Matters India Reporter
Kolkata, October 31, 2025: In a gesture of compassion and inclusion, the Christian Burial Board Kolkata inaugurated its “Dignity Burial / Shamman Samadhi” initiative at the historic 184 Lower Circular Road Cemetery.
The programme ensures that every individual—regardless of financial status—receives a dignified burial, free of cost.
The initiative designates a dedicated section within the cemetery for families unable to afford burial expenses, guided by the Board’s solemn commitment: “Dignity in Every Farewell.”
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Member of Parliament Sudip Bandopadhyay as Chief Guest, alongside Fr Moloy D’Costa, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Calcutta, and MP Derek O’Brien. In a symbolic act of compassion, two sisters from Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity cut the ceremonial ribbon, underscoring the spirit of service that animates the project.
Shri Bandopadhyay announced a ₹20 lakh contribution from his MP Local Area Development Fund to support the cemetery’s development, affirming the government’s solidarity with the initiative.
Denise Smith of the Christian Burial Board shared that the programme will especially benefit those who spend their final days in the care of Missionaries of Charity homes. “This initiative will extend our mission of compassion—ensuring that they are laid to rest with dignity, peace, and respect,” she said.
A second Dignity Burial site is slated to open early next year at Tollygunge Cemetery, expanding the reach of this humane intervention.
With this initiative, the Christian Burial Board reaffirms its commitment to serve the city’s most vulnerable with empathy, reverence, and civic responsibility.