Meet Govindan Gopalakrishnan, a self-taught Indian architect also known as “Mosque Man.” For over 60 years, Govindan has built dozens of mosques, four churches, & a temple. Recently, he told Al Jazeera that he does it for “the oneness of humanity.” Govindan keeps copies of the Qu’ran, Bible & the Gita at his modest home in India’s southern city of Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. He says he is a firm believer in religious harmony. “I observe roza (fast) during the holy month of Ramadan as well as the 41-day fast during the Sabarimala pilgrimage. My wife is a Christian, so I join her for the Easter fast as well. One of my two sons is married to a Muslim lady. I welcome all religions to my home & give them equal respect.” Thank you, Govindan, for your courage, decency, inclusiveness, & thoughtfulness. It is inspiring! Photo courtesy: Govindan Gopalakrishnan
