Members of the only Hindu family of Baidyanathpur village, located nearly 50km from here, were overwhelmed with gratitude on Saturday when their Muslim neighbours helped them carry out the last rites of the patriarch.

Ganapati Rabidas, 61, and his family live along with 25-odd Muslim families. The village is located under the Pardeonapur–Sovapur panchayat in Baishnabnagar near the India-Bangladesh border.

Sources said that a few days ago, Ganapati fell ill and was admitted to Malda Medical College and Hospital. His Muslim neighbours stood by his three sons and daughter and arranged medicines and food for the family.

On Friday night, Ganapati died and his sons were finding it difficult to carry the body back to the village and arrange for his funeral.

Putting an end to their worries, neighbours like Rubel Sheikh, Abdul Halim, Akibul Sheikh and Biyan Ali joined hands to arrange everything necessary for the last rites.

“They arranged a truck and brought our father’s body to the village. They contributed generously and helped carry his body for the last rites. We did not feel alone as they assured us of all probable assistance,” said Mitro, one of Ganapati’s sons.

The neighbours shouldered the body of Ganapati to the burning ghat.
“What we have done is humanitarian work. Religion cannot be a bar to help people. They were helpless and it was our responsibility to stand by them in all possible ways. We simply did so,” said Ali, who is also an elected member of the local panchayat.

“Now we are getting ready to help them perform the other rituals. This is how we want to live together, maintaining harmony and upholding humanity,” Halim said.