God chose this job for me, says Sunny who cremated 235 Covid victims

God chose this job for me, says Sunny who cremated 235 Covid victims

Ferozepur, August 24, 2021:  A contractual employee at Civil Hospital engaged as Ward Attendant during the Covid pandemi, 35-year-old, had been working at Cremation Grounds in the district to conduct the last rites of 235 Covid victims during the Corona pandemic in Ferozepur and has become a source of inspiration for the citizens.

Sunny by nick name, Ramandeep Singh is associated with the Ferozepur Welfare Club who is exclusively working for the cremation of unclaimed bodies. We had been doing the cremation of unclaimed bodies just like as family member with all rituals, said Sunny.

Getting motivation from the Club members, he opted to cremate the Covid victims when most workers, even the family members were scared of handling bodies of Covid victims, he was the first to come forward for the last rites of the infected bodies, said local citizens.

Since the start of deaths due to Covid in the district, I have cremated 235 Covid victim bodies and had not gone home continuously for six months even performing the ritual at late hours, said Sunny.

I had a bitter experience during this Covid pandemic, I was trained by the doctors on how to handle Covid bodies and use PPE kits. The situation was so tense in those days and we had to remain polite and humane towards everyone coming with Covid victim’s bodies.  I even arranged showing the face of the bodies to the families over video calling. In several instances, even one family member of Covid-19 patients was unable to come close to the body of the loved ones for fear of catching Covid-19. Even when they do, many stand at a distance while these volunteers finish the final rites, shared Sunny.

He said, Thank God, by doing this noble cause, I have not been infected with Covid virus and had been getting tested from time to time.  Proud moments were when I got a warm welcome from the family on visiting the house after six months.

I don’t have any regrets but the administration must recognize the extra ordinary services like me on some special occasion, so that I may feel encouraged and others get motivated. Perhaps God has chosen me for this job, said Sunny in a choked voice.