New Delhi: Pooja Sharma, a remarkable woman from Delhi, has been honored on the BBCs prestigious list of 100 inspiring and influential women for 2024, standing shoulder to shoulder with notable figures such as NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and actress Sharon Stone. This recognition highlights not only her extraordinary contributions but also the profound impact she has made by performing funeral rites for over 4,000 unclaimed bodies in the capital city of India.A Journey Born from Tragedy and CompassionPooja Sharma was born on July 7, 1996, into a middle-class family in Delhi. Her life took a tragic turn when she lost her elder brother to a brutal murder in 2022. I was someone who ran away at the sight of a cockroach, Pooja reflects on her past fears. Yet today, I spend almost my entire day around mortuaries and crematoriums performing the last rites for unclaimed bodies. This devastating experience ignited a fire within her to ensure that those who die without family or friends receive the dignified farewells they deserve.In the wake of her brothers death, Pooja found herself stepping into roles traditionally reserved for men in her community. At my brothers cremation, I had to wear a turban and perform the last rites, she recalls. This pivotal moment fueled her mission to assist others who find themselves in similar situations, leading her to commit herself fully to this noble cause.Breaking Barriers and Defying TraditionDespite facing significant resistance from priests and community members—who traditionally view such roles as male-dominated—Pooja has tirelessly performed final rites across various faiths, ensuring that every individual is honored in death. Without discriminating on caste and faith, I have performed the final rites for more than 4,000 individuals, she asserts. Her work transcends religious boundaries, emphasizing dignity and respect for all.Poojas dedication has not gone unnoticed she has amassed a following of nearly 350,000 on social media platforms where she shares her experiences and raises awareness about her mission. Her organization, Bright The Soul Foundation, extends its efforts beyond funeral rites to include environmental welfare, care for the elderly, support for abandoned children, and educational initiatives.A Call for Support Amidst Financial StrugglesWhile Poojas heartwarming mission garners admiration, it also faces financial hurdles. Each funeral rite costs approximately ₹5,000 (about $60), which includes logistical expenses such as transportation. I have exhausted all my savings on this work, she admits. To continue providing these essential services, Pooja seeks support from generous donors who understand the importance of her work.Her commitment is unwavering she often arranges for hearses to transport bodies from mortuaries to cremation grounds at a cost that can range between ₹1,000 and ₹1,500. The need for an ambulance dedicated to this cause is critical, as it would enhance the efficiency and reach of her services significantly.A Global Recognition of Resilience and ChangeThe BBCs acknowledgment of Pooja Sharma is part of a broader celebration of women who have shown resilience amid challenges. The broadcaster emphasizes that this years list highlights individuals who have pushed for change despite adversity and addresses pressing issues like climate change through their initiatives. Poojas story exemplifies this spirit of resilience she stands as a testament to how one persons compassion can create ripples of change in society.Through her unwavering commitment to providing dignified farewells to those who have no one else, Pooja Sharma not only honors lives lost but also inspires countless others to recognize the value of compassion and community service in times of need.
