Agence France Presse
AHMEDABAD, INDIA, June 13, 2003: A fully-computerized Hindu crematorium has sprung up in the western Indian state of Gujarat with live Internet broadcasts of funerals. Muktidham crematorium’s managers said the facility was set up to enable friends and relations of the deceased in far off places to take part in the ceremony if they were unable to personally attend. “Many times we had people complaining how their close ones were not able to attend the ceremony and that it became a lifelong regret for them,” said Ashok Archarya, who manages the crematorium. “We thought that a live Internet broadcast would provide the right facility to these people,” he added. Gautam Dave, chairman of the trust which runs the crematorium, said they had installed the camera on a trial basis, but admitted the technology was a little wanting in speed of transmission. He said the technology could be enhanced if there was sufficient demand.