CHIKKABALLAPUR: On the occasion of Ganesha Chathurthi, 16-year-old Nagma, a member of the Muslim community, decided to spread the message of communal harmony when she carved out a Ganesha idol, and carried it to the Sri Basaveshwara Temple in Devisettyhalli in Chikkaballapur. Villagers gathered in large numbers to offer special pujas to Nagma 's clay idol.The village boasts a population of around 800, of whom about a 100 belong to the Muslim community. A huge procession has been organised in the district to mark Ganesha Chathurthi and it will be led by the top leaders from the minority community." "The eldest of Moula's two children, Nagma is a third year mechanical engineering diploma student at CVV Campus, Chikkaballapur. "Speaking to TOI, Nagma said that the festive fervour on the eve of the Ganesha Chathurthi inspired her to carve out the idol.

Source: Times of India September 08, 2016 03:19 UTC