Bhubaneswar Women Ensure Dignity in Death

Madhusmita Prusty, Smita Mohanty, Swagatika Rao, and Snehanjali Sethi from Bhubaneswar work together to provide dignified last rites for unclaimed bodies. They have been involved in this noble cause for years, with Prusty having cremated over 500 bodies, Mohanty 46, and Rao close to 30.

Their journey began when Prusty’s husband, Pradeep, lost his mother in a train accident. This personal loss led them to start a Trust, offering assistance to the deceased without anyone to perform the last rites.

Joined by Mohanty, a cosmetics shop owner, and later Rao, a bank employee, and Sethi, a journalist and voiceover professional, the team tirelessly handles unidentified bodies, especially from railway tracks and water bodies.

During the pandemic, they also assisted in cremating COVID-19 victims, providing solace to families unable to bid farewell to their loved ones.

The group’s van carries the bodies and conducts the last rites, which they fund through contributions and part of their salaries. Though they face criticism and societal norms, they remain dedicated to their cause, finding satisfaction in providing dignity to the departed.

Their selfless efforts exemplify compassion and humanity, and they pledge to continue this meaningful work for as long as possible.
Re-reported from the article originally published in Your Story