KHAMMAM: Rising to the occasion and responding to almost every neighbourhood SOS, an advocate from the city, Sadiq Shaik, is doing his bit for Covid-hit families in their hour of grief.
He has been extending assistance to the destitute and hapless. He distributed food and provisions to around 1,500 migrant labourers in the first wave and is continuing his humanitarian gesture in the more destructive second wave.
Currently, Sadiq is coming forward to help perform the last rites of those Covid victims, who have been shunned by their kin and friends. He says that religion is not a bar when it comes to serving distressed people, who are desperate for help.
It should be noted that for fear of contracting the virus, many relatives left the duty of last rites to government workers. This is when Sadiq enters the picture and gives a decent farewell to such bodies.
Naveen Kumar, a driver from Kothagudem, died of Covid-19 in Khammam district headquarters hospital. Naveen’s brother-in-law Venkat asked Sadiq for help. Sadiq not only helped Venkat but also performed the last rites according to Hindu traditions. Venkat said he was indebted to Sadiq, who had also paid all expenses incurred at Vaikunta Dhamam of Ballepalli in Khammam.
“There is no dearth of love and affection for their beloved ones after their death. But, doctors and others cautioned them against getting too close to dead bodies. I extended all help,” he said.
On finances, he said that money is not the criteria in helping persons during tragic times. He said that some of his friends are extending physical support for the noble cause.
