A day after Sunil Dutt’s death, 40-year-old Fulhari Devi got to read what is believed to be the actor-MP’s last official letter. When she reached the part where he praises her husband Shivnath Singh’s decision on his deathbed to donate his organs, she broke down. The letter was written to Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat pledging Rs 25,000 to her family after Dutt read a report in The Sunday Express. After hearing about Shivnath’s gesture, Shekhawat had given his widow Rs 1 lakh and five sarees for her 19-year-old daughter’s marriage. Shanti’s marriage, which had been fixed months ago, took place yesterday, the same day that Dutt passed away.Fulhari Devi had been told about Dutt’s gift yesterday.‘‘Both of us are still wearing the same sarees. Now, you are telling me that Sunil Duttji sent another Rs 25,000 just before his death. Such big and respected people have acknowledged my husband’s sacrifice. He has now become a legend in this village. Now, my family has decided to take forward my husband’s legacy,’’ Fulhari Devi said.She and her family have now vowed to donate their organs after their death. Fulhari Devi says the vice-president’s cheque came as redemption in the face of mistrust from villagers over her husband’s organ donation. Though Shekhawat was not able to attend her daughter’s wedding, she now wishes that he would visit her hut.K.L. Kochar, press advisor to the vice-president, said Shekhawat will definitely try visit the family.
