When we were gripped in our seats hearing awe-inspiring stories from incredible people at TedxChennai, we couldn’t wait to hear the talk from the only person who was to deliver his speech in Tamil among various speakers present that evening, Dayanidhi Maran. He walked to the spotlight seeming to be a simple man.
Dayanidhi Maran whose father died when he was young, recalled with such sadness how his father was an able man who provided his family with everything in his ability. Dayanidhi also reflected on how he was not able to send off his father with dignity due to lack of money.
At that time, he thought about the vagabonds, the unknowns, the orphans and the untouchables.
What would they do?
Where would their bodies go?
With this thought in his mind, he started the Life Trust NGO to cremate and bury the unidentified and unclaimed bodies with regard and reverence. He was there on stage among thousands of attendees not without his own share of struggles, while looking for funds most people would shoo him away saying it was bad luck to talk about death. In this 21st century, superstitions do have a role to play in our lives or maybe ironically deaths.
He has also broken numerous superstitions and busted many myths surrounding ‘death’.
And such incident is his employment of women to bury the dead against the popular belief that women must not go to the cremation ground.
His talk ended with resounding applause and a standing ovation.
Dayanidhi Maran is doing something very few people would care for. When I heard his introduction, I cared a little less too but what stands out is his determination and passion at what his true calling is for.
If you would like to help Dayanidhi Maran, contact him at, 9486518190.
