Since his wife died of throat cancer four years ago, Faizul Hasan Quadri, 81, has been largely inconsolable. The retired clerk says his only wish is to be buried next to her someday in a monument that will symbolize his lifelong devotion to her.
Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor, may have set that particular trend with spectacular impact centuries ago, but Mr Qaidri isn't daunted about paling in comparison. Unlike a king with colossal riches, however, he is broke, having spent 17 lakhs - all his savings - on his mini-mahal for his wife, Tajamulli, under construction near her grave.
Enter angel investor of sorts, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav.
At a meeting today with Mr Qaidri, the politician has reportedly promised to personally help with the money needed for the labour of love in Bulundshahr in Eastern/Western UP.
"Initially, I sold a piece of land for Rs 6 lakh and my wife's gold and silver jewellery for Rs 1.5 lakh and got the 'makbara' (mausoleum) constructed ," Mr Qaidri told the Hindustan Times in an earlier interview.
Mr Qaidri has also requested the Chief Minister to set up a college for young women in his village- winning another assurance of personal intervention from Mr Yadav, 45.
Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor, may have set that particular trend with spectacular impact centuries ago, but Mr Qaidri isn't daunted about paling in comparison. Unlike a king with colossal riches, however, he is broke, having spent 17 lakhs - all his savings - on his mini-mahal for his wife, Tajamulli, under construction near her grave.
Faizul Hasan Quadri spent Rs 17 lakhs on his mini-mahal for his wife, Tajamulli, under construction near her grave.
At a meeting today with Mr Qaidri, the politician has reportedly promised to personally help with the money needed for the labour of love in Bulundshahr in Eastern/Western UP.
"Initially, I sold a piece of land for Rs 6 lakh and my wife's gold and silver jewellery for Rs 1.5 lakh and got the 'makbara' (mausoleum) constructed ," Mr Qaidri told the Hindustan Times in an earlier interview.
Mr Qaidri has also requested the Chief Minister to set up a college for young women in his village- winning another assurance of personal intervention from Mr Yadav, 45.
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