It is a disgrace to the community that in this modern age of advanced scientific technology when we all strive to live in cleaner, safer and more hygienic environment, we are making our pallbearers toil in unhygienic, inhuman conditions, at the expense of their physical and mental health. It is below the dignity of man to work under such horrifying conditions, facing ghostly sights of corpses, bearing the obnoxious stench of rotting cadavers and performing a most disgusting manual task of cleaning the dakhmas infested with rotting human remains. We hope and pray that the sons of pallbearers get well educated and find better prospects in lives.
As regards monetary recompense, the community has always been generous, specially when it concerns the rituals for their dear departed. Besides the salary, perks and incentives, we voluntarily pay handsome ashodads at the time of funeral. But when it concerns the status and dignity, we keep a distance, not considering them as equals.
A day’s leave caused furor in the community ("A masoor dal Navroz,” Parsiana, September 7, 2018). A day is not far when the pallbearers will realize that monetary gains which offer them chicken pulav and fish delicacies are not worth having at the expense of their mental and physical well-being. They will relish the humble masoor pau after a day’s work that brings them self respect, peace of mind and sound sleep. Will there be volunteers to do their job permanently? We should be prepared for an eventuality when pallbearers may not be available.
Many in the community prefer alternate modes of disposal but they do not want to miss the ambience of Doongerwadi, the beautiful hill garden so peaceful and serene, creating a soul stirring atmosphere just right to give a fitting farewell to our dear departed ones on their final journey (pictured). An aramgah at Doongerwadi will solve our problem and end the conflicts in the community.
If the trustees stop infighting and devote time to introduce some new eco-friendly green methods of disposal which do not pollute the fire and earth, they will render great service to the community. Although eco-friendly methods like promession or freeze drying and resomation or alkaline hydrolysis are not introduced in India as yet, we can be the pioneers. Luckily we have space and facilities. We definitely need a permanent solution to our problems.
PIROJA JOKHI
piroja.jokhi@yahoo.com