Muslim man defies curfew to take Hindu friend’s pregnant wife to hospital
Hailakandi (Assam), May 15: With prayers on his lips, a Muslim man drove his auto-rickshaw as fast as he can in a curfew-hit town, so that a Hindu woman who was in an advanced stage of labour could reach the hospital on time.
They made it and a boy, aptly named 'Shanti', was born on Sunday when curfew was in force in Hailakandi following communal clashes just two days ago.
Accompanied by district Superintendent of Police Mohneesh Mishra, Hailakandi Deputy Commissioner Keerthi Jalli visited the residence of Rubon Das and Nandita, parents of the new-born, on Wednesday and said, "We need more such examples of Hindu-Muslim unity and amity."
She also congratulated Maqbool, Rubon's neighbour, for helping his friend at the time of distress, overriding the communal tension prevailing in the district.
One person was killed in police firing and at least 15 people were injured, while more than 15 vehicles were damaged and 12 shops vandalised and set on fire in some parts of the town during communal clashes on Friday, forcing the authorities to clamp an indefinite curfew in the district.
Two days later, Rubon was frantically calling his near and dear ones for help. He needed an ambulance to take Nandita to hospital as she was writhing in labour pain.
In between the calls, Rubon said, "I was trying to calm my wife down saying someone will surely come to take us to hospital in Hailakandi town."
The S K Roy Civil Hospital is a few kilometres away from their Rajyeshwarpur Part I village.
However, no help came for them in the curfew affected area and, in the meanwhile, Nandita's pain increased.
At that time, Rubon's friend and neighbour Maqbool heard his predicament and rushed to his residence with his auto-rickshaw.
As Maqbool was driving the vehicle, speeding along the deserted roads, the only thing haunting him was whether he would make it on time to the hospital.
"I was trying to comfort them.... telling them everything will be fine. But I myself was praying," said Maqbool.
His timely help paid off and Nandita delivered a healthy boy at around 5.30 pm. Both friends heaved a sigh of relief after knowing that the condition of both the mother and the child was fine.
Rubon at once decided to name his son 'Shanti' who was born amid curfew following a communal strife.
The good news spread, with the Administrator of the hospital Bhaskar Das describing the incident as a classic instance of Hindu-Muslim brotherhood.
Cuddling the baby, Jalli said, "It's good to know that the baby has been named Shanti by the parents with the hope that lasting peace will return to Hailakandi."
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Nora Fatehi apologises before NCW over 'Sarke Chunar' row, vows support for orphan girls
New Delhi (PTI): Actor Nora Fatehi on Thursday appeared before the National Commission for Women in connection with a controversy surrounding the song 'Sarke Chunar' and apologised, saying there was "no intention to offend anybody."
Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Fatehi said she had been put in a situation unintentionally but acknowledged her responsibility as an artist.
"It was just a situation that I was put in, and there was no intention to offend anybody. But of course, I have to be responsible as an artiste. I definitely apologise, we have done everything in writing. They have been so kind and helpful," she said.
The actor also said she has decided to sponsor the education of a few orphan girls.
"It's really important for us to give back to society. So, I decided that we should sponsor a few orphan girls, their education, so that is the goal after this matter," she said.
Earlier, Fatehi distanced herself from the Hindi version of the song, saying she had shot the Kannada version and that her permission was not taken for its use in Hindi.
The Hindi version of the song, released on March 15 on YouTube, triggered outrage among a section of the public over its allegedly explicit lyrics.
Following the backlash, the makers removed the Hindi version from YouTube, though it continued to circulate across platforms. The lyricist, singer and director have also issued apologies.
'KD The Devil' is a Kannada film, dubbed in four languages, including Hindi.
