Five-year-old girl seeks alms to perform mother’s last rites

Dornakal (Warangal): In a heart-touching event a five-year-old girl fulfilled her duty towards her mother by performing the last rites here on Sunday. This comes at a time when grown-ups are sending their parents to old-age homes to shirk their responsibilities here.

When children of her age are happily attending school and playing with friends or having fun, Anjali, daughter of Jalakela Chinna and Swaroopa of Tattupalli village in Kuravi mandal of Warangal district was saddled with a huge responsibility of disposing of her mother’s body by performing the last rites. Her mother had lost her battle with a severe ailment. The plight of Anjali also deeply touched the residents.

• Anjali rendered orphan as father died two years ago
• Villagers contribute towards funeral formalities

Aided by villagers, the girl went round Tattupalli seeking alms. Residents of the village were deeply touched with the child passing around a bowls to collect small amounts. Nevertheless, they contributed so that the funeral formalities could be completed. Anjali went door-to-door seeking support to dispose of the body.

The tiny-tot performed the last rites traditionally with the support of villagers, who were found sobbing on noticing the child’s pathetic condition. Following the bereavement, she has been rendered an orphan. Her mother had lost her battle with a severe ailment. This plight of Anjali also deeply touched the residents.

As misfortune would have it, she had lost her father two years back. Yet Anjali fulfilled her duty to the family at a young age to feed her mother by begging. She used to feed her bed-ridden mother first and later have her food. Now the girl lost her mother too, indicating how cruel fate can be. Having lost her parents at a tender age, she has none to turn to for shelter and care.

Cruel fate seems to have driven the girl onto the streets. Now Anjali is at the mercy of villagers. Residents of Tattupalli are sad that the girl had to spend harrowing time when children of her age are leading a care-free life. They have appealed to authorities and philanthropic public for generously come to the aid of the girl by offering help both in cash and kind. A million dollar question faces the villagers whether the administration will come to Anjali’s rescue and accommodate her in a home for destitute and extend necessary succor to the girl.

By R Venkatanarayana