How Ganpati Bappa transcends all religious barriers

Had there not been for a casual chat with an auto rickshaw driver on Sunday, this inspired story might never have been told. It is the story of Mohammed Hussain, the auto rickshaw driver, and how he, and many others like him, are transcending the barriers of religion to do their bit for Ganeshotsav, which began with much fanfare on Sunday. We struck up a conversation about how auto rickshaws are in quite a demand around Chitar Oli, where most of the earthen idols of the Vighnaharta are made, because people like to hire the three-wheelers to ferry the idols to their homes. That was how Hussain got to relating how these two women were more than thankful when he helped them bring their chosen idol home. “They were two ladies, completely on their own. The idol had been paid for, but when it came to sitting with the idol in the auto, they could not even seem to be able to pick it up. They had hired me to ferry the idol, and that was when I decided to help them out, no matter what,” Hussain said. “I made them sit inside the auto, before handing them the idol and placing it on the seat in such a manner that they could hold on to it easily. While driving my vehicle, I took the utmost precaution to avoid all jerks. Finally, when we reached their home, I even helped them carry the idol inside. It was a strangely calming and satisfying experience,” he recollected.