He helps the living ones by repatriating the dead

Abu Dhabi - Nasar is an angelical messenger for those who don't know how to proceed in case of a death in the UAE.

It's past 11pm. His phone rings. He attends the call seeking help, and returns to the road. That's M. M. Nasar Kanhangad - an Abu Dhabi-based Indian business man who is busier with social work. So far, he has helped in the repatriation process of more than 250 bodies back to India.
"If I can't help those in need, then how can I consider myself a human being? For expats, the worst travel back home is returning as a dead body. There is no greater agony for a family than the wait for their loved one who is no more. I try my best to ease their pain," says Nasar, who hails from Kasargod district of the South Indian state of Kerala.
Nasar is an angelical messenger for those who don't know how to proceed in case of a death in the UAE.
"I have seen many bodies getting stuck in the mortuary because of procedural delays. I use my expertise as a PRO to help with the paperwork. So far, I have helped repatriate 270 to 280 bodies back to India."
Nasar came to the UAE in 1993. He spent his early years working in Baqala stores and then joined his brothers' business. But it was his work as a PRO for three years that is helping him in dealings at mortuary, police station, embassy, airlines, cargo and other places.
"My role comes into play during the paperwork needed at these places," the 42-year-old says.
"It all starts with the police report. Then the doctor will issue the death certificate. Thereafter, we book air tickets and get a confirmation letter from them that the body will be carried in their plane. We return to the hospital with the letter from the airlines. It's only then the embalming process will be performed. After this, we go to the embassy and get the passport cancelled. Then we go to the cargo section and get confirmation papers. Finally, we move to the mortuary with all documents to get the body released.
"For those who are unaware of all these procedures, they will run around doing this for days. Since I am a known face at all of the said places, the officials help speedup the work."
He says that each step is cost-effective. "The involved company of the deceased bears the cost or the Indian embassy will help. I too make small contributions whenever needed."
On the costs, he cites a few examples. "The embalming procedure will cost Dh1,100 and the cargo Dh2,500."
The embassy approaches Nasar for assistance in many cases. "I became a regular face at the embassy and now they approach me in case of any emergency. Also, I am a member of all Indian associations and they too offer help."
He says that nowadays more deaths are happening than five years back and more youths are dying due to lifestyle problems.
He has full support from his family - wife Shahina and three children. "They say that you go and help."
"My brother Mohammed Kunhi, who is now in Umm Al Quwain, is my role model. I have seen how he has taken care of all affairs at home and outside."
From working at a Baqala shop, Nasar now runs one. He also runs a restaurant in the Capital and runs a small firm. But nothing is more important to him then helping those in distress
"As long as I am alive, I want to help others. I have seen all kind of deaths. After a body reaches home, their family members call me the next day. They say 'son you will always be in our prayers'. That is my strength and reward."
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Dubai