Amid sorrow, chocolate gift & a tender moment melts hearts

Lucknow: Amid the smoke of funeral pyres, chants of final prayers and the grief surrounding Prateek Yadav’s last rites on Thursday, a quiet exchange between a grieving uncle and his little niece became the moment that touched hearts across social media.

Thousands had gathered at Baikunth Dham in Lucknow to bid farewell to Prateek, the 38-year-old younger son of the late Mulayam Singh Yadav. Politicians, family members and supporters stood in silence as funeral rituals continued under the scorching heat.

But in the middle of all the grief, a five-year-old child unknowingly created the day’s most emotional moment.

Seated in the front row beside Akhilesh Yadav was little Padmaja (5) — Prateek’s younger daughter. Dressed in an oversized white shirt and beige trousers, the child looked confused and overwhelmed by the crowds, rituals and loss unfolding around her.

Beside her sat Akhilesh, silent and shaken by the death of his younger brother.

Akhilesh quietly pulled out a chocolate and handed it to Padmaja. The child tried opening the wrapper with her tiny hands but could not manage it. She looked toward Akhilesh and softly signalled for help.

Akhilesh took the chocolate back, carefully unwrapped it himself, and gave it back to her.

Padmaja looked at him and whispered, “Thank you.”

Short video clips of the tender exchange soon surfaced on social media platforms, triggering an outpouring of emotional reactions.

Many described the moment as “heartbreaking”, “deeply human” and “the most touching image from the funeral.” Others said the child’s brief smile amid overwhelming grief left them in tears.

Nearby sat Prateek’s elder daughter Prathama (12) beside Shivpal Singh Yadav, while Akhilesh’s son Arjun sat quietly behind them.

Those present said the family had spent the entire night beside Prateek’s body before the final rites.