In an atmosphere where religious differences can sometimes create divisions, a small town in Chikkamagaluru district is offering a very different example. Jubeda, a Muslim woman from NR Pura, has been leading the Shri Vinayaka Seva Samiti for the past 18 years and actively overseeing its annual Ganesh festival.
Jubeda is a former president of the NR Pura Town Panchayat. For nearly two decades, she has served as the president of the Rajeevnagar Shri Vinayaka Seva Samiti, taking responsibility for the three day Ganesh celebrations held in the locality every year.
Her role does not stop with the formal responsibilities of being the committee president. Jubeda takes part in preparations for the festival and works closely with local residents. She encourages women in the neighbourhood to clean and decorate the pandal area with traditional rangoli designs, while young people help with putting up the festival structure.
Once the idol is installed, she remains involved throughout the celebrations. Religious programmes including Ganapati Homa and Satyanarayana Puja are organised during the three day event, and Jubeda helps ensure that the arrangements continue smoothly until the immersion ceremony.
Her involvement with local religious and cultural activities extends beyond the Ganesh festival. She also serves as the secretary of the committee associated with the Karthika Deepotsava held at the Nagara Bana near the Ashwathkatte area of the town.
During the festival season, Jubeda visits other Ganesh pandals in NR Pura and participates in the celebrations. She also visits the homes of Hindu friends and residents, exchanges festival greetings and accepts prasad.
For Jubeda, such participation is not about crossing religious boundaries for publicity. She says it reflects the way people in the town have traditionally shared important occasions with one another.
Speaking about her long association with the Ganesh celebrations, Jubeda said that she considers her identity as an Indian to be her first priority. She also said that she remains committed to her own faith while respecting people of other religions.
She believes that humanity should remain above religious differences. According to her, when members of the Muslim community participate in Hindu festivals, their Hindu friends also take part in Muslim celebrations with the same warmth.
Her social work has also earned appreciation from people in the locality. Residents say Jubeda has regularly supported women from economically weaker families, including those facing difficult circumstances.
Shantamma, a resident of the Housing Board area, said Jubeda has helped poor Hindu women during difficult periods and has also provided financial assistance during festivals. She is also involved in running free tailoring training to help women develop skills and become financially independent.
Her work has made her known for more than festival activities. People in the area describe her as someone who remains involved in the joys and difficulties of residents regardless of their religion.
SE Parameshwara, president of the Ganapati Seva Samiti associated with the Netaji Youth Association, also praised Jubeda’s contribution. He said she participates in the important moments of people’s lives and maintains close relationships with residents across communities.
Her approach is particularly visible during other festivals as well. Residents point out that she decorates her own home with lights during Deepavali, reflecting the spirit of participation that has become part of her public life.
The story from NR Pura has attracted attention because Jubeda’s involvement has continued for almost two decades. Rather than treating religious festivals as separate community occasions, her activities show how shared participation can become part of everyday neighbourhood life.
For the residents of Rajeevnagar and the wider NR Pura area, Jubeda’s 18 year association with the Ganesh festival has become a familiar part of their celebrations. Her work, along with her social service, has given the town a local example of religious respect and community cooperation.
