Setting a shining example of humanism and brotherhood, a mosque in town has turned a temporary home for candidates appearing for the ongoing Army Recruitment Rally at the Ambedkar Stadium here.
Incidentally, over 90 per cent of the candidates taking shelter at the mosque are Hindus.
During the Army Recruitment Rally conducted in October 2017 here, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind district president Mohammed Quairuddin had noticed candidates sleeping on the footpaths and traffic islands. Moved by their plight, he held consultations with the Masjid-e-Jaffri at Indira Chowk and decided to convert the mosque into a shelter of sorts for the aspirants, irrespective of religion.
Mosque authorities in collaboration with the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind are providing drinking water, fruits and tea to the candidates there. Carpets are also spread on the floor for them to sleep comfortably during their stay.
When the recruitment rally began on October 7, there were few takers — less than 70 — for the lodging at the mosque, due to various inhibitions. On Friday, however, the number crossed 260. The authorities only check their hall ticket and Aadhaar card to admit entry to them; there are no other questions asked.
Ramdev from Nagar Kurnool, who had participated in the recruitment rally here in 2017, recalled having slept on the footpath due to non-availability of proper shelter and could not succeed in the exam. “Now, thanks to the mosque authorities, I could sleep comfortably and cleared the physical events without any stress and am getting ready for medical test,” he said in jubilation.
Prakash from Tadkal village in Ranga Reddy district said he was scared to enter the mosque at first. “But once I got inside, it felt secure and comfortable, like a home. We are treated very well her and given all facilities. There is no restriction on having fruits at the mosque,” he said.
Abdul Qadri, publicity secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, said they were providing shelter to candidates at the mosque on humanitarian grounds as they would be serving the nation as soldiers. “We are not propagating any religion to candidates. Our goal is to see that the poor candidates have a comfortable stay during their recruitment rally,” he maintained.
