians' talks about fighting terrorism.
Meanwhile, similar videos were produced in Sweden and Norway.
An American version of the experiment was also made in New York weeks later.
Muslims account for 180 million of India's 1.1 billion people, the world's third-largest Islamic population after those of Indonesia and Pakistan.
