In India, people have to live with the stamp of the caste in which they were born. In Gwalior, the caste distinction follows people even after their death.
By Ashok Pal
Gwalior, Sep.11 : In India, people have to live with the stamp of the caste in which they were born. In Gwalior, the caste distinction follows people even after their death.
Separate crematoria for people belonging to different castes are coming up in the city
There was a time when Gwalior's oldest known crematorium "Sarvjanik Muktidham" near Lakshmi Ganj was used by people of all communities irrespective of their castes. But with the passage of time, people belonging to various castes and sub-castes have developed their own separate crematoriums for 'convenience'.
The government authorities maintain that this is a social problem and should be sorted by public initiative only.
"I do not think that it is a nice practice, but if it has existed since ages. Social institutions should initiate a step towards this and we are ready to co-operate in this matter," said Vivek Narayan, Mayor of Gwalior.
"It is not a caste problem. The privately-owned crematorium is far better, well-maintained and taken better care of." said Chandra Mohan Nagori, President, Maheshwari Society.
One might ask the people who believe in the caste system, whether separate areas are earmarked for the dead in the other world too.
ANI