A hi-tech crematorium in India

The technology of the 21st century has now touched the dead in India. Welcome to a hi-tech crematorium in Ahmedabad, India, with Internet links, air-conditioned halls complete with music system, and of course, two modern electric furnaces. The facility, developed by the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority and a NGO’s was opened last month.

Unlike the run of the mill crematorium, the structure on the Sarkej-Gandhinagar highway, with a huge idol of Shiva outside and manicured gardens, is architecturally aesthetic. When a dead body arrives here, the relatives can use the prayer hall to offerfinal prayers for the departed soul. On music system relatives can pray bhajans of their choice.

Many appreciate the Internet facility: relatives in distance places, (particularly in Foreign) can view the last rites of their loved ones by logging on to the website of the crematorium Cameras are fitted in different spots including in the area near the furnace. They can relay images live through the Internet.

At least 70 bodies have been cremated already, and some of them used this facility from London and U.S. The crematorium is also equipped to burn bodies in the traditional manner using wood.

What a change!