Nayagarh: One would be forgiven for mistaking the cremation ground in Nayagarh district’s Ranpur NAC as a park. Like any other cremation ground, the one in Ranpur NAC used to be a deserted place. People would hardly go past the ground.
The situation has changed now. The ground is crowded with visitors, both in the mornings and evenings. The transformation has been possible due to the concerted efforts by members of ‘Ghata Nirmana Seva Sangha’.
Some like-minded youths of ‘Sangha’ decided to transform the ground and give it a park-like look. They worked tirelessly to transform their dream into reality.
Spending money from own pockets they sowed flower-bearing plants, shrubs and foliages. They also sowed plants that have medicinal properties. Slowly the plants bloomed, flowers appeared and the entire cremation ground looked different.
Most importantly, the spot is no longer called a ‘samshan’ or cremation ground. The Sangha has re-christened it as ‘Mo Janmabhumi Mo Swargadwar’(My Birthplace, My gateway to heaven).
The sangha’s effort has been lauded in the locality. Local people are of the opinion that if the administration supports them, then the other cremation grounds in Ranpur NAC will also get a new look.
PNN