In a heartwarming display of humanity, Irfana Iqbal, a 34-year-old leader of the Indian Union Muslim League, performed the last rites of an abandoned elderly Hindu man, Narayanan, at a public crematorium in Kasaragod’s Chirugali on Friday. Narayanan, 64, had been living at an old age home run by Irfana under the Sheikh Zayed Foundation, where 50 abandoned persons are cared for. He had been found alone and sleeping on shop verandas before being taken in by the foundation. Narayanan died of oral cancer at a medical college hospital in Kozhikode on Tuesday.
Despite having been married to two women and having children from both relationships, his family had abandoned him months ago and did not claim his body after his death. Irfana, a member of the Kasaragod district panchayat, volunteered to perform the last rites after obtaining written consent from Narayanan’s close relatives. She lit the funeral pyre on Friday, a day when Muharram was observed across the country. Irfana said she had learned about Narayanan’s condition from a local panchayat member a month ago and had worked to get him admitted to the old age home.
However, his health was deteriorating, and he was eventually diagnosed with advanced-stage oral cancer. He was referred to the Government Medical College Hospital in Kozhikode, where he passed away. Irfana emphasized that humanity is above religion and politics, saying, ‘_I performed Narayanettan’s last rites as a daughter.
Humanity is above religion and politics._’ Her selfless act has been widely appreciated, and her Facebook post about the incident has highlighted the importance of compassion and kindness towards all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances.
