Ashraf (social worker)

 Ashraf Thamarassery (born 1974) is an Indian social worker based in Dubai. His work has primarily focused on bringing the bodies of Indian nationals back to India after dying abroad.

He was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman in 2015 by Mohammad Hamid Ansari, the Vice President of India, for his social works and efforts. The Kerala state government nominated him for Padma Shr, the fourth highest civilian award in India. He is a member of Loka Kerala Sabha. Filmmaker Reshel Shah Kapoor produced a six-minute documentary focused on Ashraf, titled ‘The Undertaker.

Personal life
Ashraf Thamarassery was born in 1974 in Wayanad district, Kerala.

Social work
Ashraf has helped about 5,000 families from around the world to fly the bodies of their loved ones who died overseas. He was involved with the repatriation of actress Sridevi’s body, which was found in Dubai in 2018.

Awards and accolades

 * 2014 – Pravasi Bharatiya Samman
 * UAE Golden Visa-Talents (Pioneers of humanitarian work)
 * R. Ramesh Memorial Diaspora Award 2018
 * In 2018, the Kerala government nominated him for the Padma Shri Award