Secularism in SBI

SECULARISM IN SBI

A spontaneous contribution, done selflessly without even an expectation of appreciation, from one of our staff, Mrs. Akila Bano, Special Assistant at our Collectorate Branch, Ratlam, speaks volumes on secular approach towards a fellow human being—human concern expressed beautifully in action!


Mrs. Akila, a follower of Islam has a Hindu Sharma family, as her neighbour, for the past more than eight years and is living a harmonious life, of giving and sharing, to the best of her ability.



The Sharma family includes a minor son, daughter and their parents. Poverty had created havoc in their lives, but in the dark tunnel of adversities their only light through out has been Mrs. Akila Bano.



Seven years ago, the minor son in the Sharma family, was bitten by a street dog. The local doctor gave him an injection and left him at that, specifically stating all is well with him. A month later the little boy developed rabies. Mrs. Akila spoke to most of the doctors seeking help for the boy, but received a blank reply that after being infected by rabies they could do nothing for the boy. The little boy died three days later.



Now it was the turn of the daughter in the Sharma family. Mrs. Akila footed her marriage expenses only to be shocked later, when her husband left the young woman after her second delivery. The expenses of both the deliveries, one being a caesarian was borne by Mrs. Akila, who treats her as her own daughter. Left alone with an entire life to lead and with additional mouths to feed the young woman looked up to Mrs. Akila for help, who got her a job that pays about Rs. 3500/- per month and put her on her feet. The father by now had departed from this world of struggle and suffering. Mrs. Akila continues to be their greatest support even today.



Mrs. Akila claims that the bonding between them is such that they hold their relations as good as blood relations. Indeed blood is of the same colour and composition, be it that of a Hindu or a Muslim. Mrs. Akila used to trust the Sharma family with her children always when she would attend office. The families are there for each other, listening only to their inner voice which proclaims that we are all the children of God and Humanity is the only true religion.



Let us dissolve all our differences of class, caste, creed, colour, language and religion, also the differences of ranks and positions, embracing all in one vast fold of humanity.



Look –how beautiful the world is —full of Citizens—in SBI and everywhere—truly a paradise on earth!





Contributed by MS. HARINA SHARMA, FACILITATOR, SBLC, INDORE