Bhakti Chalak/Pune

In a unique gesture that would go a long way to cement bonds between the Muslims and Hindus, the Mulani family of the Natepute town of Solapur district distributed 101 Ganesh idols to those who wished to install the deity in their house for the ongoing Ganeshotsav.

The idols were distribute free of cost.

The Mulani family comprises three brothers - Shahid, Sikandar, and Naushad. Their families also joined them on the occasion and various other initiatives undertaken by the Raza Foundation set up by the brothers for this specific purpose.

In Maharashtra, Ganeshotsav is the biggest community celebration and people of all religions participate in it with enthusiasm.

Shahid and his family participate in Hindu festivals with great enthusiasm. The Raza Foundation undertakes many initiatives to promote Hindu-Muslim unity.

Mulani brothers gifting an idol

Shahid Mulani is a well-known businessman in the area. He owns two hotels named Sagar in the city which serve delicious food. More than 50 locals are employed in the hotels. However, despite being busy, Shahid meticulously undertakes social service.

Along with Eid, he also participates in charity and religious work on festivals like Dussehra and Diwali.

The Nulabui brothers' act of charity for Ganeshotsav is being discussed and appreciated everywehre.

About his initiative, Shahid said, “We are trying to maintain equality towards all religions. To maintain religious harmony and join in the happiness of Hindu brothers, we decided to give free Ganesh idols on this Ganeshotsav. Ganpati is close to everyone's heart, so we feel that this small effort will increase unity in the society.”

Police Officer Maharudra Parjane giving away the idols

He further says, “This is the first year of our initiative. Since 2009, we have been felicitating the presidents of Ganesh Mandals on behalf of the Muslim community by giving them certificates and coconuts on the day of immersion. Through this, an effort is made to maintain brotherhood between the two communities by increasing the enthusiasm of the workers. We wish and hope our initiative creates a feeling of religious harmony at every level of society.”

These Ganesh idols were distributed in the presence of Assistant Police Inspector Maharudra Parjane of Natepute Police Station.

Speaking on the occasion, Parjane said, "This initiative of the Mulani family is an excellent example of unity among religions. Shahid, Sikandar, and Naushad Mulani brothers have given the message of Hindu-Muslim unity by giving free Ganesh idols. Such efforts should be made all over India to promote Hindu-Muslim unity."

The Idols stall set up by the Mulani brothers

At present, unrest is spreading in society in the name of religion, but very few people understand what the real religion is.

Regarding the teachings of social harmony given by Islam, Shahid says, “The Prophet Muhammad taught social unity and mutual respect. We are following the same. Our parents have also given us the same values. The teachings of all religions are similar. That is why even today people of all religions of the village participate in our programs and we also go to their programs...”

Nitin Dhaigude, who installs Ganesh idols here, says, “When we were going to buy idols, we saw a stall on the road where a family was distributing Ganesh idols. I was surprised because a Muslim family was distributing Ganesh idols to Hindus.

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"As per my knowledge, the Muslim community does not worship idols, yet this family is doing this only for the sentiments of Hindus, for harmony. I was happy to see this and decided to accept one of them. This venture is a slap on the face of those who promote religion and religious disputes.”