In our day to day life, we come across many cases which prove that education and a perfect job have nothing to do with gender egalitarianism. It is generally believed  that a woman’s life is always dependent on man, or else would be  under threat.

But here is a story, which speaks of the courage and determination of a lady who lost her parents at a young age and also her husband when she had three small children to feed and nurture. This lady chose a path less travelled by women to keep her family afloat. Meet Vanaja Poojari who has broken all taboos  and is into the profession of crematorium keeper  which is rather unusual for a woman. This 64 year old brave woman single-handedly manages the Beedinagudde crematorium in Udupi.

The external appearance of the Beedinagudde crematorium resembles a Mandir with a Tulasikatte and a small shrine of Lord Shiva  on one side. There is a small house nearby where Vanaja stays apart from toilet and bathing facilities for public. There is another structure  to store fire wood for the pyre and also to  maintain accounts. The crematorium is neat and tidy and well maintained reflecting the dedication and efficiency with which Vanaja has been doing her duty.

Vanaja spoke to Newskarnataka.com’s Sheeja Moodubelle at length, on her life, profession, and beliefs.

There was a sense of pride in Vanaja’s  face when she  said that she  has been taking care of this crematorium almost single-handedly since 34 years.

“This profession chose me”

“I can proudly say that no one dared to criticize me for choosing this profession till date. “The room which I stay now is where my husband used to stay, I did not choose this as my profession, instead this profession chose me.”

Recollecting the past, Vanaja said, “I lived in a house close by the crematorium with my husband Poova Poojari who had a tender mango business. A person who was a crematorium keeper here  had thrown the keys before walking away one day. Dayanath Pai, the then Committee in-charge and a hotel owner asked my husband to look after the crematorium for a day, but it continued further.”

She further said, “I entered the crematorium to help my husband who fell sick  after the birth of my 3 children. He used to consume alcohol and  finally passed away leaving myself and my two daughters and son to fend for ourselves.”

“ My son  who has studied till tenth standard and works as a daily wager is not  interested in continuing this work of mine.  Both my daughters were married at the age of 20 and I now have four grandchildren, the elder one being 20 year old,” says Vanaja proudly.

Vanaja says her elder son-in-law  who is a building contractor helps her in crematorium works,  while her  younger son-in-law runs a general store near the Beedingudde market.

Life has never been easy for Vanaja  since her childhood. “I hail from a poor family. After I lost my mother when I was a kid, my father married another woman  who was our relative. After a lot of hardship, my life has improved a lot now,” she says with a sense of satisfaction.

“My husband’s family is from Indrali and they have no issues with my work and have morally supported me,” Vanaja further adds.

Beedinagudde crematorium – widely patronized

The Beedinagudde crematorium  provides for the cremation of six bodies at a time.”There have been times when all six trays at the crematorium were used,” says Vanaja who will be on duty at the  crematorium from 7 am to 6 pm.

“People even from far off places like Padubidri, Byndoor and Karkala come to use the services of this crematorium as they know me. There is no caste discrimination here and the  committee charges Rs.1000 for cremation and Rs. 500 towards my services.”

A staunch advocator of manual crematorium services. Vanaja points out that  she will never support the electric system. “Till my death I will continue the old practice itself, she adds.

Ghost fears? Definitely no!

Normal people, dread to enter a crematorium during odd hours. “Have you been ever frightened?” this question got a pat reply  from Vanaja “Never have I been frightened while on duty. I am not afraid of ghosts,’ says the brave lady while admitting that people dread to enter the crematorium during night hours.

She also admits that she remains hard like a stone without any feelings when grief-stricken people cry inconsolably over the loss of their near and dear ones. “I have undergone a lot of difficulties and have lost my parents and husband. Moreover I am used to this profession although I try my best to console the grieving people,” adds Vanaja.

Any incident that has disturbed her a lot? Well, Vanaja says yes and recollects  the incident  that took place  a few years ago.

“Three kids around 10 years of age, of three different families  had died in an accident.  The faces of the kids were so innocent and beautiful that I  was overwhelmed with grief,” she says.

Awards galore: Vanaja has received several awards for her services at the crematorium, which, any way one may look at it, is a service to mankind.  “I have received 34 different awards for my service. I am glad that people recognize me and appreciate my service to the society.” There was a sense of pride in Vanaja’s eyes when she said so.