While the World Played with Colors, He Honored the Forgotten – A Youth’s Unusual Holi

Ghazipur (The Uttam Hindu): While people across the country celebrated Holi with colors, laughter and loved ones, a youth from Ghazipur chose a different path—one of compassion and service. Kunwar Virendra Singh, known as the "heir of abandoned bodies," spent his festival ensuring that an unclaimed body received a dignified farewell.

Having performed the last rites of over 2,000 abandoned bodies, Kunwar Virendra Singh remained committed to his mission even during the festivities. Despite having abir and gulaal on his face, he made his way to the mortuary, completed the legal procedures and arranged for the cremation according to Hindu rituals.

While the country balanced Holi celebrations and Jumma prayers, Singh continued his years-long commitment to performing last rites for unclaimed bodies ensuring they receive dignity in death. Locating and cremating unclaimed bodies remains a challenge in the district but he has embraced this responsibility without hesitation.

Even as he enjoyed Holi with his friends. As the evening set in, he left the celebrations and headed to the mortuary. With the help of local police personnel and volunteers, he transported the body to the crematorium and performed the last rites.

Last Rites of a Beggar Who Died Before Holi

Two days before Holi, a homeless man passed away with no one to claim him. Upon hearing the news, Singh took it upon himself to arrange the funeral. He was joined by Constable Binda Prasad, Home Guard Ambika Prasad Kushwaha and other local helpers, who assisted him in ensuring a proper cremation.

A Daily Mission of Service

For Kunwar Virendra Singh, this is not an occasional act of kindness but a daily commitment. Every evening between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm, he can be found at the cremation ground, assisting in the last rites of unclaimed bodies. Many of these individuals are victims of accidents, particularly train incidents and their remains are held for 72 hours in the hope that their families come forward. When they do, Singh helps coordinate the cremation process with their relatives.

His selfless dedication has turned him into a beacon of humanity, reminding society that dignity in death should be a right for all, regardless of their circumstances.