Daughter performs father’s last rites in Kalka, sends message against gender bias

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Sanjeevna’s decision to perform her father’s last rites highlights changing social norms and sends a strong message against discrimination between sons and daughters.

Kalka , August 31

In an emotional display of courage and responsibility, 57-year-old Sanjeevna performed the last rites of her father, Subhash Chand, a resident of Khurana Colony in Kalka, after his death following a heart attack.

Sanjeevna, Subhash Chand’s only child, lit her father’s funeral pyre and performed pind daan and other last rites according to Hindu customs. The emotional scene left many people present at the cremation ground teary-eyed.

Sanjeevna said her father died of a heart attack a day earlier. As his only child, she decided to take responsibility for his final rites and perform all the rituals herself.

Subhash Chand was a doctor by profession, while Sanjeevna is currently pursuing her MBBS. Her decision to perform her father’s last rites has been described as an example of courage and devotion towards parents.

Hitesh Pahwa, founder of Hit Charitable Trust, said society needs to move beyond the traditional mindset of differentiating between sons and daughters. He said daughters are equally capable of shouldering family responsibilities and fulfilling their duties towards their parents.

He said Sanjeevna’s act demonstrated that having a son is not necessary to perform responsibilities towards parents, as daughters can fulfill such duties with equal dedication and courage.

Her final farewell to her father conveyed a strong emotional message against gender discrimination and highlighted the importance of treating sons and daughters equally.