In Ramanagara district of Karnataka, Muslim community leader Syed Ullah Sakhaf renovates and funds the Sri Basaveshwara Swamy Temple himself, showcasing Ganga-Jamuni culture.
BENGALURU – At a time when communal tensions are rising across India, a remarkable story of peace and unity has emerged from Karnataka. Syed Ullah Sakhaf, a Muslim community leader in Ramanagara district, has renovated and funded the Sri Basaveshwara Swamy Temple in Mangalapet, Channapatna, setting an inspiring example of Hindu-Muslim harmony.
In many states, mosques, madrasas, shrines, and other Muslim religious sites have been declared illegal and demolished, often under government orders. Political parties and right-wing organisations continue to target Muslims, spreading hostility to maintain power. Yet, acts like Syed Ullah’s show that goodwill and humanity can transcend communal divisions.
The newly renovated Sri Basaveshwara Swamy Temple, built entirely of stone, was inaugurated on Kannada Rajyotsava, Karnataka’s state formation day on November 1. The inauguration concluded a three-day religious celebration, including the Anna Dussehra festival, which drew a large crowd of devotees and local residents.
Syed Ullah Sakhaf, who donated for the temple’s renovation, was invited as the chief guest at the ceremony. The puja was led by scholar Nagendra Shastri, Manjunath Aradhya, and their associates under the Sri Basaveshwara Vinayaka Youth Group. The temple priest Mahadev’s sons—Chandan, Mahesh, and Manoj—oversaw the three-day rituals.
“If we do good work, our children will also be good,” Syed Ullah told reporters. “Hindus worship in temples and Muslims pray in mosques so that everyone remains happy and peaceful. It is important for Hindus and Muslims to live together. If we move forward together like brothers and sisters, the country will progress. If we keep fighting over every issue, the progress of both us and the country will stop. We should respect everyone.”
This is not Syed Ullah’s first act of communal goodwill. He has previously built the Veerabhadreshwara Temple in Santhe Mogenahalli and, uniquely, has created spaces where both a temple and a mosque coexist within the same premises.
According to a report by ETV, the inauguration of the Sri Basaveshwara Swamy Temple sends a strong message amid ongoing tensions between Hindus and Muslims. At a time when hatred often dominates the headlines, Syed Ullah’s actions remind the public that communities can work together in peace.
“This temple is more than a building; it is a symbol of harmony and cooperation,” said Priya Ramesh, a local resident. “It shows that love, generosity, and respect can overcome even the strongest divisions.”
The act of a Muslim leader funding and renovating a Hindu temple reflects the deep roots of Ganga-Jamuni culture in India, where communities have historically lived together, celebrated festivals together, and supported each other in times of need.
Religious leaders, scholars, and social activists have lauded Syed Ullah’s work as an example for the entire country. It shows that grassroots efforts can foster unity even when political narratives seek to divide communities.
“Such initiatives give hope for the future. They show that ordinary people, irrespective of religion, can lead the way in promoting tolerance and understanding,” said Dr Arif Khan, a social activist in Bengaluru.
In a period marked by rising communal tensions and targeted hostility against minorities, the renovation of the Sri Basaveshwara Swamy Temple by Syed Ullah Sakhaf stands out as a beacon of hope.
“If we all work together, respect each other, and focus on unity, the country will flourish,” Syed Ullah said. His words and deeds serve as a timely reminder that humanity and compassion can triumph over hatred, setting a standard for future generations.
