Nikunja Nath/Guwahati

A village in Assam has offered a heartening reminder of the power of humanity and brotherhood. The residents of Ambari-Parerchar, a Muslim-majority village in Assam's Bongaigaon district, came together to perform the last rites of a young Hindu man according to Hindu customs, setting an example of communal harmony and social unity.

Ambari-Parerchar is a Muslim-dominated village.

Recently, the village was plunged into grief following the sudden death of Pratik Bhowmik, a young Hindu resident. As his family struggled to cope with the loss, their Muslim neighbours stepped forward to share their sorrow and support them in making all arrangements for the last rites of the deceased.

Muslim neighbours at the house of deceased Pratik

The villagers not only expressed their condolences but also took responsibility for helping conduct all the rituals associated with the funeral and cremation in accordance with Hindu rituals.

Rising above religious barriers, the Muslim villagers carried Pratik's body on their shoulders and ensured that every aspect of the last rites was performed with dignity and respect at the public cremation ground.

Speaking about the gesture, local resident Amar Ali said: "We, the people of Ambari, express our deep sorrow over the death of Pratik Bhowmik and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family. Through this act, we want to send a message to the people of Assam that there should be no division between Hindus and Muslims. For the sake of the departed soul, the people of our village have come forward to help perform his last rites. We pray to God that Pratik Bhowmik attains eternal peace."

Muslims making arrangement for cremation

Another resident, Abul Kalam Azad, said the bonds between the families in the village transcend religious identities.

"Although Pratik belonged to a Hindu family, we have never viewed each other through the lens of Hindu or Muslim identities. We have lived together in the Ambari Tilapara-Pahartali area for many years and have always stood by one another during difficult times. The contributions of this family have left a lasting impression on the people of Ambari. We will always remember the good deeds of the late Pratik Bhowmik. His untimely death has deeply saddened us."

Azad also expressed concern over attempts by certain groups to create divisions between Hindus and Muslims, saying such efforts weaken the social fabric of society. He appealed to people to remain united and vigilant so that peace and harmony continue to prevail in their locality.

The villagers' gesture has drawn widespread appreciation across Assam, with many describing it as a shining example of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect. Observers say it reflects the deep-rooted traditions of inter-community harmony that have long existed in many parts of the state.

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The incident is a reminder of the reality that humanity transcends religious boundaries. While faith may shape how people worship, it should never become a barrier between them.