Of late, India has turned into a startup hub wherein everyone, be they young or old, is taking on their entrepreneurial journey.
Looking at the ginormous number of people inclined to be business persons, BITS Pilani has also allowed students to take a year off to build their startups.
And since we’re talking about innovative ideas, here’s a startup that has got people talking online. Taking to Twitter, IAS officer Awanish Sharan shared a picture of a stall for a funeral service named ‘Sukhant Funeral Management Private Limited’ at the India International Trade Fair 2022 held at New Delhi’s Pragati Maidan.
At their stall, the company has also displayed a sample ‘bier’ (‘arthi’ in Hindi) decorated with rose petals and other flowers.
Officer Sharan was curious to know what’s the need for such a ‘startup’ in the country.
ऐसे ‘स्टार्टअप’ की ज़रूरत क्यों पड़ी होगी ? pic.twitter.com/UekzjZ5o7b
— Awanish Sharan (@AwanishSharan) November 20, 2022
According to their website, the startup based out of Mumbai aims to provide a dignified and respectful farewell to the deceased. From transporting the deceased to providing funeral materials and even manpower, the company offers funeral solutions such as Shradhannjali, Pre-Plan Funeral, and Antim Sanskar.
This is indeed a unique OTT startup idea that divided people online. While some thought they went berserk with the idea, others thought that the company is practically helpful for people living in nuclear families having no one to assist during such troubled times.
In western world it was there since ages..we are on our way to be a economy driven by professionals. These days the children leaving far from their parents due to their professional commitments. So when the time comes it’s hard to manage everything just by themselves.
— universal.brotherhood (@unibrother80) November 20, 2022
This is for people who have grown up in a nuclear family, are into transferable job, by nature r introvert(not many friends). I’ve seen people facing difficulties in cremating their dead elderlies because of their situation (everything except money). In village its different
— Sapan Singh (@sap_rulez) November 21, 2022
Not a new concept . With joint family system dying , children going abroad leaving the old at the mercy of the society perhaps this could be a flourishing one soon. Technology is already making us behave like Robots.
— 𝓑𝓚 🇮🇳 (@incognitobk) November 21, 2022
This segment needs such organised companies.
It will actually give psychological relief to the family who loses a loved ones and a fully respected farewell for the departed soul.— Sandeep Khanna (@sandeepkhanna29) November 20, 2022
Population and unavailable local employment pushed children to go to cities and abroad leaving their families behind. This led to such startup businesses being successful.. in a way this is essential service now.
— Susmita Limayè (@SusmitaLimaye) November 21, 2022
Nothing wrong. It’s just Funeral was not considered as business.. but it was. It just became professional and taxable with job opportunities.
— Raj👷🔌💡🇮🇳🇨🇾 (@RajTMulchandani) November 20, 2022
Disheartening💔.This is the harsh truth😢of society still beneficial,a sigh of relief for many,atleast an assurance the last rites will be performed if no loved ones’ around or a pre-planning just like that of any other ceremony one takes care of.Need of hour,alarming situation.
— Shwetambari Rajput (@ShwetambariRaj3) November 20, 2022
There is a need for this segment. Until now it was operating in an organised manner with people not knowing what to do. Now this also will be executed professionally. Its a good business venture and eases the confusion and burden to organise rituals that hits the family.
— Sanjay Kapur (@sanjay1193) November 20, 2022
Yes. This is much needed in current circumstances . People don’t have to worry about what is needed , where they can get etc.
This is almost similar to catering service for marriages.— Chakri I (@iamchakra1) November 22, 2022
In cosmopolitan world we need such services , i have seen them very helpful specially to satellite families while performing last rights of their dear ones . In loud sense we can say ” our society is busy and they need assistance to remove a retired habitant of society “
— Any thing (@youcanmailanil) November 21, 2022
A lot of people online opined that such companies can help the family pay their final respects to the deceased without having to worry about all the arrangements. They thought just like the West, it is also a need of the hour in India. What do you think?