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Muslim School Teacher Builds Saraswati Temple And Even Teaches Pooja

Muslim School Teacher Builds Saraswati Temple And Even Teaches Pooja
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A Muslim school teacher in Gujarat used most of his savings to build a temple honouring Goddess Saraswati, revered by Hindus as deity of knowledge.

The retired school teacher is called Abdul Chacha by the children of Marida village near Nadiad city in Kheda district.

Abdul Vora has taught in the school of the Hindu-majority village for over three decades, The Times of India reported, and he was inspired by the Saraswati temple in Kathlal taluk while he was training to become a primary teacher.

"I am a teacher first and everything else later. For me, my children are my inspiration and theirs is goddess Saraswati. So the temple," Vora said. "The temple took five years to be constructed. Many villagers also contributed whatever they could."

Vora's family was among the three Muslim families in Andhari village near Nadiad, where he was born, TOI reported. Not only did the school teacher spearhead the construction of the temple, but he also taught the children how to do pooja, TOI reported.

"I have always got respect from every individual in this village. I served as a teacher here and would like to serve its people," he said.

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This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.