Tragedy In A Crisis! Odisha Woman Lights Husband's Funeral Pyre

Bhubaneswar: When the dark cloud of COVID19 pandemic is eclipsing the world, the grim realities that individuals have to endure often go unnoticed. But these poignant stories often tell an inspiring tale.

For Amiyabala, losing her husband a year after losing her only son was a tragedy that could not have been more tragic. A resident of Tomando area of Bhubaneswar, Amiyabala had everything - a small and happy family. But like a bolt from the blue, her life turned upside down when she lost her only son to a road mishap a year ago.

The incident broke her completely, but she managed to move on by dedicating her life to her bed-ridden husband, who was battling a brain-stroke. But for Amiyabala, lightning struck twice, and her husband Chandi Prasad too passed away on May 3, leaving her crestfallen.

But mustering all strength, she pulled her life back once again to complete the funeral rites on her own for the salvation of her husband's soul.  Though it is the family's eldest son who performs the last rites of parents, Amiyabala lit the funeral pyre of her husband with the photograph of her dead son clutched to her bosom as mark of respect to customs. In all its poignancy, Amiyabala's story was also about her strength and resolve towards her duties.

"The lady deserves a lot of appreciation and respect for showing courage at such a difficult juncture of life. But that is what life teaches us," said Social Activist, Namrata Chadhha.

"I could not believe when the realization dawned upon me that I have lost everything. But I have to remain firm so that my husband and my son could live through me as long as I am here. It is probably the wish of God," said a teary-eyed Amiyabala.

After losing everything, Amiyabala now has dedicated her life to help the needy.

To ensure that others do not face the same tragedy, Amiayabala has now formed a foundation to create awareness on the importance of road safety. She had created another trust in the name of her husband to fulfill basic needs of impoverished children in slums.

https://youtu.be/MmZai70kZy4