DISPLACED KASHMIRI COMMUNITY IN BANGALORE GET MULTIPURPOSE AMBULANCE CUM HEARSE VAN

 

Birth and death are two important aspects of a human life. While the birth of a child gives us joy, the inevitable death gives us sorrow. More than the birth, the death has to be dealt with utmost respect and dignity as per our own religious rites. Displaced Kashmiri Hindus living in Bengaluru city since 1990 have gone through these two phases and almost one generation perished in the last 35 years and the second generation too is moving towards the departure lounge. We faced a number of hardships while disposing of our deceased. Be it absence of a community priest or performing the last rites as per our rituals. It was a long felt need to have our own ambulance cum hearse van in the times of emergency to move the patient to hospital or make arrangements for disposing of the deceased with full religious rites as per our traditions. Also, reaching the place of deceased in shortest possible time with samagree for last rites is a challenge. Now, the dream has come true. Kashmiri Hindu Cultural Welfare Trust, a Charitable organization run by the community for the welfare of the displaced community members living in Bangalore has acquired an Ambulance cum Hearse Van (RAM JI KA RATH) for this purpose. The van is being placed in centrally located Kashmir Bhavan in Jayanagar. In every culture and tradition, rituals surrounding death and funerals hold significant importance. They not only serve as a way to bid farewell to the departed but also offer solace and closure to the bereaved. In India, where customs and traditions vary widely across regions and communities, one common practice is Anthyesti, the funeral rites performed for the deceased. The only wish of the bereaved is to ensure a peaceful departure for the departed soul and to facilitate their journey into the afterlife. The last rites typically involve several stages, including bathing and dressing the body, placing it on a funeral pyre, and performing cremation rites. Meticulously following religious scriptures and cultural customs, each step aims to provide spiritual liberation to the departed. One of the key aspects of Anthyesti ceremonies is the transportation of the deceased’s body from the place of death to the cremation ground. With the help and guidance of some of our elders in the community who have been in the forefront of helping the community in disposing of the deceased with full religious rites in the last 35 years, the Ambulance procured has been modified to suit our requirements for the dignified and respectful transportation of human remains. Also, we have procured typical samagree used for last rites from Jammu and kept ready at Kashmir Bhavan so that without wasting any time in procuring the items from market, the last rites kit can be loaded into the vehicle and rushed to the place for performing last rites. This will ensure: Dignity and Respect: Equipped with features and amenities, he modified ambulance prioritise the dignity and respect of the deceased. They provide a comfortable and secure environment for transporting the body, shielding it from external elements, and ensuring privacy for the departed and their family members. Preservation of Cultural Customs: In Indian society, where traditions and rituals hold immense significance, the use of hearse vans aligns with the cultural norms surrounding death and funerals. The idea is that the families can adhere to the prescribed customs of Anthyesti ceremonies without compromising on the sanctity and integrity of the rituals. Their availability ensures swift and efficient transportation of the deceased, minimizing delays and allowing the funeral proceedings to proceed smoothly. Emotional Support for the Bereaved: For grieving families, the sight of a hearse van arriving to transport their loved one’s body can provide a sense of reassurance and support during a difficult time. Knowing that they handle their departed family member with care and respect can offer some solace amidst the overwhelming emotions of loss and grief. The service will facilitate dignified transportation, preserving culture, and offering emotional support to the bereaved, ensuring respectful and reverent rituals for the departed and their loved ones. The Most important thing to make this service a success will be the involvement of Community volunteers, especially young ones who are prepared to devote some time to such important community service. A team headed by a few seniors in Bangalore is in place but need to be augmented. Appeal to community members to enroll themselves for enrolling themselves as volunteers to ensure that the service becomes a success.

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Courtesy: R K Mattoo and Spade A Spade-,2025