Iwork at the cremation ghats in Varanasi. I do not call Kashi [ancient name for Varanasi] a city but my karma shetra -- where I have the duty to carry on the tradition of my ancestors. This is dharma for me.

The population is increasing day by day and the number of dead bodies is also increasing, thereby loading us with more work.

It is on the faith of people that our tradition has survived and we are able to earn our bread by arranging funeral pyres for dead bodies. Electric crematoriums are coming up everywhere, but the bulk of Hindus still prefer the traditional system. I am sure it will remain that way for many more decades to come.

I think India's biggest problem is poverty and very little has been done to overcome this. And it is our politicians who have made things worse for the common people. I think the days of the Rajas were better -- I mean the likes of Raja Harishchandra.

India 56, Archives  Email this page to a friend

I wish all Indians at least got four square meals and a roof over their heads.

As told to Sharat Pradhan