Atif Ahmed, Karanja Lad (Washim)

The colour of the blood flowing through human veins is the same; it has no caste or religion. We might have heard this thought a thousand times in books or speeches. But in the city of Karanja Lad in the Washim district, this thought became a lived reality during the recently concluded Ganeshotsav.

The Bajrang Peth Ganesh Mandal in Karanja, Maharashtra, set a precedent by inviting Imran Parekh, a Muslim public representative, to inaugurate a blood donation camp organized by it. Parekh cut the ribbon on the stage of Hindu Ganesh Mandal and also was the first blood donor.

Imran Parekh at the Blood donation camp

Freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Lokmanya Tilak started the public Ganeshotsav. His idea was to unite people of every section of society, break the barriers of caste and religion. The Bajrang Peth Ganesh Mandal in Karanja Lad has preserved Tilak’s idea.

Spaking about this 100-year organisation, Mandal worker Gaurav Pathe said, "Our ancestors established this Mandal in Bajrang Peth in 1924. Today, after 101 years, that small sapling has grown into a massive banyan tree. We did not have any doubts in our minds while inviting Corporator Imran Parekh saheb as the inaugurator. Because blood has no religion."

Imran Parekh is not just a corporator; he is one person in the Karanja city who responds to anyone’s message for help. It was recognition of his selfless service that the Bajrang Peth Ganesh Mandal decided to approach him for inauguration of the Ganeshotsav blood camp.

Mandal felicitated him on the Ganeshotsav stage. Overwhelmed by this honour and love, Corporator Imran Parekh said, "All the friends welcomed me with great love on the stage of the Bajrang Peth Mandal. I only wish that we make it a point to participate in each other's festivals. Because that is what will keep our unity in diversity alive."

Imran Parekh donating blood at the Ganeshotsav Mandal camp

The youth and citizens of Karanja gave a spontaneous response to this blood donation camp. Hundreds of youths stood in line and donated blood. The blood collected in this camp will prove to be life-saving for many serious patients in the coming days. This single initiative has further strengthened the bond of mutual trust between the Hindu and Muslim communities in Karanja city.

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In today's stressful times, implementing initiatives of harmony is necessary. This unity shown by the Bajrang Peth Ganesh Mandal and Imran Parekh proves to be extremely important. This initiative, which crosses religious boundaries and shows respect for each other, is a guiding step for the entire state of Maharashtra. This incident has once again proven that humanity and the spirit of service are greater than any religion in the world.