20130604

FUNERAL DIRECTOR

 Mr.Charan entered the profession on full scale at an young age 
of 15 years ( 23-8) .He is doing excellent service to the society 
at large by charging very low fees, that too inclusive of material.

‘I’ve understood life is not permanent’


  • KC Charan

BANGALORE: The Dom Rajas have traditionally been the custodians of cremation grounds in Varanasi and have been cremating the dead for centuries now.
 Being the cremators of the dead, the Dom community has passed on this task from generation to generation and fought for their right to perform the last rites. However, in Bangalore too, there are some families who follow this tradition and the sons get the right to carry on this hereditary profession.
 Hailing from Chikmagalur and now settled in Bangalore, 23-year-old KC Charan, is today faithfully carrying on what his forefathers did. Unlike the youngsters of today who like the fast and jazzy life, Charan has entered this very rare profession of cremating bodies like the hoary Domrajas.
 Every week, he cremates two to three bodies with all dedication and following the scriptures to the teeth. Travelling place to place and fixing all the details with the family of the dead for a ritualistic send off, Charan is indeed very patient and understanding with the grieving family.
 Just one call from anybody at any hour and he immediately lands up with his funeral van which has all the necessary paraphernalia for performing the funeral as well as conducting the ceremonies on relevant days.
 He has been a ‘funeral director’ in Bangalore for the past eight years and is considered a successful entrepreneur in his chosen field.
 “There was a time when the cremation of a dead body used to make me emotional as well as melancholic. For 2 - 3 days, I couldn’t sleep or have food. The unbearable scenes of weeping relatives impacted me a lot. But today, this is my profession, I have consoled myself thinking that life is not permanent. Everyone on this earth has to kick the bucket one or the other day. Today it is their chance, tomorrow will be mine,” he says.
 Although not literate as far as garnering academic degrees is concerned, he is well versed with scriptures and is capable of earning his livelihood by adopting ancient and modern methods of performing the last rites.
 “My father passed away when I was just three years old. Later on with the help of my paternal uncle, K R Srinivas Sastry, who was also in this profession, I learnt all mantras and attended all religious rites for two years which is foremost and essential for knowing how to cremate a dead body,” says Charan.
 Today, he leads a contented life.
Born in Kalasapura, Chickmagalur district, he was brought up by his aunt. He passed his SSLC, but could not continue his studies. Even today he visits his home town to meet his aunt as she was much affectionate and loving towards him.
Once he had nothing when he came to Bangalore with empty hands. But today Charan owns a ‘Mukthi Patha’, a hearse van, and another vehicle to deliver the food during the 11th or 13th day of death ceremonies and is assisted by his younger brother who has also been drawn into this profession, as well as an assistant and a cook.
 “One of the most unforgettable moments of my life was when I had to perform the last rites of my dearest friend. It was just 10 months back, my friend, Aditya Nadig, a budding singer committed suicide when his parents did not give him permission to attend a reality show in Mumbai and advised him to concentrate on his studies. I had to perform his last rites,” recalls Charan wistfully.
“I normally charge Rs 2,400 for a cremation including the material. If there are more siblings for performing the last rites, an additional fee of Rs 200 is added to this,” said the funeral director.
 “Usually when death occurs, the family members observe many do’s and don’ts for the first 10 days such as not to touch the deity, enter kitchen or temple. During those days and also for the death ceremonies, we provide food and do door delivery,” avers Charan.
 When asked about his hobbies he said, “I am quite busy and occupied all the time, But I love to read books written by Swami Vivekananda to meliorate my philosophical and spiritual knowledge”.
 So what’s the future for this unusual youngster? “I would rather prefer to continue my father’s profession, though I am aware that there is no promotion or increment in this field”, he concludes
Subject:  10 tips for active seniors

10 tips for active seniors

 

 


  1. Choose activities you find interesting and manageable. You are more likely to stick to an exercise routine if it’s fun.

  1. Check with your doctor before you start a new exercise routine. Some activities may not be appropriate if you have been sedentary for a long time or suffer from obesity or a chronic illness.

  1. Start slowly and aim for small improvements. Be guided by your doctor about how long and how frequently to exercise. Keep track of your progress in a training diary for added motivation.

  1. Make exercise a social event. Invite friends along or sign up for a class so you can meet new people while getting fit.

  1. Improve your flexibility. Suggestions include yoga, stretching exercises, lawn bowls or dancing.

  1. Build muscle tissue with strength training. For example, you could lift weights or perform a modified form of calisthenics.

  1. Look after your bones. Weight-bearing exercise can reduce your risk of bone loss and osteoporosis as you age.

  1. Improve your heart and lung fitness. Opt for moderate intensity exercise for maximum benefit. As a general rule, aim for activity that means you breathe hard but are not left feeling breathless. 



  1. Reduce your risk of falls. Include some balance and coordination exercises in your weekly exercise routine. Good options include tai chi, balancing on one leg and heel to toe stands.

  1. Build exercise into your daily routine. Walk to the shops or bus, spend more time in the garden or offer to walk a neighbour’s dog.

Love Making Tips For Seniors
 
1. Wear your glasses - To make sure your partner is actually in the bed.

2.. Set timer for 3 minutes, 
In case you doze off in the middle.

3. Set the mood with lighting. 
(Turn them ALL OFF!)

4. Make sure you put 911 on your speed dial beforeyou begin.

5. Write partner's name on your hand in case you can't remember.

6. Use extra polygrip so your teeth don't end up under the bed.

7. Have Tylenol ready in case you actually complete the act..

8. Make all the noise you want..... 
The neighbors are deaf too..

9. If it works, call everyone you know with the good news!!

10. Don't even think about trying it twice. ..               . . .. .. . . .. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 
'OLD' IS WHEN... 
Your sweetie says, 'Let's go upstairs And make love,' and you answer, 'Pick one; I can't do both!'

'OLD' IS WHEN... 
Your friends compliment you on your new alligator shoes And you're barefoot.

'OLD' IS WHEN... 
Going bra-less pulls all the wrinkles out of your face.

'OLD' IS WHEN.... 
You don't care where your spouse goes, just as long as you don't have to go along.

'OLD' IS WHEN... 
You are cautioned to slow down by the doctor instead of by the police .

'OLD' IS WHEN.. 
'Getting a little action' means you don't need to take any fiber today.

'OLD' IS WHEN... 
'Getting lucky' means you find your car in the parking lot.

'OLD' IS WHEN... 
An 'all nighter' means not getting up to use the bathroom.

AND 

'OLD' IS WHEN... 
You are not sure if these are facts or jokes?  
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