Jayanthi-an Inspiring Woman

The 70th Independence celebrations were routine affairs for many of us, but for one woman it was something very special, a day where she could not only be free from her profession -cremating dead bodies, but also a day, on which she was honoured by the TN state Government with the prestigious ‘Kalpana Chawla’ award for her exemplary courage and daring enterprise.

Jayanthi of Namakkal, would have been just an ordinary woman unknown to this world, carrying out her humdrum routine life, cremating dead bodies in a gasifier crematorium, a thankless job, one which even men dread to take up, whatever may be the compelling financial reasons, thanks to the societal taboos placed against the dead and its accompanying rituals, if not for the honour conferred upon her. Jayanthi has taken up the inimitable profession, fighting odds and above all has been honoured for her immense courage and determination.

Jayanthi coming from a forward community and armed with a post graduation degree in Economics, found out that cremating her dead father, a gurukkal in a temple was the most challenging task, as none of her relatives came forward to help her, fearing their own loss of jobs. Yes, the temples had strict regulations that persons who performed death rituals could not continue with their work as a priest in a temple for a year.

It was the deep economic crisis in her family and her failing health, which made her look out for a job which could offer some succour. During such time, a trust helped her finding a job as a gardener in the crematorium in Namakkal, from where she slowly learnt the ropes of the job involved in giving a decent send off to the dead people. Thus she became the manager of the Namakkal Crematorium, with ten people assisting her in cremating the dead.

Jayanthi stands as a beacon of courage and determination against a biased society. Initial resistance came from her family members, some of them still boycotting her, but it was the support and acceptance from her close circle of family- her mother, husband and children, which gave her the courage to face the social stigma. Incidentally her mother who was overjoyed at the recognition given to her daughter by the Government, was not alive to see her daughter receiving the honour. One week before the Independence Day celebrations, her mother passed away and the daughter faithfully carried out the cremation without seeking any help from others.

Coming from a upper caste family, it was sure a path breaking decision to have entered a profession which was all through the years donned by people belonging to lower caste. Sensitive to even the plain smell of eggs at a young age, this lady got used to the rotten smell of burning flesh, dedicated as she was to her profession. Thus she has set an example for other women who are scared about death itself and societal taboos against women involving themselves in death rituals. Yes Jayanthi, it is a Herculean task you are performing, for which we all saLute you for your courage and determination. Here is the electrifying ovation for you, from women spread all over the world not only for the great honour conferred upon you, but also for your courageous stand defying societal norms, bringing pride and dignity to a profession which was all the time shunned by an orthodox society. Jayanthi has not only set fire to dead bodies but also to all those patriarchial traditions.

"Just seize every opportunity you have

Embrace every experience,

Make a mark for all the right reasons"

Chrissie Wellington

 

Thank you sindmani.

Agatha83

 

Dear Rihana,

When I was discussing about this snippet with my DD, she was not ready to believe it and asked me if it was a story or a real one. As you have rightly said Google also didn't give much help on information about Jayanthi. But the local tv channels have provided a lot of info about her.
Though death is said to be a great leveller, in that it doesn't make choices, between rich and poor, we the human beings are caste conscious and till now it was only people belonging to the lower caste who were in to this profession. But this lady has brought a monumental change in our attitude towards this profession. Thank you for your valuable FB.

Agatha83

 

Dear Jayasala,
Our Hindu religion prohibits women from going to the crematorium and I have never been to one. But women like Jayanthi have tremendous courage to fight against patriarchal practices and stand dignified.

Agatha83