Cyberspace enters the last journey

The last episode in a person's life can now be watched on internet and film in a collective sharing of personal tragedy 
Sumiran Preet Kaur Hardnews

Shiv Kumar Sharma (name changed) lives in the US. He regrets that he was not there with his brother during his last moments. He missed the last rites of his brother in India as he himself was extremely unwell. Distance separated them in death as in life and this became his life long regret.

Though funerals are moments of collective grief and personal tragedy, they are an inevitable part of human and social life. But what if one does miss it due to long distance or circumstantial problems -- like Shiv Kumar Sharma? Well, now even death and the last journey of the departed has been brought under the sweep of technological advancement. It also reflects a certain stoic acceptance of this moment of deep sorrow.

By the end of August, crematorium ground Antim Niwas in Sector 94, Noida, will have facilities where the funerals can be watched online - live. And distance will not be a big obstacle for bereaved people who, for unavoidable reasons, are not able to attend the last rites of their dear ones, relatives and friends. They can now pay their last respects digitally and directly share their moment of grief with others.
 
The internet service is expected to start before September. BSNL will be the service provider. Antim Niwas that comes under Noida Lok Nayak Manch already has special CCTV cameras installed since 2008 to record the funerals. The innovations at Antim Niwas are one of its kinds in entire Northern India.