A group of Indians in the US have come forward to financially help the family of a respected former Jana Sangh legislator Bhagwati Prasad who died in penury in Uttar Pradesh.
Surendra Nath Ray, after reading the IANS story on last week's death, wrote to Radhe Shyam, son of the late legislator from Ikauna, and sent the family a cheque for Rs.10,000.
Ray told IANS from Potomac that the life of Bhagwati Prasad "demonstrated dedication, honesty and truthfulness to mankind". The IANS story on the late leader pained everyone, Ray said in an email.
Bharatiya Janata Party general secretary Varun Gandhi too has pledged Rs.1 lakh to the family of the late legislator.
The family said they could not secure Bhagwati Prasad proper medical treatment for want of money. The family gathered wood from trees for cremation as they did not have money to pay for firewood.
Prasad was a two-time member in the Uttar Pradesh assembly and was widely respected for honesty and integrity.