Some people passing by this place on New Avadi Road, Anna Nagar, may cringe or hurry along. But three women, undaunted by the eerie silence, mild stench, and smoke that shrouds the area, spend long hours inside the Velankadu crematorium.
The past four months have been life-changing for S. Esther Shanthi since she agreed to manage the free facility along with S. Praveena and P.N. Shanthi, as part of a joint venture between an NGO, Indian Community Welfare Organisation (ICWO), and the Chennai Corporation. The social workers took it up as a challenge to break the male-dominated space.
“I was gripped with fear during the initial days of work in the crematorium and never ventured out alone. Visitors too were surprised to find us in the booking and documentation service,” said Ms. Esther.
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Known for her short temper, Ms. Esther said the place has calmed her down. “I even collect the ash when there are not enough assistants.”
For Ms. Praveena, the challenge of managing inebriated visitors is harder than that of spending long hours near the gasifier. “Some tease and surround me when I’m filling forms, but I manage to defend myself or take help from male staff members,” she said.
Even now, a small move or noise of withered leaves sends chills down her spine when she is alone. “I’m overcoming my fears and sometimes stay after 7 p.m. I book seven cremation services daily. I can’t help relating to every person cremated here, and sometimes get emotional,” said Ms. Praveena.
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For Ms. Shanthi, the days of skipping meals and constant worry about working conditions are a thing of the past. She is now able to casually open her tiffin box and finish her meal. “I feel content when people bless me. My family is still hesitant about my job. But I plan to continue,” she said.
ICWO secretary A.J. Hariharan said there are plans to involve more women and add greenery to the premises to improve the environment.