More than two years ago, N. Chandrasekaran (59), a fruit vendor-turned-trader engaged in drinking water business, had registered to donate his body for scientific research and teaching after his death and on Tuesday, his family members fulfilled his wish after he died.
A rationalist, Chandrasekaran, who had involved himself in the family business of selling banana, was not an active member of Dravidar Kazhagam but ardent follower of rationalist ideals. He never believed in rituals and firmly believed that he should be of some use even after death.
He had registered with the Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH), Madurai, on January 17, 2013, to donate his body. Following his footsteps, his wife C Nageswari (52), a former Municipal Councillor, had also registered to donate her body.
When Chandrasekaran of Marudupandiyar Nagar, near here, died on Monday night after a brief illness, his family members contacted the GRH on Tuesday and on the advice of the Dean carried the body in an ambulance and handed it over to the hospital authorities.
“As desired by him, we have handed over the body to the hospital to be used for teaching the medicos,” N. Jawahar, brother of the deceased told The Hindu .
All the four brothers of the deceased went to the hospital and signed as witnesses along with his son C. Manimaran, he said.
As they could perform no ritual, the family members, while returning after handing over the body, visited a temple en route and offered worship, he said. Chandrasekaran is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter, Mr. Jawahar said.
The family members have also decided to do away with the ‘Thali’ removing ceremony as desired by his brother, he added.
Hospital sources said that the body would be embalmed and used for teaching medical students. Chandrasekaran was probably the first person in Ramanathapuram district to donate his body for science, M. Ragland Maduram, district Junior Red Cross convenor, said.
Hospital sources said the body would be embalmed and used for teaching the medical students
