November 20, 2012: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) would soon open a multi-faith funeral
center for Indians. Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi recently announced
that the funeral centre, built at a cost of USD 1.65 million, will open in January
2013. The Minister had on Nov. 11 handed over a cheque for USD 136,000 as India’s
contribution to the project.
"There is going to be a funeral place in Sharjah
for which I also paid money. It is a funeral ground for Indians from all religions.
It is an Indian community project there. It is a good thing," Ravi said. "They asked
me for some financial help and I paid 50 per cent. They have started work and we have
already paid the money," he said.
The Indian Association Sharjah (IAS), which
is spearheading the project, said the facility is designed to have four gas cremators
for Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists as well as burial grounds for Muslims and Christians.
Statistics by the Indian Consulate in Dubai show that about 1,300 Indians die in the
country annually.
However, due to legal issues and high cost involved, families
often find it difficult to make funeral arrangements in keeping with the last wishes.
The new facility aims to cater Indians living in Sharjah and the Northern Emirates.
India
had in April requested the UAE to provide land for a funeral home for Indians residing
in that country when their external affairs ministers met in New Delhi for bilateral
talks.