A young Muslim journalist has been widely appreciated in Korgao-Pernem for scripting his own real story about religious harmony, by celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi at his home for five days. For the second successive year, Makbul Malgimani has been celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi at his house in Korgao. Makbul Malgimani is lauded in the area as a true inter-religious ambassador, as he visits churches, temples and Masjid for his prayers. Besides Chaturthi, Makbul also celebrates Eid and Christmas at his home. Makbul said he had been attracted towards Lord Ganesh since the childhood but was unable to fulfil his wish of celebrating the festival since he did not have his own home. “But last year, my new house got constructed and I could fulfil my long-pending desire to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi,” said Makbul. Makbul's family originally hails from Hubli, Karnataka and since the past 25 years, have settled in Goa. His father worked as a labourer and they were constantly on the move and never really had a chance to own a place of their own.“I would tell my father every Chaturthi to bring Ganesha idol to our home, but my father would reply, “Bring the lord's idol when you build a house of your own",” said Makbul. His father, however, passed away when Makbul was still a kid. Makbul's mother earned a livelihood and raised her children by working in people's houses, while Makbul would also do whatever work he could find while still pursuing his studies in school. Touched by the family, a teacher, Parshuram Gaude and his family from Korgao, gifted them a land of 100 square meters for free. Makbul then began constructing his house and it got completed shortly before Chaturthi last year. “Last year itself, we celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi for one-and-half day. Despite the ongoing pandemic, I was determined to celebrate the Chaturthi this year as well.” “On the second day when I was preparing for the immersion ceremony, my younger sister, Kajal, insisted that we keep the idol for 5 days and I readily agreed,” said Makbul. Due to the pandemic, Makbul sought the help of online videos for his Ganesh poojas. Makbul is now a college student and works as a part-time journalist. He is also managing the expenses for his sisters' education. People in the area have appreciated Makbul’s respect for all religions. “Quite often, political leaders claim to be liberal and tolerant towards all religious but hardly anyone is seen practising what they preach. Makbul's actions are a true manifestation of his views as a person who treats all religions with the same respect,” said a local.
