Tragic Tale of Abandonment: Padma Shri Awardee Dies Alone in Old Age Home
A Heartbreaking Reality
An old saying goes, 'If a child is unworthy, what is the use of wealth? If a child is worthy, what is the use of wealth?' This saying is becoming increasingly relevant today, as many individuals prefer to distance themselves from their families, even their parents.
Children, driven by self-interest, often overlook the love and care of their parents. A poignant example of this can be observed in the lives of residents in old age homes.
A particularly distressing case emerged from Varanasi, where Shri Nath Khandelwal, a Padma Shri awardee and owner of an estate worth 80 crores, was forced to live in an old age home by his own children. Tragically, he passed away at the age of 80 in the facility, with no family member present to pay their last respects or offer him a final farewell.
Recognition in 2023
Shri Nath Khandelwal, a resident of Kashi, authored over a hundred books. His literary contributions earned him the Padma Shri award in 2023. He had two sons and a daughter; his son is a businessman, while his daughter practices law in the Supreme Court. Besides being a writer, he was also a spiritual figure.
Inheritance Disputes
Despite his immense wealth, Shri Nath Khandelwal was deeply engrossed in his literary and spiritual pursuits. His children took advantage of his preoccupation, seizing all his assets and leaving him destitute and ill on the streets. Eventually, social workers brought him to the Kashi Kusht Ashram, where he received free care and seemed content, yet not a single family member visited him.
Final Farewell Funded by Donations
After his health deteriorated in the old age home, he was admitted to the ICU, where he ultimately passed away. Ironically, when his children were informed of his death, they declined to visit him, citing their busy schedules. His daughter also turned away. In the end, a social worker named Aman collected donations to conduct Shri Nath Khandelwal's last rites with due respect.