Fasting is a habit from childhood for me

The busy schedule of a minister is not a hindrance for me to complete the 30 days of fasting during the month of Ramzan. Although the daily routine of the public works minister is filled with extensive travels and meetings across the state, I keep strict regimen of fasting, a habit developed from early childhood.

As a devout person, I am a firm believer that the regime of fasting for one month would help in making human beings humble. Fasting teaches all of the need to follow a disciplined and righteous way of life.

The oldest memory of Ramzan fasting for me is linked with the distinct tastes of the special dishes made by my mother during the holy month. I can’t recall the name or ingredients that had gone into the liquid dish made by the mother in the early morning. But, the taste of that still lingers. I think it was made by mixing milk, banana and rice flakes and was served early in the morning before the commencement of fasting.  

Similarly, another special dish was made for breaking the fast. It was made by roasting green gram in ghee. It was also a very special dish for me.  The most important memory connected with Ramzan is the opportunity to observe fasting while being in the Islamic holy city of Mecca. It is an experience that would always stay with me. The breaking of the fast in the city of Medina is also an unforgettable experience.

(As told to K. P.  Sethunath by V. K. Ibrahim, public works minister)