The Christian Burial Board in Kolkata has launched a new initiative to ensure that every person, regardless of their financial situation, receives a respectful and dignified burial.
Called the “Dignity Burial / Shamman Samadhi” programme, the scheme was inaugurated at the historic 184 Lower Circular Road Cemetery. A special section of the cemetery has been set aside for families unable to afford burial expenses, reflecting the Board’s guiding principle of “Dignity in every farewell.”
The launch event was attended by Member of Parliament Sudip Bandopadhyay as the chief guest, along with Fr Moloy D’Costa, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Calcutta, and MP Derek O’Brien. In a symbolic gesture of compassion, two sisters from Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity cut the ceremonial ribbon to mark the opening.
During the ceremony, Mr Bandopadhyay announced a contribution of ₹20 lakh from his MP Local Area Development Fund to support the cemetery’s upkeep and the new burial section, expressing the government’s support for the initiative.
Denise Smith, representing the Christian Burial Board, said the project will particularly help those who spend their final days in Missionaries of Charity homes. “This initiative continues our mission of compassion, ensuring that everyone is laid to rest with dignity, peace, and respect,” she said.
A second Dignity Burial site is planned to open early next year at Tollygunge Cemetery, extending the reach of the initiative to more families in need.
Through this effort, the Christian Burial Board reaffirms its commitment to serving Kolkata’s most vulnerable communities with care, reverence, and a deep sense of social responsibility.
Adapted from Matters India.
