Social worker lauded by Indian embassy for body repatriation help

Dinesh Kumar presents a certified document authorising MM Nasar Kanhangad to work with the local authorities for repatriatiing deceased Indians back home. - Supplied photo

An Abu Dhabi-based social worker received a rare recognition for facilitating repatriation of over 500 bodies back home to India.
The Indian Embassy has now officially tasked MM Nasar Kanhangad to follow-up repatriations cases with local authorities in the Capital.
The embassy's First Secretary of Community Affairs Dinesh Kumar, presented the certificate to Nasar.
According to the certificate, Nasar is 'appointed and authorised by the Indian Embassy to pursue with the concerned local authorities in Abu Dhabi the cases of repatriation of mortal remains of Indian nationals to their families'.
The embassy has also requested local authorities to provide necessary assistance to Nasar to receive and transport bodies to India.
Kumar, the outgoing first secretary, praised Nasar's efforts in this regard. "Nasar is doing a good job. He is helping with the transportation of mortal remains to India. The embassy has authorised him to follow-up cases with local authorities. He has been offering assistance in such cases and the embassy has now appointed him," Kumar said.
Nasar felt honoured by this recognition and said he will fulfil his duties with outmost dedication.
"I have been helping with repatriation processes for a few years. Officials from Indian Embassy have always provided assistance at any time of the day. Not many know but the embassy provides financial assistance when the company of the deceased doesn't bear cost. Also, the embassy helps with cargo and embalming charges. Now I am officially designated by the embassy to pursue such cases is a big responsibility. I am grateful for recognising my service."
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Nasar came to the UAE in 1993. He started working at a baqala shop and then moved to join his brother's business.
He joined a company as a PRO and this stint helped him develop useful contacts.
"People are clueless about body repatriation process. So, I started helping them by using my contacts. One case led to another and the social work is still going on."
The Keralite never charges any money for his work. In fact, the businessman helps the needy from his own pocket. Nasar runs hypermarkets and baqala shops in Abu Dhabi.
"Apart from the embassy officials, support from cargo services and Indian carrier airline Air India is very crucial. I also have all Indian associations backing me in this cause," the cultural secretary of Indian Islamic Centre said.
Nasar is presently working on the paperwork of the missing Indian expat who was found dead in sea.
"The body should be repatriated by Sunday. There is another case too which I am following. I hope both can be done in next two days. These people come here to work and return in coffins. They have family waiting back home. And that wait is very painful. My aim is to work tirelessly to send body back to their dear ones as soon as possible," Nasar added.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com