Steve Waugh’s affection towards India is not just restricted to cricket! He often keeps visiting India even after his retirement; yes, his charity work in Kolkata is very popular.
Once again, Steve came to Varanasi on Tuesday, but this time, it was for a completely different reason. Well, it was for fulfilling the last wish of his friend Stephen.
Yes, Stephen, who expired 4 months back, always longed to visit India. He wished for his ashes to be scattered in the holy river Ganges in Varanasi. He had a strong belief in Hindu rituals; according to which, the soul is freed from the cycle of life and death.
Steve Waugh got some time now and decided to respect his friend’s last wish; he came all the way to Dashashwamedha ghat, took a boat to Manikarnika ghat and immersed his ashes in Ganges. So sweet of him, isn’t it?
The cricketer not only fulfilled his last wish but also captured some excellent photographs; this shows how passionate he is about photography.
Waugh said he’s proud to play this role in fulfilling the final wish of his beloved friend. He also sought the help of a guide in this process.
Organizers say that this ritual was planned for a month and was conducted with perfection. Stephen seems to be really popular; this can be gauged from the fact that Steve Waugh shouldered the responsibility of immersing his ashes.
Waugh said
“Stephen was my very loving friend. His last wish was that after his death, his mortal remains were to be immersed here.”
On the other hand, some media reports have surfaced online, which claim that the ashes were of Brian, a shoe-shiner in Sydney and not of Stephen.
No doubt, the former Australian cricketer was always popular, but this gesture has filled our hearts with respect for him.
