Versha Verma helps perform the last rites of 10-12 COVID victims every day. The calls for help are increasing
Not being able to perform the last rites of a loved one who has died of COVID-19 has become one of the worst traumas family members are facing. But, Versha Verma of Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh daily accompanies 10 to 12 bodies on their last journey and cremates them.
Versha Verma has been ferrying the dead from hospitals and homes in Lucknow to cremation grounds to do the last rites. All photos: By arrangement
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
The heartbreak does not stop with the death of loved ones. Families of those who died of COVID-19, are often left without closure as they are unable to or too scared to perform the last rites. In such a situation, good samaritans across the country are coming forward to help and cremate the bodies.
Versha Verma, a resident of Lucknow, is one such who daily performs the last rites of nearly 10-12 people who lost their lives to the coronavirus. She runs a non-profit called Ek Koshish Aise Bhi.
Amid the raging pandemic, every morning Verma makes her way to Lucknow’s Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, commonly known as Ram Manohar Lohia hospital. She has become a familiar sight at the hospital where she stands next to her vehicle with a placard announcing ‘free hearse’. The 42-year-old has been ferrying the dead from hospitals and homes in the state capital of Uttar Pradesh to cremation grounds to do the last rites.
“There are many who have lost their family members and just do not have the money to perform the last rites. They are already staggering under the tragedy of losing a near and dear one,” Verma told Gaon Connection. She added that unscrupulous ambulance services and hearse operators are demanding money in thousands.
She accompanies the driver, sometimes even drives the vehicle herself. “Usually each vehicle has a driver and another companion,” she informed.
“When I started doing this work, my mother did not speak to me for ten days. She feared for my health and well being,” Verma said. Her husband was unhappy about what she had set out to do as well, she said. “But when he realised I was not going to change my mind, he decided he would take care of me instead,” she smiled. “He gives me immunity boosters, prepares my PPE kit, takes care of lunch…,” she said. She was happy that her 14-year-old daughter supported her fully.
Beginning of a new journey
Verma’s social service began three years ago when she would perform the last rites of unclaimed bodies. According to her she has cremated as many as 500 bodies in that time.
Also Read: “We cremated 140 bodies of those who died of COVID 19 in the past one month”
“But, this is different. Even though the COVID-19 victims have families, the latter find themselves in a dilemma as they fear infection too,” explained Verma. Sometimes the entire family is COVID positive, at other times the family members are abroad or far away, unable to come. So, she steps in and offers some solace and comfort to the family members by doing the needful.
“I hired a vehicle and a driver and the phone calls have not stopped since then,” said Verma. There were so many people who were desperate for the services she offered that she hired two more vehicles. Verma said she could not have done this without the help of well wishers.
However, it is difficult not to be saddened by insensitivity and indifference she often sees around her sometimes. A couple of days back, she reached the home of a lady who had called for help. The lady was sitting outside with the body beside her. “We had to wrap the body in plastic, but the weight of the body was such that the plastic tore when we tried to lift the body. We needed a sheet. There were family members standing at a safe distance. Not one offered to find a sheet. Most were busy recording videos,” she said.
But Verma acknowledged that thanks to social media she was receiving a lot of financial support. “I wish more volunteers would step forward to do the last rites for people”, she said. She claimed the number of calls for help were increasing day by day. Going up to more than 200 calls a day.
There are problems. Because of the lockdown in Lucknow on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, logistics become a nightmare. “Where will families find plastic bags, ice, etc., on these days,” she asked. Verma also distributes free drinking water outside Baikunth Dham (the crematorium) in Lucknow. “It is hot and most people who come there are in PPE kits, they are sweating and need hydrating,” she explained.
There are many ways you can help, Verma appealed to others. It is not necessary to step out of the house if you are not comfortable or not in a position to do so. “Just talk to your family and friends. Many of them are struggling with depression and just a conversation or two may make them feel better,” she said.
Versha Verma can be contacted at +91-8318-193-805