Dr John Mohan Razu
Indian society by and large is communal. Communal mind-sets would look out for any opportunity to grab and capitalize upon. We tend to think that at least during the pandemic of this magnitude such as COVID-19, there would be some etiquette, observance of minimal decency and civility. But, a few incidents that happened in recent times prove contrary to our comprehension implying that we should not take anything for granted such as the minimal decency required even during coronavirus.
An incident happened a few days ago in Chennai had shaken the belief and confidence of many that civility, rationality, and humanity shall at least prevail over narrow parochial and communal considerations. Shattering such assumptions, Dr. Simon Hercules, 55-year old neurosurgeon, the managing director of New Hope Hospital, Chennai, known for having served hundreds and thousands of patients infected by the deadly pandemic was on ventilator before he breathed his last on the 19th of April, 2020.
The same evening his mortal body was taken in a hearse to Kilpauk Cemetery, Chennai, where a mob allegedly the locals pelted stones at the hearse and attacked the mourners and others with sticks, so that burial would not take place at the cemetery. On the advice of the Chennai Corporation staff the hearse and the mourners along with the corporation officials went to another cemetery in Anna Nagar (Velangadu).
When they reached the burial ground, the earth mover was engaged in digging a pit. All of a sudden and to their surprise a mob of disruptors appeared with stones and sticks started attacking the ambulance and those assembled for the last rites. Those who were present including the hearse driver, its staff, doctors and family members had to flee from the spot as the situation was looming dangerous. Dr. Bhagyaraj, a colleague of late Dr. Simon said that they had to abandon the body to save their own lives as the mob was increasingly becoming aggressive.
Dr. Pradeep along with two others dressed in PPE kits went back to the cemetery during midnight buried Dr. Simon with bare hands as there was only one shovel to use. While narrating the horrific ordeal, Dr. Pradeep said even as the body was being lowered into the grave, they feared for their lives as the mob was present, but at a distance the police force was present. This incident brings to the fore many things to light. Chennai is cosmopolitan in its character, known for its inclusivity, progressive thinking and secular orientation. Many keep wondering and totally taken aback by this chilling incident and keep asking how this could ever happen, that too in Chennai.
Many progressive thinkers, radical minds, reformers and organic intellectuals lived through the centuries who have contributed immensely to politics, literature, culture, religion philosophy and education. Rationality should and ought to prevail over emotions. Living with plurality of faith, encouraging and respecting contrarian views used to be the hallmark of Chennai. Chennai in particular has never allowed parochial and communal elements to reign over. In times of catastrophe Chennai has always been the in the forefront of caring, nurturing, sharing liberal thinking, mutual co-existence and accommodation.
In such a progressive cosmopolitan city like Chennai, known for tolerance and mutuality, not allowing a decent burial to Dr. Simon who while saving those who were affected by coronavirus became its victim. To such a person, a burial based on Christian rites with due respect and decency should have been given, while on the other has been negated by the corroded mind-sets and communal elements. So, it is a blot to all the Indians and we should be ashamed of the dastardly act by the corroded mindset. Yesterday Dr. Simon was denied decent burial, today probably either you or me, and tomorrow, it is going to be someone else.
Chennai, the place I was born and brought up, spent decades in such beautiful atmosphere living in harmony and in plural settings has now become a place of hatred and communal divide, spewing venom. There are a few who generously allowed their lands to bury those who die of corronavirus, whose gesture should be appreciated and credited with. . But, it is not the solution. Those corroded mind-sets want precisely this type of gesture, which we should not cave in. There are cemeteries designated for diverse faith communities and those who want to be buried should be buried and be given decent burial and no one has the right to take away this right.
The incident that we recently witnessed should not deter those who believe in plural ethos, secular principles and harmonious living. As right thinking people, we should go all out with grit and determination to protecting those warriors who take risks at the cost of their lives. Tamil Nadu is also a hotspot for coronavirus. In the days to come the curves would surge both in terms of death and affected. As against the background, it is the responsibility of all to protect the doctors, nurses, paramedics and other auxiliary staff in their fight against COVID-19 and also share our solidarity and offer our respects in their death as well.
