Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan – In the final journey of life, where many depart into the shadows of anonymity, the Bhagat Singh Rescue Team Sri Ganganagar emerges as a beacon of humanity. Founded by social worker Rajinder Allsikha, this team has taken on the profound mission of ensuring that no soul is forgotten. To date, they have performed the last rites for over 100 unclaimed bodies across India, meticulously honouring the faith and traditions of each individual.
The mission’s genesis lies in a poignant incident in Bikaner. A poor family from Bihar had come for cancer treatment, but when the patient passed away, his widow was left helpless, unable to afford to take the body home. Deeply moved by her plight, Allsikha arranged for the final rites himself. That moment was a turning point. “From that day, I resolved that no one, regardless of their religion, caste, or circumstances, should leave this world without the dignity they deserve,” recalls Allsikha.
What sets the Bhagat Singh Rescue Team sri ganganagar apart is its deeply inclusive ethos. Whether the deceased was a Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, or Christian, the team ensures every ritual is performed with strict adherence to religious customs—from the sacred fire of Hindu cremation and the Mecca-aligned burials in Islam to the prayers of Sikh tradition and the solemn burials of Christianity.
The path was initially fraught with challenges. The team faced skepticism and struggled with coordinating with hospitals and police. Today, however, the narrative has shifted dramatically. Recognising the nobility of their cause, the local administration and police now actively collaborate with them. “Earlier, people questioned why we did this,” says Allsikha. “Now, the police themselves call us when an unclaimed body is found.”
Beyond the numbers, this work is a quiet testament to compassion. Each cremation or burial is not merely a ritual but a powerful statement: that every life, no matter how isolated or impoverished, is worthy of respect in death. For Rajinder Allsikha, this is more than social work; it is a spiritual commitment. In a world that often moves too fast, the Bhagat Singh Rescue Team Sri Ganganagar stands as a solemn reminder of humanity’s greatest duty: compassion.
