MUMBAI: Constructing a concrete example of communal harmony, a city-based Muslim businessman has funded the revamp of a massive Hindu temple at Ranthambore near Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan. The Ganesh Dham Mandir, built on the sole funding of businessman Ashiqali Nathani, will be opened on January 27 amid chanting of sacred mantras, speeches, followed by distribution of prasad and lunch. Nathani, founder of Tiana group of companies which has stakes in power, shipping, infrastructure, leasing and finance, said, ” The only motive was to set up an example of communal harmony and build bridges with our Hindu brethren,” said 58-year-old Nathani before leaving for Ranthambore to oversee the inaugural function of the mandir.

Nathani said that it was his “dream” to reconstruct the temple after one of his directors suggested to him that he visit it. “The small temple was in ruins. There was no proper ashram for the chief priest, revered Prabhudasji Maharaj and other devotees who flocked to the mandir. I decided to get it construct it all over again,” said Nathani.

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