Ganga Jamuni Tradition On Display As Muslim Youth Help Hindu Family With Last Rites

In a display of syncretism of Indian culture, Muslim youths in Indore, Madhya Pradesh helped their Hindu neighbours to perform the last rites as relatives could not reach the place due to a nationwide lockdown due to the coronavirus.

Photo tweeted by former Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath

Coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh: In a display of syncretism of Indian culture, Muslim youths in Indore, Madhya Pradesh helped their Hindu neighbours to perform the last rites as relatives could not reach the place due to a nationwide lockdown due to the coronavirus. 65-year old Draupadi Bai died due to prolonged illness and her sons who lived away from home could not come to conduct the funeral due to lockdown restrictions on travel. When the Muslim community of the neighbourhood came to know about the situation, they decided to help the family out. They carried the body on their shoulders to the cremation ground which was around 2.5 km away while being mindful of precautionary measures like wearing masks. According to reports, the Muslim youths said that they considered this their duty since they have known the family since childhood. The videos and photos of the incident went viral and were also noted by Congress leader Kamal Nath who shared the story on his Twitter page. In His Tweet, he praised the gesture of the youth and said that it is an example to society.

"It is praiseworthy that people from the Muslim community along with the woman's two sons carried the body on their shoulders for her last rites. This has set an example in society. It reflects our Ganga-Jamuni culture and such scenes enhance mutual love and brotherhood," he said in a tweeted. India has been under a 21-day lockdown since March 24 to curb the spread of the virus. The lockdown also imposed severe travel restrictions as states closed their border. So far India has recorded over 4000 confirmed cases of coronavirus infection.