Who Is Pooja Sharma? Woman Who Performs Last Rites For Delhi's Forgotten

Pooja Sharma, a 28-year-old humanitarian, has emerged as an inspiring figure through her extraordinary work, performing the last rites of thousands of unclaimed bodies in Delhi. Recognized globally, Sharma's inclusion in the BBC's list of 100 most inspiring and influential women of 2024 highlights her commitment to dignity and equality even in death.

A Journey Born from Tragedy

Born on July 7, 1996, in Delhi, Pooja Sharma grew up in a middle-class family. Her journey into this unconventional path began with personal a personal loss. In 2022, her brother was brutally murdered, leaving her to perform his funeral rites—a role traditionally restricted to men in Hindu customs. Overwhelmed by grief, Sharma realized the importance of providing dignity in one’s final moments. This realization led her on a mission to ensure no one dies without honor.

Performing Last Rites for Delhi's Forgotten

For the past three years, Sharma has cremated nearly 4,000 unclaimed bodies, averaging 2 to 10 ceremonies a day. These are often the remains of migrants who lost contact with their families, leaving their bodies unclaimed. With care, she collects these bodies from police mortuaries, ties shrouds herself, and performs the final prayers, offering these souls dignity in death. In Delhi over 11,000 unclaimed bodies were found between 2018 and 2022.

Resistance Against Societal Norms

Sharma’s work challenges deeply ingrained societal and religious norms. Traditionally, performing funeral rites is a male-dominated role in Hindu culture. Despite resistance from priests, community members, and even her own family, Sharma has stood firm. She has even performed rites across religious boundaries.

Her choice of work has also come with personal costs. Family members and friends distanced themselves, labeling her "the companion of ghosts." Her engagement was called off as her prospective in-laws rejected her work. However, Sharma remains undeterred, finding peace and fulfillment in her mission.

Bright the Soul Foundation

In 2022, Sharma founded the Bright the Soul Foundation, an NGO that extends her vision of compassion beyond funeral rites. The organization focuses on:

• Environmental Welfare: Promoting sustainable practices in cremations.
• Child Education and Abandoned Children: Supporting marginalized children with education and resources.
• Old Age Care: Assisting the elderly in accessing dignified healthcare and living conditions.
• Financial Aid: Helping families transport bodies to their native places or covering cremation expenses.

Recognition and Impact

Sharma’s recognition on the global stage by the BBC acknowledges not only her resilience but also her broader impact on society. Her name stands alongside revolutionaries like NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, actor Sharon Stone, and Olympic athletes Allyson Felix and Rebeca Andrade.

Sharma’s work also resonates with broader themes like tackling the climate emergency, as she incorporates environmentally conscious practices in cremations.

Funding Challenges and Future Aspirations

Operating largely on personal funds, Sharma has sacrificed her personal savings, including her mother’s wedding jewelry, to sustain her mission. Her monthly expenses of approximately ₹1.2 lakh are partially met by contributions from her father and grandmother. The lack of resources, particularly an ambulance, remains a critical challenge. Sharma often appeals for donations to reduce transportation costs, emphasizing the need for consistent support.

Finding Solace Amidst Challenges

Despite the societal isolation and financial difficulties, Sharma finds tranquility in her work. She reflects on the lives of the unclaimed, imagining the joy their births might have brought and the solitude that marked their ends. Her final act of respect involves traveling to Haridwar to immerse their ashes in the Ganges, ensuring a sacred farewell.