Five Hindu brothers set an example of brotherhood and humanity in Azamgarh District by giving valuable land to build a Muslim graveyard
NEW DELHI — In a state where communal tensions frequently dominate headlines and small disputes are often amplified to pit communities against each other, a remarkable story of humanity has emerged from Azamgarh District in Uttar Pradesh. Amid reports of bulldozers demolishing Muslim homes and institutions, five Hindu brothers have stepped forward to offer solace to their Muslim neighbours, donating valuable land to build a graveyard in Hajipur village.
The incident occurred in Ramnagar, located in the Sagdi assembly constituency of Azamgarh, where Muslims of Hajipur had long struggled with the lack of a permanent burial ground. Until now, residents were forced to travel to Rasulpur village in Pal for burials, seeking permission from the local villagers and covering long distances to lay their deceased to rest.
Recognising the difficulties faced by the Muslim families, Rakesh Singh, along with his brothers Akhilesh, Sudhakar, Dinesh, and Omkar, donated land valued at approximately 30 lakh rupees for the cemetery. The land has been fenced, secured with an iron gate, and a plaque installed at the entrance commemorates the generosity of the five brothers.
Rakesh Singh, the eldest among the donors, explained their motivation: “Hajipur has a limited Muslim population, but for years they had no land to bury their dead. They used to go to the nearby village of Rasulpur to bury their dead. We had some land in Hajipur. Our family has been involved in social work since its inception. Therefore, people had been asking our father and uncle for land for a long time. Our father and uncle also wished that some land be given to the Muslims of Hajipur for a cemetery. Now that our father and uncle are no more, we brothers decided to give them the land, and we did.”
He added, “The Muslim brothers from Hajipur were willing to pay us for this land, but we felt it wouldn’t be right to take money for the land for a noble cause. So, we brothers decided to donate our land.”
For the Muslim residents of Hajipur, this act of generosity has brought immense relief and happiness. Munawwar, a resident, said, “The lack of a graveyard in our village was a huge problem. We have been sharing our problems with Babu Saheb (Rakesh Singh) for a long time. Today, all these brothers have agreed to donate their valuable land for the graveyard. The special thing is that Babu Saheb has also refused to accept any compensation for the land. Today is a moment of great joy for our entire village. We cannot forget this kindness of Babu Saheb.”
Another villager expressed deep appreciation: “There are 7-8 Muslim houses in Hajipur. We used to face a lot of problems, but Rakesh Babu has solved our problems. There is no way we can repay his kindness.”
Rakesh Singh, a prominent figure in Ramnagar, along with his wife Malti Singh, who is an influential leader in the Apna Dal (S) party, has faced accusation that the land donation was politically motivated. However, he dismissed such claims, stating, “My work has nothing to do with politics. It’s simply a matter of humanity and brotherhood.”
In a state where political narratives often exacerbate communal divides, the brothers’ actions stand out as a testament to the enduring values of empathy, compassion, and mutual respect.
The donation is particularly poignant given the backdrop of recent events in Uttar Pradesh, where government actions and communal tensions have disproportionately affected Muslim communities. Just a day before the news from Hajipur, reports from Shamli district revealed that members of the Pathan Muslim community had obstructed the Ansari community from burying their dead in a government cemetery, highlighting ongoing disputes over access to burial grounds.
In this context, the gesture by the five Hindu brothers becomes not just a local story but a symbol of hope for religious harmony in the state. It serves as a reminder that compassion and humanity can prevail even in areas frequently marred by mistrust and communal division.
Locals note that acts like these help bridge the gaps created by divisive politics. Munawwar stated, “This act of kindness has brought our village closer together. It is proof that humanity is above all else. We hope this story inspires others to act with similar compassion.”
Social media has widely circulated the story, with citizens across Uttar Pradesh and the country applauding the brothers for their selflessness. The incident has sparked discussions on the importance of communal harmony and the responsibility of individuals to uphold human dignity irrespective of religion.
In an era where the media frequently reports disputes and acts of violence between communities, the generosity of the Singh brothers provides a refreshing narrative of hope. As one local commentator noted, “In a time when hatred and division are often amplified, this act of humanity shines as an example of the India we aspire to be—a nation where religion does not determine one’s willingness to help another.”
While the donation addresses an immediate need for the Hajipur Muslim community, it also carries broader implications. It demonstrates that goodwill can overcome historical tensions and that acts of empathy have the power to inspire broader societal change.
The Singh brothers’ example also raises questions about the role of leadership and responsibility in times of social division. It underscores that ordinary citizens, when acting with conscience and courage, can create tangible positive outcomes even amidst systemic challenges.
Rakesh Singh concluded, “We are not heroes. We are simply doing what is right. Humanity should always come before religion, caste, or politics. If we can help even a small community, it is our duty.”
