Mohammed Sharif Explained

Mohammed Sharif
Occupation:Bicycle mechanic, social worker
Other Names:Sharif Chacha
Birth Place:Ayodhya, India
Awards:
  • Padma Shri (2020)
  • Maati Ratan by Shaheed Shodha Sansthan

Mohammed Sharif, popularly known as Sharif Chacha, is an Indian bicycle mechanic and social worker from Uttar Pradesh. He is known for performing last rites for over 25000 unidentified and unclaimed dead bodies.[1] [2] He was conferred with India's fourth-highest civilian award the Padma Shri in 2020 for his contribution in social work.[3] [4] [5]

Biography

Sharif's eldest son, Mohammed Rais Khan, was murdered in 1992 on his way to Sultanpur.[6] With his unclaimed body lying on the road, it was devoured by stray animals.[7] After this incident, Sharif started performing the last rites of the unidentified dead bodies. He visits police stations, hospitals, railway stations and mortuary for unclaimed bodies. The bodies are handed over to him by police only after nobody claims it for 72 hours.[7]

Sharif gives last rites to every unclaimed body as per their religion.[2] He performed last rites of over 25,000 unclaimed bodies in and around Faizabad.[8] [9] Though he faced financial difficulties many times, he carried his activities of performing the last rites after collecting donations.[2] He also appeared in Satyamev Jayate.[10]

Awards

Sharif was conferred with Padma Shri in 2020 for his contribution in social work.[11] [12]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Arshad Afzaal Khan. Nov 8, 2021. 'Last rites samaritan' Shareef Chacha from Ayodhya gets Padma Shri Lucknow News - Times of India. 2021-11-12. The Times of India. en.
  2. News: Ayodhya: Meet Padam Shri awardee Mohammad Sharif, who performed last rites of 25,000 unclaimed bodies. 26 January 2020. 26 January 2020. Times Now.
  3. News: From Arun Jaitley to Karan Johar: Here's full list of Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri awardees 2020. 25 January 2020. 26 January 2020. Deccan Herald.
  4. Web site: Meet Padma Shri Mohammad Sharif, who performed last rites for 25000 unclaimed dead bodies. 2021-11-12. DNA India. en.
  5. Web site: Service. Tribune News. Padma Shri to UP man Mohammad Sharif who cremated over 25,000 bodies. 2021-11-12. Tribuneindia News Service. en.
  6. News: With no Religious Bias, Mohd Sharif Has Cremated 25000 Unclaimed Bodies. 27 February 2017. 26 January 2020. News18.
  7. News: Padma for Sharif Chacha: UP's unsung hero. 26 January 2020. 26 January 2020. The Times of India.
  8. News: Muslim bhajan singer, 'Langar Baba', Sundarban doctor among Padma award winners. 26 January 2020. 26 January 2020. The Times of India.
  9. News: Republic Day 2020: Unsung heroes in Padma Shri award list. 26 January 2020. 26 January 2020. Deccan Herald.
  10. News: Sharif Chacha's Padma has special significance. 26 January 2020. 26 January 2020. Outlook.
  11. News: Full list of 2020 Padma awardees. 26 January 2020. 26 January 2020. The Hindu.
  12. News: Padma Awards announced; posthumous honour for Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj. 26 January 2020. 26 January 2020. The Times of India.

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