This Ramadan, Help Iqbal To Perform Last Rites Of Unidentified Dead Bodies

People often ask me, “Why do you do this? What drives you to help the most forgotten members of society?” And my answer is always simple: “When God created us and placed us on this earth, we were given one fundamental purpose—to take care of each other. If we fail to do that, then we are not truly living up to our purpose.”

It all started back in 2010, when we founded a humble initiative to provide education for homeless children. Our goal was clear: to give these children a chance to dream, to give them a future where they didn’t have to beg for survival. But then, when COVID hit, something else became just as urgent—a need we hadn’t anticipated. During those difficult times, we discovered a new calling: to ensure that even those who died alone, in pain or abandonment, received the dignified farewell they deserved.

Every day, we encounter between 80-100 unidentified bodies—some victims of accidents, others discarded by society, or simply left to die alone. These individuals, often struggling in life without a family or support, face the same cold reality in death: they have no one to care for them. The thought that, in their final moments, these human beings are without the love or presence of anyone who knew them is heart-wrenching.

Every day, we encounter between 80-100 unidentified bodies—some victims of accidents, others discarded by society, or simply left to die alone. These individuals, often struggling in life without a family or support, face the same cold reality in death: they have no one to care for them. The thought that, in their final moments, these human beings are without the love or presence of anyone who knew them is heart-wrenching.

But this is where we come in. We believe that every soul, no matter their circumstances, deserves respect. Every individual, regardless of their background, deserves to be treated with dignity in death. We make it our mission to learn about the lives of these unknown individuals and, where possible, we honor them by performing their final rites according to their faith—whether Hindu, Muslim, or other. Our teams, dedicated and compassionate, ensure that these bodies are treated with the utmost reverence. We perform the necessary prayers, rituals, and ceremonies, respecting their cultural and religious customs, so that their souls can rest in peace, no longer alone. Over the years, we’ve helped more than 7,000 bodies receive the final rites they were denied in life. And we are determined to keep going.

However, this work is not without its challenges. The cost of performing these rites is substantial. We need to pay for the prayer leaders—priests and pandits, the staff involved, the materials required for cremation or burial, and many other aspects of the process. Every one of these expenses adds up, and while we’re committed to this work, we are increasingly finding it difficult to meet the financial demands. That’s where you come in. As we approach the blessed month of Ramadan—a time when giving, selflessness, and service to others are at the heart of everything we do—we humbly ask for your support. Ramadan is not just about fasting; it’s about giving from the heart, extending a hand to those in need, and serving our true purpose in this world. By donating whatever you can, you’ll help us continue this crucial work, ensuring that those who die alone and unnoticed will receive the respect, dignity, and peace they deserve.

No donation is too small. Every contribution will make a difference, enabling us to carry out the final rites for these forgotten souls and offer them the closure they were denied in life. 

This Ramadan, please come forward and be a part of this mission. Help us serve our fellow human beings in their most vulnerable moment, and together, we can make the world a more compassionate and just place for all.” – founder of Mamdani Health and Education Trust.