For over 25 years he has been giving last rites to unclaimed bodies. He would spend from his own pocket to take Muslims to graveyards and Hindus to cremation grounds for funeral
Srawan Shukla | Clarion India
LUCKNOW – His name needs no mention. Mohammed Sharif, popularly known as Sharif Chacha of Ayodhya, is on death bed. His family members do not want him to die with a regret of not seeing the Padma Shri award bestowed on him last year on the Republic Day.
The family is in huge debt and has no money left to continue treatment of his multiple diseases, including impaired liver and kidney. His grandson Shabbir had called up authorities concerned many a time to enquire about dates of award being conferred on him before he closes his eyes. But each time he gets a reply: “Wait, it will be announced soon.”
Shabbir, a small-time computer hardware repair mechanic, says that they never imagined this kind of treatment his 83-year-old grandfather will face after serving the society selflessly for the last 27 years without any support from the government.
Sharif Chacha has done cremation of more than 25,000 unclaimed bodies. He would spend from his own pocket to take Muslims to graveyards and Hindus to cremation grounds to give them last rites.
“Kya Hindu Kya Musalmaan, sabse pehle Insaan” (What Hindu what Muslim, Humans above all) was his usual reply when people used to call him ‘pagal’ (crazy) for ferrying bodies on his old bicycle for giving them last honour.
The journey started when the body of his son was found near a railway track about 27 years ago. It was half-eaten by animals. He took a vow to perform last rites of any unclaimed body that came to his notice.
He has come a long way since then. He would walk miles to retrieve unclaimed bodies and carry forward his mission. When age started taking a toll on him, a few people came forward to help him in this noble cause.
Six months ago, he fell sick and since then he has been bed-ridden. A small bicycle repair shop he owned is shut. Two of his sons are no more in this world. One is retired. There are only two earning members in his family. His son Shageer is a driver and grandson earns a living by selling small computer parts. Together, they earn less than Rs 15,000 a month for a family of 15 members.
They live in Tin-shade small dilapidated house located in Mohalla Khirki Ali Beg in Ayodhya. “We owe huge sums to chemists and doctors treating him. My worry is how will we carry on with his medical expenses. I have four sisters to marry. What future will we have once he is no more,” said he.
“We have taken huge loans from money-lenders for his treatment. People made a beeline at our residence when Padma Shri was announced for him. They had made big promises of a house, pension and government jobs. But since then no one came to see us,” said Shabbir in a quavering voice.
Shabbir was told by media persons last year that the Padma Shri award carries cash award and pension. “It was all bundle of lies,” he grins.
People have begun to ask if the family is a victim of government’s pro-majority policies. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath quickly releases funds to the poor and needy for treatment. Why no funds for ailing Sharif Chacha, they ask.
Sharif Chacha’s second son Mohammed Ashraf, however, does not back this perception. “People are generally supportive,” he says.
But he quickly contradicts himself. “I don’t know why no one is coming forward to help us even after my father was selected for the Padma Shri award,” he wonders.
“What will we do with the award if grandpa is no more to take a look at. Our fate is to live in penury, award or no award,” fumes grandson.
When media persons brought the condition of Sharif Chacha and his family to the BJP MP from Ayodhya, Lallu Singh, he looked surprised that he has not received the award till date. Interestingly, it was Singh who had recommended his name for the Padma award.
“I will talk to the chief minister and make all arrangements for his treatment and help the family,” he replied.
In a world where people fear touching bodies of their own relatives, Sharif Chacha carried unclaimed bodies on his shoulders for 27 years. Today, he lies on bed gazing at the ceiling and counting his days like an unclaimed body.
