New Delhi

As hundreds of Shiva devotees walk – some even bare-footed – through the roads and highways to Haridwar in the ongoing month of Shravan to fetch the holy water of Ganga to offer to the deity, a Muslim doctor is waiting for those needing his services.

In what is known as the Kanwar Yatra, the roads across Delhi leading to western Uttar Pradesh and beyond are awash with pilgrims carrying urns in which they would fetch water for offering to Shiva temples close to their homes.

The site of camps offering resting services to the pilgrims, soft Bhajan being played on speakers, and chants of 'Bol Bam' resonating in the air turn the atmosphere spiritual.

Pilgrims returning from Haridwar after fetching holy water of Ganga

Amidst this, Dr. Babu Khan, alias Babu Malik, a Muslim doctor from the Baghpat district, closes his business to offer his services to the pilgrims, referred to as Kanwariyas, to serve them.

For 24 years, Dr. Khan has been shutting down his clinic during the month of Shravan to serve the pilgrims.

Dr. Babu Khan says. "When I see Kanwariyas performing penance to bring Gangajal and perform Abhishek of Lord Shiva, a feeling of service awakens in my mind. Humanity is the biggest religion, and this service is no less than worship."

Every year, during the Kanwar Yatra, his team sets up free medical camps in Baghpat and surrounding areas along the pilgrims' route.   

Dr. Babu Khan, 50, first set up a stall offering basic treatment for injuries, rashes, etc. to the pilgrims. He wanted to help the exhausted pilgrims.

Today his camp has become an integral part of the Kanwar Yatra. All facilities of first aid like ointments, bandages, glucose, painkiller injections, antibiotics, etc. are available in his camp.

He dresses the injuries of the pilgrims. He cleans the blisters on their feet. He also provides them with a resting place. 

 Medical teams treating injuries of Kanwar pilgrims in Delhi            

Dr. Babu Khan says, “When a Kanwariya does not walk due to fatigue or pain, I cannot see the pain on his face. I am a doctor, and treating the pain of the patient is the biggest religion. I do not see which religion the person follows. For me, he is a human being, and I must help him.”

His popularity among the Kanwariyas is so much that many pilgrims come every year to meet him and seek his blessings.

Some pilgrims say that they feel relieved after taking medicine from his camp, and this service touches them deeply.

Standing at his stall, Dr Khan, with a white cap and long flowing beard, greets Kabnwariyas with the chant of Jai Bholenath (Hail Shiva).

He believes that "the devotion to God and the message of humanity does not belong to one religion. When I say 'Har Har Mahadev', it is the true devotion that comes from my heart."

Dr. Babu Khan not only helps the Kanwariyas but is also an active officer of the Kanwar Seva Samiti.

A Pilgrims carrying the Ganga jal in specially made containers

He says that in collaboration with the committee, free medical facilities, drinking water, cold sherbet, and first aid are arranged for thousands of Kanwariyas every year.

His team is engaged in serving the travelers day and night.

When Dr. Babu Khan is asked what the fundamentalists think about his service, he smiles and says, "There are all kinds of people in society. But I believe that setting an example of brotherhood is the biggest answer. If my service saves someone's life or gives him relief, then that is my biggest victory."

Dr. Khan’s service not only gives a message of Hindu-Muslim harmony from Baghpat, but the entire western Uttar Pradesh is proud of him. The local administration has also praised his services many times. He says that "No one wins with hatred, humanity is the real religion. If we understand each other's pain, then peace and love will automatically flourish in society."

For pilgrims, Dr. Khan's camp is like a 'life-giving shade' for them. Many pilgrims say that when someone gets hurt on the way or their health suddenly deteriorates, Dr. Khan's camp becomes their first resort.

Today, Babu Khan is not just a doctor, but the voice of brotherhood and love. He believes that "if humanity awakens, the barriers of religion fall automatically."

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Dr. Khan says, "I am proud that I can give the message of unity in society through my service. Every year, as the Kanwariyas say 'Thank you' to me, it is no less than an award for me."