The Hindu : National : Now, a hi-tech crematorium

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Friday, Sep 02, 2005

National

National

Now, a hi-tech crematorium

Internet, air-conditioning, music...

AHMEDABAD: The technology of the 21st century has now touched the dead in India. Welcome to a hi-tech crematorium here, with Internet links, air-conditioned halls complete with music systems, and, of course, two modern electric furnaces. The facility, developed by the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) and a non-governmental organisation, was opened last month.

Aesthetic structure

Unlike the run-of-the-mill crematorium, the structure on the Sarkej-Gandhinagar highway, with a huge idol of Shiva outside and manicured gardens, is architecturally aesthetic. The crematorium-in-charge, Kantibhai Rami, sits behind a reception counter, trendy mobile phone in hand.

"When a dead body arrives here, the relatives can use the prayer hall to offer final prayers for the departed soul," Mr. Rami said. On the music system relatives can play bhajans of their choice.

A website

The Internet facility is appreciated by many: relatives in distant places, particularly in foreign lands, can view the last rites of their loved ones by logging on to the website of the crematorium. Cameras are fitted in different spots, including in the prayer hall and the area near the furnace. They can relay images live through the Internet.

About 70 bodies have been cremated here already, and about four families used this Internet facility, including one from London and three from the U.S.

The crematorium is also equipped to burn bodies in the traditional manner using wood. There is a washroom where relatives can wash themselves after the rituals. — PTI

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