INDIA BEATS
Rites of passage
KUNDUR SATHYA NARAYANAN
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Rameshan, a journalist-turned-undertaker, would like to give rituals a meaningful framework.
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Spiritually inclined: Rameshan Korappath
FROM writing to burying bodies is indeed a huge transition. One which journalist Rameshan Korappath has made successfully. He has worked in several Malayalam dailies but what sets him apart is not his love for writing but his other job, that of an undertaker. "I didn't take it as a job initially. But nowadays a contract is made for any job. So, cremation is also done as a contract through which I provide a number of employment opportunities for others," says Rameshan.
A postgraduate, Rameshan cremates nearly 20 bodies a day at the Aivarmadom in Thiruvillwamala on the banks of the Bharathapuzha, in Thrissur district. Even a documentary, named "Atmakkalude Kavalkkaran" (He who guards departed souls) was made on him.
Learning the intricacies
Rameshan has studied the funeral rites practised by different religions in India. He also studied the scriptures before becoming an undertaker. Most of the materials used for cremation have antiseptic value, says Rameshan who scientifically approaches the subject. But sometimes the reality of death affects him emotionally, especially when he has to perform the rites of dear ones. The death of former Thiruvillwamala Grama Panchayath President was such an incident. It made him sad especially because the man had been taking an interest in improving the facilities of the cemetery. He says he wants to establish an institution to teach funeral rites scientifically to those who wish to learn it. "Rituals should be brought within a framework. The real meaning of rituals should be imparted to the public," he adds.
Not an easy job
But getting someone to assist him study the rituals in their true spirit and advise those who come here for cremation is a difficult task. The employees here work for a few days and suddenly one day they vanish. The reason is simple: they can't get sleep in the night. Witnessing the reality of death day in and day out and being with Rameshan in the cemetery for hours leave them nervous. But Rameshan has no such problems because he approaches death spiritually and scientifically, realising its deep meanings. The reason why he never tires of performing his duties as an undertaker even when he has to perform the last rites of loved ones.
India Beats features stories on the unusual, the exotic and the extraordinary.
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