He takes to idol-making, spreads message of peace

In an example of brotherhood and harmony among two different communities, a 36-year-old Bhayander resident is preparing Ganesh idols and spreading the message of peace. Every year during the month of Ramzan, while observing fast, Mohammad Shaikh prepares the idols for Hindus.

Shaikh, a resident of Bakery Lane in Bhayander West, has been practising this for the past 20 years. He started making these idols after he saw various artists preparing sculptures of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Durga. Shaikh was so inspired that he started attending workshops and developed the skill of making Ganesh idols.

"I liked watching artists making Ganesh idols, and did so from the beginning and while they painted them and later sold them during Ganeshotsav. So, I attended workshops and worked at various pandals helping people. Now, I have a shop of my own to prepare idols," said Shaikh.

Being on fast and preparing Ganesh idols for Hindus was taken with a pinch of salt by some of his friends. "Couple of my friends told me that this is not right as being a Muslim I am working for Hindus during Ramzan. But I always tell them that God is one and religions only divide humans. With this gesture, I want to let them know that we are one and God is one," said Shaikh.

Soon after working with other artists, Shaikh decided to open his own workshop. "For 20 years, I have been spreading the message of peace and brotherhood among my Hindu friends and I make sure that I participate in their festival and share their happiness," added Shaikh.

While the entire neighborhood is friendly enough, he recounts that one day a man refused to buy his idol. "But I managed to convince him. This moved the man so much that he has been his client for the past five years," said Shaikh.