A remarkable instance of interfaith harmony and deep personal devotion has emerged from the Parvathipuram Manyam district of Andhra Pradesh. In the Vaddi Street neighbourhood of Salur town, a Muslim family set aside conventional social divides to organise a traditional ceremonial worship of Lord Ganesha. Mohammad Abdul Haq and his wife Mohammad Salma erected a decorated festive marquee near their residence during the Ganesh festival, observing every religious custom with complete reverence. Their decision stemmed from a solemn vow linked to their son's ambition of securing a career in national defence.
Overcoming persistent recruitment setbacks
From an early age, the couple's son harboured a dedicated ambition to serve the country by joining the Indian Army. In pursuit of this objective, he participated in four consecutive army recruitment drives, undergoing intensive physical evaluations and written examinations. Despite performing consistently well in the initial screening stages, he narrowly missed out each time when the final merit lists were published. Experiencing four successive rejections left the young aspirant deeply disheartened and emotionally drained.
Encouragement from peers and a solemn vow
When the notification for a fifth recruitment rally arrived, neighbourhood peers and childhood friends rallied around the young man to restore his confidence. Taking their counsel and encouragement to heart, he offered a heartfelt prayer to Lord Ganesha, pledging that if he cleared the selection process this time, he would organise a full-fledged ceremonial puja in gratitude. Re-energised by this personal commitment, he resumed his rigorous physical regimen and academic preparation with renewed dedication.
Selection on the fifth attempt and departure for training
The persistent effort bore fruit when his name finally featured in the final selection list of the Indian Army on his fifth attempt. Following his qualification, the authorities immediately directed him to report to his designated centre for mandatory military training. Before departing for his formal service training, the son requested his father, Mohammad Abdul Haq, to ensure that the vow made in prayer was fulfilled by the family during the festive season.
Parents conduct traditional rituals at the marquee
Honouring their son's heartfelt promise, Mohammad Abdul Haq and Mohammad Salma oversaw the installation of a Lord Ganesha idol in the local neighbourhood. The couple actively participated in the inaugural ceremonial worship, sitting at the puja altar to complete the traditional rituals. Throughout the celebrations, they also performed the customary Vasantha Puja observances with deep sincerity and devotion alongside local residents.
Shared values beyond religious boundaries
Reflecting on the celebration, Mohammad Abdul Haq noted that genuine faith and spiritual devotion transcend rigid religious or community distinctions. He has maintained a long record of active community involvement, having previously participated in festivities and social gatherings at the local Kanaka Mahalakshmi temple. For the family, shared human empathy, communal warmth, and devotion stand well above social divisions, a gesture that has earned widespread appreciation across the region.
