Editor,
We humans live in a perpetual state of uncertainty. No one knows the time span from the cradle to the grave. In the face of this profound uncertainty, it is good if we learn to think about life’s most profound question: how do we prepare for the inevitable end that awaits us all? Sadly, very few are inclined to dive into this enigmatic reality.
About a week ago, I was in a crematorium at Jhalupara, the only electric crematory in the state. Despite having two furnaces, only one is in use. Standing among mourners and bereaved families made me more thoughtful. What was distressing was that we were in a queue as the furnace in operation was engaged. We had to wait for another two hours. The departed soul was from a very affluent and reputed family. This fact starkly contrasted the situation we were in the crematorium. Everyone wished that both furnaces were operational. Some even whispered that the affluence and wealth of the departed did not come to any use after his demise.
Probably set up almost two decades ago, this crematory has been serving not only the locals but also people far away from the town. Besides MUDA, the dedicated members of the Greater Shillong Crematorium and Mortuary Society deserve appreciation for their commendable management of this institution. What we now know is that this crematorium has immensely catered to the needs of “society” in a big way, albeit not without some environmental concerns. Some days, it receives as many as five to six departed souls.
However, the primary drawback here lies in the waiting period that mourners sometimes have to endure, extending even up to three to four hours. By that time, many mourners would leave the crematorium, as they could not wait for so long. As a result, only the deceased’s family members are left to wait until the last cremation act is complete. A shroud of sorrow envelops the family members of the departed soul.
A senior government officer from the locality says if the two furnaces were operational, it would have saved all of us from an embarrassingly sorrowful situation. Given the circumstances, there is a pressing need for government intervention to provide financial support for this project. An additional increase in funding allocation could render “both furnaces operational” and enhance the quality of services offered. It is worth noting that this electric crematorium played a pivotal role during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, serving as the final resting place for countless victims.
Incidentally, we also must acknowledge and salute the unmatched courage of the cremator, Mr. Prakash Biswa, of this crematory. He never grimaced and backed down, even when a stream of COVID casualties were brought in for cremation. He single-handedly carried out the tough task of cremating the dead bodies in the electric pyre with great skill and elan. Stoutly-built and with a happy-go-lucky attitude, even ghosts have not been able to frighten away the valour of Mr. Biswa in the dead of night. For the past 7 years, he has mostly slept alone inside the crematorium. I hope one day he will receive a pat on the back and commendation from the government.
As we introspect on the uncertainty of life, we are reminded of the importance of this sanctuary of certainty. I think the government must act with decisiveness to ensure that both electric pyres are operational. Who can deny that our leaders may also have to seek refuge in this crematorium? Should mourners at that time wait hours upon hours for their turn? One’s last journey must end with solemn dignity. The money spent on improving the services of the crematorium/ cemetery will ensure peace in heaven.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali,
Shillong
True meaning of socialism
Editor,
Swami Vivekananda was born in Kolkata on January 12, 1863. It is not difficult to ascertain how he would have reacted to the exploitation of religion as a political instrument and the political focus on the inauguration of a temple much before its completion to coincide with the preparation for the ensuing 2024 Lok Sabha election.
It would be pertinent to recall how a BJP leader in West Bengal recently reacted to a famous quote of Swami Vivekananda perhaps without knowing that Vivekananda always gave much more importance to the well-being and welfare of the people rather than religious scriptures, rituals and temples.
A few days ago, “Reading of the Gita by one lakh voices” was organised at the Brigade Parade Grounds in Kolkata. While commenting on that event, a minister of West Bengal government used Swami Vivekananda’s famous quote, “You will be nearer to Heaven through football than through the study of the Gita,” and said that it would have been better for the body and the mind, had they played football instead.
To counter it, a state BJP leader said, “Bengal has, for ages, been a flag-bearer of Sanatan culture. In the middle, somewhere, Bengal was somewhat misled by the Leftists. Can you not see now, that limited knowledge is detrimental? Those saying football is better than reading the Gita, they are but Leftist products.”
Though he tried to describe his political opponent having “a limited knowledge” but it redirected to Swami Vivekananda as it was his quote which the minister used. But there is no doubt about Swami Vivekananda’s Leftist political orientation. He correctly described Swami Vivekananda as a “Leftist” but tried to demean his views by adding the word “products”. Swami Vivekananda had given a clear answer to this question, “I am a Socialist not because I think it is a perfect system, but half a loaf is better than no bread.”
When both National Sample Survey report and Global Hunger Index report show a horrific picture of child wasting and child stunting in India, we can clearly hear his voice regarding diversionary temple politics and misplaced priority to send rockets to the sun and the moon, “I consider that the great national sin is the neglect of the masses, and that is one of the causes of our downfall. No amount of politics would be of any avail until the masses in India are once more well educated, well fed and well cared for. They pay for our education, they build our temples, but in return they get kicks. They are practically our slaves. If we want to regenerate India, we must work for them.”
What Swami Vivekananda said long ago about poor people paying for our education is still relevant today as India relies more on indirect taxes. A poor person has to spend almost all his money to buy essential items and goods and thus has to pay moderate to high GST in the process. The fact of the matter is the poor pay more taxes than the rich in proportion to their respective incomes.
In a modern welfare state, people get benefits from the state because they are considered as stakeholders. It is the duty of a welfare state to ensure resource distribution and equal opportunity for all. Subsidy is regarded as welfare schemes for the people and not as a charity as was the practice in a monarchy. The idea behind tagging those who are getting welfare benefits as ‘labharthi’ and what they are getting as ‘freebies’ and ‘rewdis’ is absolutely monarchical where the king gives alms to his subjects in his name as if from his own pocket.
Given that India is a welfare state as per the Indian Constitution, words like ‘freebies’, ‘labharthi’ and ‘rewdis’ show a total disregard for the people in general and our Constitution in particular. This and the temple politics are also totally contrary to the ideals of Swami Vivekananda who said, “If you want to find God, serve man. To reach Narayana you must serve the Daridra Narayanas – the starving millions of India.”
Yours etc.,
Sujit De,
Kolkata