Dubai bus crash: 11 Indian victims' bodies flown home, one cremated in UAE
Dubai: The mortal remains of 11 Indians killed in a horrific road accident in Dubai were repatriated on Sunday while the body of a 22-year-old Indian was cremated here in the Gulf emirate, an official said.
Twelve Indians were among 17 people killed in Dubai Thursday when a bus, mostly with Eid vacationers coming from Oman, entered a restricted lane and rammed into a low-clearance sign.
The repatriation of 11 Indians was complete when the last three bodies were flown to Mumbai on an Air India flight, the official who was making arrangements for the flights was quoted as saying by the Gulf News.
The flight departed at 3.39am Sunday.
"All mortal remains were moved as scheduled. The procedures were completed by 11.45pm," he said.
Meanwhile, Roshni Moolchandani, the youngest Indian victim killed in the crash, was cremated here on Saturday at the Jebel Ali crematorium. Her final rites were completed by her family who came over from India, said a social worker, who was assisting the family.
Consul General of India in Dubai Vipul told the paper Saturday that the mortal remains of the Indian victims would be repatriated free of cost by Air India in cases where employers were not bearing expenses.
The consulate had issued travel documents for free and also offered to bear the cost of embalming in cases where the families needed support.
The bus, belonging to the Omani bus transport company Mwasalat, carrying 31 passengers, crashed into a height barrier that cut the left side of the bus and killed passengers sitting on that side.
Dubai Police blamed the Omani driver, who was moderately injured, for the accident, saying "at times a small mistake or negligence can lead to adverse consequences".
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Seers like Shivakumara Swami shape soul of society, nation: President Murmu
Tumakuru (Karnataka) (PTI): President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said seers like Shivakumara Swami give shape to the soul of society and the nation, and their spiritual legacy continues to nourish the country even after their physical departure.
Known as 'Trivida dasohi' for his triple sacraments -- food, shelter and education -- among his followers, Shivakumara Swami was the pontiff of the renowned Siddaganga Math. He passed away at the age of 111 on January 21, 2019.
The President emphasised that diligence, public service, and national service are interlinked, and that spirituality provides a strong and enduring foundation for both public and national service.
Addressing the 119th birth anniversary and Guruvandana of the seer at Sree Siddaganga Math here, the President said, "I believe that seers like Shri Shivakumara Swamiji give shape to the soul of our society and our nation. His physical body merged into the supreme element in the year 2019, but his legacy continues to nourish society and the country."
Murmu said that the seer's life dedicated to the service of the poor and the deprived remained a unique example of expressing spirituality through welfare activities.
"He continued to enrich humanity for many years through his spiritual activity. His life dedicated to the service of the poor and the deprived, and expressing spirituality through welfare activities, is a unique example," she said.
Praising the activities of the Math, the President said, "It is said that through this Math, arrangements for free food, accommodation, and education are made for a large number of rural children, which is highly commendable."
Emphasising that education is the key to development, she said that providing education to deprived and poor children means building the future of the country and advancing the nation's development.
"I am especially pleased to know that from primary school to higher education in engineering and management, arrangements for education have been made by the Math. For this purpose, many educational institutions have been established," she said.
She also highlighted the healthcare initiatives associated with the institution. "I have also been told that the Sri Siddaganga Hospital, established by Shri Shivakumara Swamiji, provides excellent healthcare services to the general public," the President said and added that the Math carried forward a long tradition of service and spirituality.
Referring to the ideals of 12th century social reformer Basavanna, she said, "It is a matter of great happiness that today your spiritual institution is following the ideals of Prabhu Basavanna". She said that the example of a democratic system, based on a society free of discrimination and the participation of all, was presented centuries ago by Basavanna.
Lauding Karnataka, the President said that the state presented one of the most effective examples of public service, national service, spirituality and modern progress, and congratulated the people of the state for their contribution to nation-building.
Murmu said that by walking on the path of nation-building, altruism and dedication to duty, people could truly pay tribute to Shivakumara Swami.
"On this occasion associated with his sacred memory, we will all take a pledge that we will always remain active in enhancing the glory of Karnataka Mata and Bharat Mata," she said.
On the occasion of his Jayanti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to Shivakumara Swami, recalling his remarkable contributions across education, social welfare and spirituality, which have left an enduring imprint on society.
"He (Swamiji) stands in collective memory as an embodiment of compassion, humility and unwavering service to humanity. Through a lifetime dedicated to uplifting others, he demonstrated that true greatness lies in serving others," PM Modi said in a post on 'X'.
The prime minister recalled that even today, Swami's life continues to guide and inspire countless individuals to walk the path of selflessness and service.
