The Christian community in Kolkata, India, launch new initiative dedicated to providing everyone—no matter their economic background—a dignified burial.
By Kielce Gussie
The spirit of the commemoration of All Souls’ Day will last longer than just one day for the Christian community in Kolkata, India. With the launch of the initiative “Shamman Samadhi” (dignified burial), they continue to give dignity to people at the moment of their death.
According to the Christian Burial Board of Kolkata, this project is meant to be “a gesture of compassion and inclusion”, and it brought together representatives of various Christian denominations.
All deserve a dignified burial
The Christian Burial Board explained the goal of the initiative “Shamman Samadhi” is to guarantee that everyone, no matter their economic background and situation, is given a dignified and free burial.
According to Agenzia Fides, the Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies, part of Kolkata’s historic Christian cemetery in Mullickbazar, along Lower Circular Road, has been set aside for families who are unable to afford the costs of a burial. The area will also be open to receiving the bodies of those who have died abandoned, such as outcasts, without relatives or loved ones to care for them.
A community mission
The religious order founded by Mother Teresa, the Missionaries of Charity, is also involved in this initiative—as their mission also includes assisting the dying and abandoned. The order explained the “Shamman Samadhi” initiative has grown their mission of compassion as it means securing a burial that is dignified, peaceful, and respectful.
The Missionaries of Charity, are also involved in this initiative—as their mission also means assisting the dying and abandoned. (AFP or licensors)
The Kolkata city government welcomed the project and said it would contribute from its local development fund with support. The area of the cemetery dedicated to this initiative has been divided into sets of graves: one for adults and another for children under the age of three.
The Christian Burial Board has taken responsibility over maintaining the graves and has stressed its dedication and commitment to serving Kolkata’s most vulnerable residents “with empathy, respect, and civic responsibility”. The Board also announced that another burial place will be set at Tollygunge Cemetery early 2026, expanding the initiative’s reach.
Moreover, the Christian Burial Board requested the city government apportion land for the building a new Christian cemetery since the current sites date back to the British era and are completely full.
