Eldery Man Died Unclaimed in Bandipora Old Age Home, Laid to Rest in Disciple’s Native Village

Sheeba Haji

Bandipora, Dec 07: In the quiet corridors of the Senior Citizen Home in Bandipora, a story unfolded over the past one month – a tale of an elderly soul with no heirs, finding solace in the warmth of caretakers' hearts.

Knocking at the door of the old age home in picturesque Nishat Park a month before, the old man was welcomed by the caretakers. Little did they knew that the person was finding the final resting place for himself.  ‘His journey, marked by solitude, reached a poignant end, leaving a void in the halls that once echoed with the staff's attentive care.

Mudasir Yaseen, Coordinator of the Senior Citizen’s Home said a month ago staff at the Senior Citizen Home in Nishat Park, Bandipora, received a call from a referral a month ago regarding an elderly man without heirs, following which team promptly reached the location, facilitating his transfer to the old age home.

"Over the past month, our staff has been providing attentive care to him. In the last five days, his health deteriorated, prompting us to arrange daily doctor checkups," the official said.

            On Thursday morning the elderly person passed away at the old age home. “Our team swiftly took action and organized the necessary arrangements for the last rites," he said.

He further said that an investigation into the family background of the deceased, hailing from Madar village, revealed no close relatives. "This prompted us to reach out to the Introducer for further assistance," he said.

"We informed the individual's introducer, the one who initially referred him. He requested us to arrange the transportation of the deceased's body to his native village, Quilmuqam. The final burial, attended by hundreds of people, took place during the funeral proceedings," he said.

            He said that the departed soul was not just a mystic but a saint, and the Introducer shared a profound discipleship with him in the past. "Fuelled by this deep bond, the Introducer, moved by emotion, chose to provide a sacred resting place for the saint in the tranquil village of Quilmuqam," he said.

Mudasir Yaseen, the Office Coordinator at SCH Bandipora, said that they currently have 39 registrations, with 3 individuals currently present at the facility, while others have been reintegrated with their families. "Also, several beneficiaries avail our day care services, choosing to spend their evenings with their families," he said.

"We have a dedicated team of 11 staff members working day and night to ensure the well-being of our beneficiaries, aiming to create a home-like atmosphere for them," he explained. "We actively engage in discussions with them, addressing their needs and ensuring that every wish is fulfilled," he added.

Established in November 2022 under Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojna (AVYAY) scheme by the Department of Social Welfare Bandipora, the Senior Citizen Home (SCH) stands as a symbol of care for senior citizens.

            "This haven, dedicated to the well-being of the elderly, provides more than just shelter—it offers a comprehensive range of services including nourishment, clothing, funeral services, and various amenities designed to enhance the daily lives of its residents. Immerse yourself in a thoughtfully curated library, indulge in recreational facilities, manage stress through available resources, and benefit from professional counseling, all contributing to a vibrant atmosphere that nurtures personal growth and joy," Yaseen added.

He also said that the holistic approach of SCH goes beyond physical care, addressing emotional and psychological well-being through robust social support networks, legal assistance, and medical care facilitated by a dedicated medical staff, including a trained doctor and an experienced nurse.

"Moreover, SCH ensures that all services and life support provisions are accessible to deprived elderly citizens entirely free of cost, reflecting the profound belief that every senior citizen deserves a life filled with comfort and compassionate care," he added.