New Delhi 

A Hindu farmer in Muzaffarnagar, Western Uttar Pradesh, gifted a helicopter ride to his foster Muslim niece and her husband as a wedding gift.

As it is common in India many people forge a fraternal bond with others based on their social interactions, irrespective of faith.

In this case, Rahul Thakur is the maternal uncle to Asma, a medical professional who works in Qatar.

Recently when it was time for her wedding, she received a memorable gift – which is mandatory from a social point of view - from her Mamu, uncle.

Asma Praveen, 26, works in a hospital in Qatar. She tied the knot with Meerut-based B Pharma graduate Mohammad Shadab, 28, in the second week of April.

The most touching moment in this wedding came during the 'bhaat' ceremony - a traditional ritual of gifting by the bride's maternal uncle - happened.

The bhaat offered by Uncle Rahul Thakur came with wings or said a fairytale farewell.

The 35-year-old Rahul Thakur is a farmer and also works as a conductor in the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation. He arranged a helicopter to pick up the bride and the groom after their wedding to take them to Asma’s matrimonial home.

"She is my niece, and this is my bhaat," he said, moist-eyed and with a steady voice.

Asma and Shadab emplaning the helicopter to ride home

Thakur said, "Our families have shared a bond for three generations. Both the families belong to different religions, but the bond between them is born out of deep love and respect."

Thakur recalled how Asma’s family stood by him like a rock during his father’s serious illness.

“Relatives came on a small visit and left, but this family never left our side,” he recalled the kindness of Asma’s family.

He said even doctors at the hospital were pleasantly surprised to see the family dutifully tending to his father.

“Our soil is our bond. This is Muzaffarnagar – you can also call it Mohabbat Nagar (City of love)," he said, smiling through tears.

"I wanted to do something memorable for my niece as she would leave her maternal home to build a new life with her husband. She saying byes to us from the skies was the least I could do," Thakur said. 

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Asma’s husband Shadab was emotional. “I feel like I am on cloud nine. Thakur Uncle—our Mamu Ji—loves me more than anyone else. He has given us such a beautiful gift. Our families have shared a bond for generations, and today, they have shown the world what true unity is.”