Daijiworld Media Network – Chikkamagalur (MS)

Chikkamagaluru, Sep 2: A Muslim woman, who is the president of Ganapati Seva samiti for the past 13 years, is doing commendable work towards promoting communal harmony by partaking in Ganapathi pooja activities.

Zubeida, a native of N R Pura of the district is the president of Panchayat as well. She is the president of Ganapati Seva Samiti of Rajiv Nagar since the last 13 years. This year also Lord Ganesha idol has been venerated under her presidentship.

Zubeida does pooja herself during the Chaturthi festival. In the Muslim community women are not allowed to work. Partaking in social works is prohibited. However, Zubeida has violated the norms of her community and is participating in Ganapathi pooja for the last two decades.

Zubeida celebrates Ganapathi pooja with the help of youth of her village. She says that her family has not taught her any restrictions with regards to religion. She says that, “we should not impose religious restrictions on the youth. Let the caste, traditions be at home. It should not affect the peace and communal harmony.”

This year along with the Ganapathi idol, photo of late Kannada cine actor Puneeth Rajkumar has also been venerated. In Muslim community women are not allowed to go to the cemetery. However, Zubeida herself has helped people in conducting final rites of many orphan dead bodies.

Locals have high respect for Zubeida. They say that more people of Zubeida’s mentality are required for this country and state at the moment.