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Ujjain Ashram Adopts Eco-friendly Burial Process

by VR Sreeraman on Jul 16 2007 6:11 PM

Sewadham Ashram, a shelter home here, combines spirituality with nature conservation by adopting an eco-friendly burial process.

Authorities at the Sewadham Ashram bury the dead and plant a sapling over the grave instead of consigning the mortal remains to flames as per the Hindu tradition.

The burial process is eco-friendly as it prevents pollution, saves fuel and enriches the environment through forestation.

Sudhirbhai Goyal, founder of the ashram, said: "During the time of cremation, a pit of six feet long and 3 feet wide is dug. After laying the dead body, the pit is covered with mud. After five or six months, sapling of a tree is planted - which once grown up benefits us with its fruits and oxygen."

The unusual methodology of burial is said to be based on the theory that all mortal remains should merge in nature.

At least 35 people have been reportedly buried following this method and another 65 have made a wish for the same burial.

Taranjan Shah, a resident, said: "I am living in this Ashram for last three years. I belong to Gujarat and was prompted to be a part of this Ashram on learning about the remarkable work done by Sudhirbhai. In fact, this whole process prevents pollution as well saves wood. I have made a wish of having the same funeral after my death."

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Besides, the Sewadham Ashram provides shelter to the destitute.

It was founded in 1990 and is home to about 2,500 people, out of which at least 250 are AIDS patients. The needy people are accorded shelter, irrespective of their personal faith, religion and region.

Source-ANI
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