Sasaram: When an unclaimed body lies abandoned and no family comes forward, Mohammed Kalamdar steps in. For nearly five decades, the 72-year-old social worker from Sasaram in Rohtas district has been ensuring a dignified farewell for the forgotten dead, irrespective of religion, caste or social statusKalamdar began his social service journey in 1975. As a young man, he and two friends collected and sold animal bones to fund the education of underprivileged children. During this work, he witnessed a disturbing reality: unidentified and unclaimed bodies were often disposed of without respect, sometimes dumped in the Sone river or abandoned at cremation grounds.Deeply moved, he resolved to perform the last rites of every unclaimed body brought to his notice. Whenever police complete legal formalities and if no claimant appears within 72 hours, officials inform Kalamdar, who then arrange the final rites according to the deceased’s faith or religion.Over the years, he has performed the last rites of around 1,500 unclaimed bodies. He has also ensured dignified burials for unclaimed newborns and aborted foetuses. During the 1980s, he even conducted the last rites of dacoits killed in police encounters after their families failed to claim the bodies.His work was not without opposition. Some people objected to Muslim performing Hindu cremations and attempted to take over the responsibility. However, after handling only a few cases, they withdrew, leaving Kalamdar to continue the task he had taken upon himself.Today, the final rites of an unclaimed body cost around Rs 2,000-2,500, funded through donations from local residents and well-wishers. A local shop supplying kafan (burial shrouds) has supported the mission for years, often without asking the name or religion of the deceased.Police officials and residents alike praise his dedication. Families dealing with tragic losses have also benefited from his assistance. Despite his remarkable contribution, Kalamdar has never sought publicity or recognition.For many families, his assistance has come during their darkest moments. Shubh Kumar, a trader from Sasaram, recalled how his cousin’s body was discovered in the post-mortem house four days after his death.“The body had started decomposing and the smell was unbearable. Many people were reluctant to go near it. It was Mohammed Kalamdar who stood with our family and helped us perform the last rites with dignity. We will always remain grateful to him,” Kumar said.
