Heartbreaking Story of Abandonment: Elderly Man's Last Rites Attended via Video Call
A Tragic Reflection on Modern Relationships
A poignant incident has emerged, highlighting the emotional void in relationships and the insensitivity of contemporary society. Shivcharan Ram Ratan Gupta, an elderly resident of a senior care facility in Sonipat, passed away after a prolonged illness. He dedicated his entire life to the education and empowerment of his three daughters, yet none were present with him in his final moments. The daughters, residing in Nepal, Uttar Pradesh, and Mumbai, could only witness their father's last rites through a video call.
Originally from Mumbai and a former textile businessman, Gupta had been living in the old-age home for nearly two years. He had moved there with his wife, Meena, who had already passed away.
Final Moments and Virtual Farewell
Gupta's death occurred early Tuesday morning around 3:30 AM. Following his passing, the management of the old-age home reached out to his daughters.
Unfortunately, the daughters were unable to travel to Sonipat for the funeral and participated via video call. The last rites were conducted with the assistance of the old-age home staff and local community members.
Daughters Participate Remotely
According to Anand Kumar, the administrator of the old-age home, Gupta frequently communicated with his daughters using the facility's phone. However, their conversations dwindled as his health deteriorated.
Kumar mentioned that about 20 days prior to his death, the daughters were informed about their father's declining health, but they did not visit him. He stated, "Gupta had a phone to talk to his daughters, but after falling ill, their calls ceased. We informed them about his condition, yet they could not come."
Daughters Unable to Attend
After Gupta's death, the management contacted the daughters again, offering to make arrangements if they could come to Sonipat. However, they expressed that they lacked the time to travel.
Consequently, the daughters attended the funeral virtually, watching their father's last rites from afar.
A Daughter's Gesture
Anita, one of the daughters living in Nepal and working as a teacher, sent ₹5,100 online, requesting that her father's last rites be conducted properly. After the ceremony, the daughters requested a video of the proceedings from the old-age home. One daughter was heard on the call asking, "How much longer will it take? We need to eat and bathe too."
A Legacy of Education
Gupta was deeply committed to the upbringing and education of his daughters. The management of the old-age home noted that he ensured they received a good education and took great pride in their achievements, with two of them becoming teachers.
His daughter Nisha resides in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, while the youngest, Priya, lives in Mumbai. All three daughters are married and have their own families. Initially, the family requested that Gupta's ashes be preserved, but later informed the old-age home that they could not travel to Sonipat and asked for the ashes to be immersed in the Ganges.
A Final Act of Kindness
In a significant gesture, Gupta's eyes were donated after his death, honoring the family's wishes. Donating eyes means that even after death, his vision can help those in need. The family respected his wish by donating his eyes.
Thus, Shivcharan Ram Ratan Gupta's last rites were conducted by the management of the old-age home and local residents, while his daughters observed the proceedings from different parts of the country and Nepal via video call.
Public Reaction
पिछले साल माँ मरी थी और अभी बाप मर गया Old Age Home में....
— Ashwini Yadav (@iamAshwiniyadav) August 6, 2026
और कुछ घण्टों की दूरी पर बैठी कलयुग वाली बेटी ने घर से ही 5100 रुपये देकर वीडियो कॉल पर अंतिम संस्कार करवा दी।
उसने सबसे ख़ास बात ये पूछा कि
“अभी और कितनी देर लगेगा पूरा जलने में” 😭💔 pic.twitter.com/NO1ErAlXaz