edited by: Oindrila Mukherjee
Last Update: January 05, 2023, 00:58 IST
Guwahati [Gauhati]India
A mother of two, Dhritimala Deka is an accomplished entrepreneur who works in robotics labs in government schools. (Image: News18)
Dhritimala Deka has been selected for the EXOM Gaurav Award. He has helped with over 300 funerals
It was midday when Dhritimala Deka, resting at her home in Guwahati’s Shilpukhuri, got a call: she has been selected for the prestigious EXOM Gaurav Award. Deka, the only woman in the state who assists in cremation, has helped with over 300 funerals.
“I have to pinch myself to believe that I have been selected for the Exome Pride. My work has made the state and its people proud. Personally, I have never worked for any accolades or accolades, I am doing it as a self-healing process,” said Deka.
Recently, during the last rites of Assamese matinee idol Nipon Goswami and renowned painter Neelpoban Barua, Deka was seen near their funeral pyres as ‘Shoshan Bandhu’ at Guwahati’s Nabagra crematorium. They helped arrange the pyre and assist the bereaved families with the entire cremation ritual.
“It was in 2010 when I started going to the cremation ground, which is close to our house, to make all the arrangements for the ceremonies and pyres. My father, who used to do this earlier, is my driving force. But on February 16, 2016, when a close relative died, I saw a child performing all the rituals. It inspired me and made me more determined in my mission,” said Deka.
A mother of two, Deka is an accomplished entrepreneur who works in robotics labs in government schools. In his own words, he has assisted in about 300 cremations. His family and neighbors have always supported and appreciated his work.
“It was in 2019 that I went to the crematorium at midnight and attended seven cremations till 4 pm the next day. Nowadays it is a routine. I make it clear that I am available for the cremation of women as the rituals require some privacy. I look after everything from arranging the pyre to providing it to the priest to performing the rituals. It takes about 45 minutes for the pita to be ready. My father used to do the same and I am carrying forward the good work.
According to Hindu customs and traditions, women are not allowed to perform the last rites of their parents. It is believed that if a girl or woman lights the pyre, then that person will not be able to attain ‘Moksha’ i.e. liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Even girls and women are not allowed to attend the last rites of their parents.
However, Decca has broken this stereotype through her passion and determination. When asked how long she would continue doing her work, she said, “I will continue doing this till I sit on the pyre.”
On Wednesday, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the state awards for 2023. State’s highest civilian award ‘Assam Baibhav’ was awarded to renowned physician Dr. Tapan Saikia for his work in the field of healthcare (cancer care) and public. SEWA, to raise awareness and early detection of cancer in Assam and other North Eastern States. Currently, Dr Saikia is the Director of Oncology Sciences at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai.
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