While the coronavirus pandemic has caused havoc all over the world, it has also done one good thing. Even through social distancing, it has brought from all religions together in this trying time.

One example of this is Abdul Ghani, a Muslim devotee of the Tirupatii deity who donated a multi-dimensional vehicle mounted sprayer to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) for the sanitization of the temple premises amid the Covid-19 outbreak, reported Deccan Herald.

The Rs. 2.6 lakh tractor mounted system provided by Ghani, an ardent follower of Lord Venkateswara, is now breaking religious barriers as it moves through the streets of Mada in the aid of humanity. Ghani is known to have offered such donations for the benefits of lakhs of mostly Hindu devotees in the past too.

Four years ago, Ghani had donated an air-conditioned truck for the transportation of vegetables for the free meals canteen facility, the Nitya Annadana Prasadam, run by the TTD near the temple.

Ghani told DH, “I make my insignificant contribution when such need in the temple comes to my notice. I do not seek publicity for God's service.”

Politely refusing to reveal his other donations made in the past, he said, “Venkateswara, Allah or Jesus … I believe that god is one. The ultimate challenge we are facing now is people not understanding this simple equation.” He also said, “If I find out what the temple needs, I will give it. I don’t want propaganda for the service of God.”

He also described Covid-19 as “unfortunate” and said that “such manmade disasters occur as we fail to understand our humble role in this world.”

The TTD has announced the shutdown of the temple for a week beginning Friday, March 20. TTD executive officer, Anil Kumar Singhal announced that though the temple would be shut for devotees, the rituals inside the temple would be conducted as usual. Stating that the last time the temple was shut was in 1892 for two days, he said, “A decision to reopen would be taken based on daily review of the Covid-19 situation in the state and the country. Those who are on the hill would be provided darshan but no new entries from Alipiri, etc. access points. Last time the temple was closed was in 1892 for two days.”

Through this time when some are still raking up communal issues targeting minorities, it is humbling to see a man like Ghani silently promote communal harmony and brotherhood. We must remember to take a cue from Ghani to shun religious and communal biases and come together as a whole to save each other from the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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