A heartening story of interfaith devotion and perseverance has emerged from Dharwad, Karnataka, where a former constable from the Muslim community single-handedly spearheaded the construction of a Hanuman temple inside a state transport depot.
An Idol Found, A Mission Born
The unique journey began when Lalsab Rasalsab Budihal, a 60-year-old former security personnel with the North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), discovered an idol of Lord Hanuman lying neglected in the depot's parking lot. Disturbed by the sight of the unattended deity, Budihal felt a deep urge to provide it with a dignified place of worship. What started as a plan for simple relocation soon evolved into a determined vision to build a proper temple for the idol.
Overcoming Hurdles with Unwavering Resolve
The path to constructing the temple was far from smooth. Lalsab Budihal decided to fund the project from his own pocket and began the work. He faced significant opposition from various quarters, including some NWKRTC officials and even members of his own Muslim community. The project also led to clashes between employees and officers in the security and vigilance departments of the transport corporation.
Despite the challenges, Budihal's dedication inspired several of his colleagues to join hands and contribute financially. However, the pressure was intense. A depot staffer revealed that some employees who initially supported the construction later withdrew their support after facing threats of suspension. Through it all, Lalsab Budihal never stepped back.
A Temple Stands as a Beacon of Unity
The temple construction was completed approximately a year ago, though it gained wider attention only recently. An NWKRTC officer commended Budihal, calling him a loyal person and noting that his opponents ultimately failed to find grounds to stop the construction. After a point, a majority of Muslim community employees also rallied behind him in support.
For Budihal, this temple is much more than a structure. He stated, "It is not just a temple, it is a symbol of brotherhood and respect towards other religions." His actions, driven by personal faith in a cause that transcended religious boundaries, have created a lasting landmark of communal harmony within the NWKRTC depot compound in Dharwad.
