India has been declared a secular state by its written constitution and it is every Indians’ duty to stand by and believe in this declaration. And yet recent political and social events have questioned this declaration. In a country torn apart by the beliefs of fundamentalists and religious radicals, it’s good to see a little hope once in a while. Despite most ideas, we do witness moments of unity and brotherhood between the Hindus and Muslims in India. Meet Bengaluru’s 27-Year-Old Muslim man who looks after a temple.
Humanity at its Best
The temple in Rajajinagar is drawing devotees in large number ahead of Ram Navami and Saddam Hussain, the caretaker, is engaged in cleaning up the premises. Yes, you heard it right, a 27-year-old Muslim man has been taking care of a Ram Temple in Bengaluru for the past three years. Indeed, a living example that humanity is the biggest religion in the world and that we must serve first and foremost. At Rajajinagar’s Srirama Seva Mandali, Hussein plays an important role by looking after the temple chariot and keeping it serviced throughout the year, for its annual rally across Rajajinagar on the occasion of Ramnavami.
Hussein has studied up to Class 2 and he does odd jobs – helps people in the area with shifting houses, works at a shop and also drives a cab. The first thing he does after entering the temple premises is – he takes a ladder, climbs up, dust and wipes, sweeps and cleans and that too all alone. Saddam cleans the entire temple premises till it looks as good as new.
The Smile and Confidence
People in the area know about Hussein. He tells that “There are two kinds of people–one, who appreciate me for doing this job, the second pass comments on my work. I just greet them with a smile. Being a Muslim by birth I have been working in the temple from the last 3 years. It feels good and it gives peace of mind. I take care of complete cleaning. No one has ever objected to it.”
Not just Hussein, but even his mother Mehaboobi also works at the temple, when the need for extra workforce arises. She cleans the vessels and does other housekeeping jobs. Their dedication and sincerity, as well as the love for fellow brethren, is an inspiration for all of us.
“What is needed is a fellow feeling between the different types of religion, seeing that they all stand or fall together, a fellow feeling which springs from mutual esteem and mutual respect, and not the condescending, patronizing, niggardly expression of goodwill, unfortunately in vogue at the present time with many.” –
Swami Vivekananda.
