Rising From The Ashes
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Ayodhya and Faizabad - often referred to the twin cities of the cultures of Ganga and Yamuna - has continued to conserve the values of humanity despite the political violence over these decades. It is unfortunate that politics and media have chosen to consistently show the dark and divisive values when they talk about Ayodhya. Thus, this city has begun to be viewed through a filter of violence and fear. It is in this context that the documentary "Rising from the Ashes" focuses on an individual whose activities have shown hope like that of the Sun rising from the horizon, dispelling the darkness of the night.
The documentary is about Mohammed Sharif - locals refer to him as Sharif Chacha (Uncle). He earns his livelihood as a cycle mechanic - but that is only his livelihood. It does not define him. This resident of Faizabad's Khidki Alibag neighborhood is the caretaker of unclaimed dead bodies. Sharif Chacha finds dead bodies who no one claims and then leads the last rites for those bodies consistent with the apparent religion of these individuals. He must have taken care of over 1600 dead bodies in 18 years.
There is a story behind this effort, a story that was the result of an uncaring system. Sharif Chacha's son, Mohammed Rais, had gone to Sultanpur where he was murdered and his body disposed off. At this point in his life, Sharif Chacha decided that he would provide the last rights to all unclaimed dead bodies that he would find in a humane way. He says that "the blood of all humans is the same - and hence there is a relationship between all humans. As long as I am alive, I will ensure that dead bodies are not thrown to dogs or rot in a hospital, that they are treated with respect". Sharif Chacha's personal story would have pushed most people to hate the world; Sharif Chacha took the path of hope and humanity. Providing the last rites humanely to unclaimed bodies became his goal. Writer and journalist Krishna Pratap Singh says that his focus and work continued through the dark days of violence and terror that shook Ayodhya.
After his morning Namaaz, Sharif Chacha sets out to look for unclaimed bodies. He visits morgues and railway stations. Local people support his efforts. Jyoti says that whenever local people see him with a body, they often provide him transportation in their own vehicles. Maulana Fayaaz, who performs the last rites for Muslim bodies, says that Sharif Chacha treats the bodies as if they were of his own kin. He helps bury those bodies that were of Muslims and provides the holy fire to those of Hindus.
This documentary focuses on the hope that is the result of the work of someone like Sharif Chacha. It shows an episode of an African native in Ayodhya who has been playing the role of Hanuman in the local Ramlila for years. During one such event, he was badly burned. No one was willing to take care of him after this accident, but Sharif Chacha did. The primary priest of Shri Ram Janm Bhoomi, Acharya Satyendra Das says that Mohammed Sharif was felicitated at the Tulsidas Memorial Hall for his efforts that bring glory to humanity. All citizens of Ayodhya have respect for him.
Sharif Chacha continues to bring light to this city which has been the home to many spiritual thinkers of all traditions. Yet, many are worried about his failing health. Buddhist teacher Dr. Karunasheel points out that Sharif Chacha is 75 years old and his kidney has failed. He wonders where such ideals will find expression, and wherefrom they will sprout when Sharif Chacha is no more.
Irrespective of what people think about Ayodhya, it is people like Sharif Chacha who continue to hold the human nature of the city. This is the focus of the documentary Directed by Syed.Ali Akhtar and Produced By-Mohd.Gufran Khan,Shah Alam ,Shariq Haider Naqvi & Syed.Ali Akhtar itself. The film also points out that it is easy to deal with the darkness of hate and violence. Sharif Chacha - a veritable university for such learning - is an example.
