Biggest Concern
During my recent visit to Goindwal Sahib for the disposal of the mortal remains of my respected mother-in-law, our family visited the ghat specially designated for this sacred purpose, on the banks of theBeas River. What I witnessed there left me deeply disturbed.
Plastic bags containing mortal remains and unburnt bones were lying scattered in a messy condition, along the riverbank. The river had receded considerably and, in the absence of sufficient flowing water, the remains that were traditionally expected to be carried away by the riverwas instead getting accumulated on the banks. Polythene bags and other non-biodegradable material being disposed off along with mortalremains, further added to the pollution and disturbing the sanctity of the place. This made me think on whether our rituals, while carrying deep emotional and spiritual significance, should also be given scope to evolve along with changing environmental realities. The essence of the ritual is to return the mortal remains to the nature and not to pollute a river or leave them scattered and unattended on its banks.
Perhaps, wherever culturally and religiously acceptable, we can consider dignified alternative like returning the mortal remains directly to the earth by burying them in designated fields, forests, gardens or kitchen gardens, where they naturally decompose and can become the part of the soil and its nutrients. Another meaningful option could be to create dedicated urban memorial forests or green spaces, where the remains are respectfully returned to the earth and a ritual is made to plant a tree in the memory of the departed.
If immersion in water is chosen, it should be done only at the designated sites with the adequate water flowing and having proper arrangements for preventing the accumulation of remains and non- biodegradable material on banks. Polythene bags and other pollutants should never be made a part of such rituals.
The Gurudwara management, religious institutions, environmental experts and concerned authorities should join hands to develop a scientific, dignified and spiritually sensitive alternatives. At the sametime, people also need to be aware and understand that respecting our traditions does not necessarily mean preserving every practice unchanged when circumstances have changed.
It’s the time, when rituals need to be shaped. Perhaps we can create a new tradition like, for every mortal life returned to the earth, let us plant a tree in its memory. The mortal body returns to the elements but the tree carries the memory of our near and dear ones.
Rituals should help us understand the cycle of life and accept the reality but should not create a burden on nature. It is the time to preserve the spiritual essence of our traditions while making our last rites also compassionate towards the environment.
Prof.(Dr.) Jog BhatiaSenior Consultant (Disaster Management)
Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MGSIPA),Govt. of Punjab
