Book Distribution Bus Party Part – 01
It is a common knowledge that Hindus and Muslims are not the best of friends. There is always tension simmering between these two communities wherever they stay close together. My experience is not any different either.
But this village called Bhabhulgaon in District Akola of Maharashtra was a little different.
It so happened that this guy was probing the ‘Bhagavad Gita As It Is’ with inquisitiveness. And then he asked his son to call another person from nearby house to have a look at the book. I asked him “Have you read Bhagavad Gita before?”
He answered “My name is Sadiq Sheikh. I am sarpanch* of this village.” Indicating to me that people of his faith do not read Gita at the same time being respectful of Gita.
“So, he is a muslim. Better not waste time with him as he is not going to take this book. Let me approach someone else who is more likely to take the Bhagavad Gita As It Is. It’s no use entertaining him” I thought.
He handed over the book to the person whom he had summoned and said to him, “Keep this book in our village panchayat(governing office).” This guy had a red tilak, typical of any hindu villager.
“What is the use keeping Gita there? Who has got the time to read anyway?” pat came the reply from the Hindu guy.
“No, you must keep this book. Everyday our staff members create Mahabharata like scenario in the panchayat, arguing and fighting over petty issues. By reading this book they will gain some sanity and behave soberly.” The other guy had nothing more to say as it was like an order from the village head. The sarpanch himself paid for the book.
I was simply amazed at the conviction this person had in the ability of Bhagavad Gita to bring out peace and brotherhood amongst all.
Unfortunately, general Hindus of India have lost faith in their own Vedic Scripture like Bhagavad Gita due to their illusory pursuit for westernization. While leaving from their I wished all the high ranking officials of Indian government were wise like our muslim friend, Sadiq Sheikh.
Sarpanch – A village head.
Your Servent
Bhakta Madhusudan
