– Zaina Aman
In a heart-warming example of communal harmony, a Muslim family in Mallar village near Kaup, Udupi district, Karnataka, performed the last rites of a 90-year-old Hindu woman, Janaki Poojari, who passed away on Tuesday.
Janaki had been living with Rafeeq Abdul Khader’s family for the past 10 years at their home in Sunshine Layout, Mallar. After her husband’s death, Janaki became a part of Rafeeq’s family in Mumbai, where she lived with Rafeeq’s mother. Her only son, Shekhar Vittal, lived separately and had limited contact with her.
In 1980, Rafeeq’s family moved from Mumbai to Udupi, and Janaki accompanied them. Rafeeq’s family considered her one of their own and took care of her in her final days.
When Janaki passed away, Rafeeq made all the arrangements for her funeral according to Hindu customs. He also ensured that her son, Shekhar, who lives in Mumbai, was informed and brought to Kaup to perform the final rites.
“Janaki was like a family member to us since I was young. Her son visited her a week ago when she was unwell. After her death, I informed him so he could come to perform her last rites as per Hindu tradition,” Rafeeq said.
Janaki’s granddaughter and several villagers, including Rafeeq’s neighbour Ibrahim and Kaup town municipality president Harinakshi Devadiga, attended the funeral. The 13th-day rituals will also be conducted with Janaki’s son participating.
This act of compassion highlights the strong bonds between communities in the region.
