Moved By Grand Funeral For The Dead, Australian Woman Performs Last Rites

Hyderabad: An Australian tourist, Georgia, was so moved by Indian culture that respects the dead that she volunteered to perform the last rites of an shelter home inmate.

The incident took place in Kharkana in Secunderabad on Thursday, when NGO 'Serve Needy' received information that a woman inmate of a shelter home had passed away. Since the deceased did not have any close relatives, 'Serve Needy' founder prepared to perform the last rites himself.

Georgia arrived in the city several days ago, to work for 'Serve Needy'. She learnt about the 14 projects undertaken by the NGO and began actively participating in the projects. Using her skills in voice play, comedy and teaching, Georgia earned some money and donated the same to Serve Needy projects to treat cancer patients and teach orphaned children.

On Thursday, when she was told about the last rites that Gautam Kumar was preparing to perform Georgia volunteered herself. She then performed all the last rituals according to tradition and lit the funeral pyre of the shelter home inmate.

Speaking to the media, Georgia said the rich customs and traditions that give importance to people in death is great and impressed her. It is that impression that encouraged her to perform the last rites to the unknown woman, she said.