Arif Rashid Pathan has been providing this service free of cost since last four years.
Setting example of Hindu-Muslim unity Arif Rashid Pathan a Muslim auto driver has taken the responsibility of transporting Ganpati idols from shop to devotee’s houses free of cost. Pathan also helps them to transport the idol for immersion. He provides free service to people for the entire day. Pathan has been providing this service free of cost since last four years.
During the first year Pathan didn’t get much response. Then he started installing a board behind the autorickshaw mentioning about the services provided by him free of cost and his mobile number. Eventually people started approaching him to transport Ganpati idol from shops to their houses. They started blessing him and he received good feedback from them. He plans to continue this service in the future too if people supports him.
Pathan doesn’t mind transporting the idols even to faraway places. He doesn’t make any discrimination on the basis of caste, religion while delivering service. He doesn’t look at a person’s religious background while delivering service. Even in Kolhapur too nobody gives importance to religion and caste. People are cooperating with him. He will provide this service next year too and will try to undertake maximum trips for the welfare of people. Next year Pathan is planning to start 10 to 15 rickshaw services for people’s welfare.
When AV asked Pathan about his inspiration behind starting this free service he said, “There was no motive behind this. Four years back, I used to drive auto on rent. On Ganesh Chaturthi day, I was carrying a handicap person and he was carrying Ganpati idol. I hesitated to accept money from that person. Since then, I never felt like charging commuters during the period of Ganesh festival, and I adore lord Ganesha.”
“I drive the auto early in the morning. I receive very positive response from commuters and blessings are pouring in for me from Muslim community as well. Even television channels started airing my news I have been receiving calls from Delhi, Chennai and all over Maharashtra. I do not wish to seek assistance from politicians. Corporation elections are approaching and many parties will approach me. However, I don’t want to enter politics” he added.
A devotee who availed the service of Pathan said, “We always take his help for transporting ganpati to our home. We offered him money but he refused to accept it. We offered him tea and snacks but he only drank tea. He has erected a board on his vehicle and has mentioned his mobile number which has become viral on whatsapp. Therefore large number of people is trying to contact him and he has become very popular among everyone. He makes no discrimination among people.”
“People from RSS, Shiv Sena have called to congratulate me. Dattaji Pokde corporator from Kolhapur has felicitated me and Anil Patil a local leader from Kolhapur also appreciated my efforts. By god’s grace I am doing well in life” said Pathan.
“People should not get carried away by those who are spreading hatred over religions. Just offer your service to the people. I would like to request to my counterparts to follow the path of humanity” he added.
