CHIKKAMAGALURU: This Ganesh Chaturthi, a small town in coffee district of Chikkamagaluru is making waves of amity and harmony. Narasimharajapura town panchayat president Jubeeda, a Muslim, has been leading Ganeshotsav celebrations for 18 years as committee president, and she is all geared up for the festival on Monday.Under the banner of Rajeeva Nagar Sri Vinayaka Seva Samiti, Jubeeda brings together both Hindu and Muslim communities to install the Ganesha idol at a pandal every year.The committee conducts three days of puja, wraps it with a Satyanarayana puja before immersing the idol as has been the tradition for many years.“I’m an Indian first. Religion and caste count much later. Along with my religion, I equally respect other religions. For me, humanity is above caste and religion. If we go for Hindu festivals in the town, they come and make Muslim festivals grand. All communities are living in harmony,” Jubeeda, 52, said.Jubeeda’s secular spirit is not limited to Ganeshotsav. She works as office-bearer for Kartik Deepotsava (which is conducted around Deepavali) at Nagara Banashankari temple in the same locality of the town.Her syncretic outlook has won praise from across the spectrum. “Jubeeda shares a cordial bond with people of all faiths and takes part in their joys and sorrows.She actively participates in pujas and decorates her house with lamps during Deepavali. Those who sow seeds of poison between religions should learn from her,” said HL Deepak, president, Vidya Ganesh Seva Samiti, Kudregundi, a village in the district.
