‘It Was My Duty,’ Says Farhan Alam Who Saved Life of a Devotee During Maha Kumbh

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Prayagraj lawyer and social worker’s timely CPR intervention gives Ram Shankar a Second Life

Mohammad bin ismail |Clarion India

LUCKNOW – In the midst of the bustling Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, where millions gather to seek spiritual solace, a heartwarming tale of humanity and selflessness has emerged. Farhan Alam, a young lawyer and social worker, became an unsung hero when he saved the life of Ram Shankar, a devotee who suffered a heart attack during the pilgrimage. Alam’s quick thinking and knowledge of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) not only revived Shankar but also became a shining example of communal harmony and duty beyond religious boundaries.

“If I saved someone’s life, it was my duty. This is what humanitarian service is. When you help someone, you never see which religion or community they belong to. Religion has taught us that the most precious thing in the world is a human life. Therefore, if I saved Ram Shankar’s life or provided him with timely medical assistance, it was part of my duty,” Farhan Alam told media.

The incident occurred last week when Ram Shankar, a devotee from Uttar Pradesh, collapsed near the Kumbh Mela grounds. His wife and child were seen crying helplessly as Shankar lay unconscious, his breathing stopped. Amid the chaos, Farhan Alam, who was stationed at the railway station, received a distress call from his colleague Muhammad Arshad. Without wasting a moment, Alam rushed to the scene.

“I reached the spot within a few minutes. At that time, he was completely unconscious and had stopped breathing. I started the CPR process immediately. The joy of seeing him regain consciousness after a few moments of hard work was evident on everyone’s face,” Alam recalled.

A video of the incident, which later went viral on social media, showed Alam tirelessly performing chest compressions on Shankar. His efforts paid off when Shankar’s heartbeat was restored, and he was rushed to a nearby hospital for further treatment.

Farhan Alam’s act of bravery was not a one-off incident. A dedicated social worker, Alam is the founder of the Prim Rose Shiksha Sansthan, an organisation established by his late father, Dr Noor Alam, in 1994. The NGO focuses on education and social welfare, and Alam has been actively involved in training Railway Protection Force (RPF) jawans in CPR and first aid as part of the preparations for the Maha Kumbh Mela.

“Before the Kumbh, we organised a training camp for RPF jawans under the leadership of Inspector Shiv Kumar Singh. I taught them the correct method of CPR and how to provide immediate medical assistance. Little did I know that I would be the first one to put that training into practice,” Alam said.

This is not the first time Alam has saved a life during the Kumbh Mela. In the previous Kumbh, he had similarly revived another devotee who had suffered a cardiac arrest. Alam has shared the video of that incident on his social media, not for fame but to raise awareness about the importance of CPR training.

For Farhan Alam, the Maha Kumbh Mela is not just a Hindu religious gathering but a symbol of India’s Ganga-Yamuni civilisation, where people of all faiths come together in harmony. “The Maha Kumbh is the centre of devotion for Hindus, but we all respect it. The residents of Prayagraj consider it their responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of the devotees. These devotees are our guests, and their safety is our duty,” he said.

Alam emphasised that the Kumbh Mela is a testament to India’s communal harmony. “There are Muslims who are volunteering to serve the crores of devotees. They are working day and night with great pride, helping the devotees at every step. This is the Maha Kumbh of brotherhood,” he added.

After his recovery, Ram Shankar met Farhan Alam at a hospital in Prayagraj. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Shankar thanked Alam for saving his life. However, Alam humbly replied, “I have only fulfilled my duty. The happiness lies in the fact that I reached the spot on time, and the effort was successful.”

The incident has left a lasting impression on the devotees and the administration alike. Many have praised Alam’s quick response and selfless service, calling him a true hero. “This incident made everyone realize how important training and preparation are. It’s not just about saving a life; it’s about being ready to help when the need arises,” Alam said.

Farhan Alam’s story is a powerful reminder that humanity transcends religion, caste, and creed. In a time when divisive narratives often dominate the headlines, his actions speak volumes about the essence of India’s pluralistic culture.

“Volunteers have no religion; they just have to provide human service. No one has stopped us from serving or objected to us on the basis of religion. In fact, we, the people of the city, consider it our social and human responsibility. Our goal is to remove whatever problems the devotees face. We work with this spirit,” Alam said.

As the Maha Kumbh Mela continues to draw millions, stories like Farhan Alam’s serve as a beacon of hope and unity. His courage, compassion, and commitment to duty remind us that in the face of adversity, humanity always prevails.

In Alam’s words, “The biggest thing is that I made an effort through CPR, and Allah made it successful. That’s all that matters.”

Farhan Alam’s dedication to social service is deeply rooted in his family’s legacy. His father, Dr Noor Alam, was a respected figure in Prayagraj, known for his philanthropic work. Alam has carried forward this legacy, dedicating his life to helping others through his NGO and various social initiatives.

“My father always taught me that service to humanity is the greatest form of worship. I have tried to live by that principle, and incidents like these only strengthen my resolve to continue this work,” Alam shared.

As the Maha Kumbh Mela draws to a close, Farhan Alam’s story will remain etched in the hearts of those who witnessed his selfless act. It is a testament to the power of compassion, the importance of preparedness, and the enduring spirit of unity that defines India’s cultural fabric.

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