BANGALORE, INDIA, September 9, 2003: For 24 years, the Kote area and the Kotiamaramma Temple in Channapatna taluk near here had remained tense every time a Ganesha icon passed through the locality. But this year, it was a big surprise for the residents as the local administration took the initiative to build bridges. Muslims of the area welcomed the procession as it passed near a mosque. Nearly 400 children from the nearby Government Primary Urdu School garlanded the icon, as Hindus distributed “prasaadam” (blessed food) to Muslims. This remarkable turnaround came about thanks to an initiative by the local administrators and the Deputy Superintendent of Police, K. Narayanan. Residents were elated to see the camaraderie.
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