Why Is This Man Wearing a Skull Cap: This Mom’s Amazing Answer Will Make Your Day

Every now and then, stories of communal disharmony threaten our faith in humanity. But
we only have to look around to find examples of India’s rich heritage of tolerance and co-existence. From a performing a beloved friend’s last rites to joining hands for river conservation, these stories of interfaith harmony restore one’s hope for a better tomorrow.

One such heartwarming story is now going viral on social media. Originally written by Meghna Athwani and shared by Facebook user Vinu Mathew, the post is about a young girl asking her mother about the significance of the white cap that Muslims wear.

For representational purposes only. (Source: The Better India)

The mother-daughter duo are sharing a cab with the narrator and a Muslim passenger when curiosity makes the child ask the question in front of everyone – ‘Why is this uncle wearing a cap in the evening? There is no sun outside!”

The mother’s beautiful explanation will rekindle your faith in humanity and leave you happy if not inspired. It will also make you believe that “If this is how today’s generation wants their children to learn, then our politicians are failing at dividing us.”

Here is the aforementioned Facebook post:

Here is the text of the heartwarming story posted on Facebook:

Today, I was travelling in Delhi through Uber Pool,
I was the first rider, then a young lady with her little daughter joined us and in the end, after about a km, a Muslim guy sat in the front seat.
This guy was wearing their traditional white skull cap.
So this little girl got curious and asked her mother , “Why is this uncle wearing a cap in the evening? There is no sun outside!”
Till now, the radio was on, the Muslim guy was having a conversation with the Driver and I was drowned in the book.
But this question made me take my eyes off the book, the conversation between the Guy and the Driver stopped and the Driver lowered the volume of the music player.
I thought of explaining something to the kid, but, the mother was already ready with the answer.
She said, “Have you not seen me covering my head with a dupatta, whenever I visit the temple? Or when some elder guests come to our house? Or when I have to touch the feet of your grandparents? It is a sign of respect or to pay our regards, my child.”

The girl wasn’t quite convinced. She came up with another question, ” But who is this bhaiya paying respect to? There is no temple here. He is not touching the feet of anyone. Neither is anyone so big in age sitting in this car. So, who is he trying to give his regards to?”

Surprisingly, the mother was ready for this too.
She very calmly replied, ” His parents have taught him to respect everyone he meets and to pay them his regards. Just like I teach you to say Namaste to guests.”

No one was expecting this reply.
Not even the Muslim guy himself.
I was the first one to take the cab so we reached my destination first.
I got down, smiling, and thinking,
If this is what the common man thinks about people around him.
If this is what people are actually teaching their children,
If this is how today’s generation wants their children to learn.
Then our politicians are failing at dividing us. All the orthodox idiots are failing in disturbing the secular fabric of this nation.
Credit goes to the original writer Meghna Athwani

As little drops make the ocean, big ideas such as communal harmony can be better achieved when parents sow the seeds of mutual respect and tolerance. It is these seemingly inconsequential things can drive big changes and protect, as the author of the post says, the secular fabric of this nation.

Also Read: 10 Beautiful Stories of Communal Harmony That Restored Our Faith in Humanity. And Our Country

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