Chithragiri, Wayanad: In a gesture that transcended religious and social boundaries, two Muslim brothers performed the last rites of their 85-year-old Hindu neighbour, Kalyani Amma, who had no children or close relatives, in Wayanad.

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Razak and his brother Sulaiman, residents of Club Junction in Chithragiri under Muppainad panchayat, took responsibility for her funeral and completed the Hindu rituals at a crematorium in Andoor.

Following the instructions of the priest from Ivarmadom, the brothers performed each of the funeral rites as residents of the locality gathered to witness her final journey.

Kalyani Amma had lived alone for nearly 50 years. However, despite her old age and declining health, she was never left to fend for herself, as Razak and his family looked after her as they would their own mother.

The family took her to hospital for treatment, arranged medicines and attended to her other needs. When she became bedridden, they continued to care for her. Razak's wife, Ruqiya, also stood by her and looked after her when she could no longer manage without assistance.

The family, which had been her neighbours for nearly five decades, remained by her side until her death and ensured that she received a dignified farewell.

The funeral became an example of compassion and humanity, with Razak and Sulaiman setting aside religious differences to fulfil their neighbour's final rites.