Pune: In a heartwarming display of communal harmony, Javed Khan, a Muslim social worker, assisted in performing the last rites of a Hindu man, Sudhir Kinkale (70), who passed away in Pune.
Javed Khan, who runs Ummat Social Organization, has been actively involved in helping people from all communities perform funeral rituals. This time, he stepped forward to help Kinkale’s only surviving relative, his sister Jayashree Kinkale, who had no other family members to support her during this difficult time.
Javed Khan shared the incident on social media, explaining how his friend, Michael Sathe, informed him about Kinkale’s demise. Since Jayashree Kinkale was alone and had no other relatives, Michael asked Javed if he could arrange the funeral.
Javed went to Sassoon Hospital’s mortuary, where he met Jayashree and Police Constable Holkar, who were completing the required formalities. However, due to administrative procedures, the release of the body was delayed until late at night. When Javed suggested performing the last rites immediately, Jayashree declined, stating that they do not conduct funerals after sunset. Instead, she requested that the rituals be held the following morning.
A Difficult Choice
That night was one of the most significant nights of Ramadan, an important time for prayers. However, Javed chose to prioritize the funeral arrangements over his own religious observances. He woke up early the next morning and sent two volunteers, Shubham and Sheru, to the hospital.
Another volunteer, also named Shubham, joined them. Meanwhile, Michael coordinated at Vaikunth Crematorium, ensuring that all arrangements were in place. At the crematorium, Javed and his team stood as Sudhir Kinkale’s family, ensuring his final journey was conducted with the utmost dignity and respect.
