In a beautiful example of love winning over hate, in a society which is steadily facing challenges related to religious intolerance, a Muslim man has been diligently taking care of a Hindu temple in the city of Bengaluru.
27 year old Saddam Hussein is up-keeping a temple dedicated to Lord Ram, ahead of the auspicious occasion of Ramnavami. Decorating and servicing the temple’s chariot – which is rallied in the nearby localities during the occasion, Hussein’s job is to ensure it remains in a good state.
Not only that Saddam also takes care of the cleanliness in the temple’s premises, removing dust from all its corners and sweeping it clean.
“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,” Saddam Babu who sells Ganesh idols outside the temple also said, “I sell Ganesha idols during Ganesha Chaturthi. Saddam works with me. It was I who referred Saddam for the annual cleaning work of the temple and he is doing it with complete sincerity. Everybody appreciates him.” There are a lot of things in the name of religion that divide us, but it is people like Saddam that make sure these forces never succeed. #saddamhussein #religion #ramnavmi #bangalore #ganesha #temple #hindu #muslim #smile #hate #love #thesecondangle
With all the appreciation coming his way for setting an example of ‘religious harmony’, there are also some who, as he says, ‘may pass some comments’ about his choices.
“I just greet them with a smile” – he told The New Indian Express.
Let us hope these beautiful instances of love and peace winning over hate and bigotry, continue to shine and lay path for the rest of us.