Responding to a scarcity of burial spaces, a cemetery in Gurugram offers a dignified resting place for removed organs, catering to diverse community needs.
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
GURUGRAM — This bustling millennium city adjacent to New Delhi finds itself grappling with a significant shortage of cemetery spaces. However, a unique provision within one particular graveyard stands out. ‘Anjuman Bagiya,’ located in Sector 56 of Gurugram, not only offers a final resting place for the deceased but also provides a special arrangement for amputated body parts, underscoring the city’s innovative approach to addressing diverse community needs.
Managed by the non-profit organisation, Haryana Anjuman Charitable Trust, ‘Anjuman Bagiya’ was established in 2004 through the allocation of 2.4 acres of land by the Om Prakash Chautala government. This distinctive cemetery serves as a testament to the compassionate ethos of the community, offering a respectful space for the burial of removed organs alongside traditional interment.
With a capacity to accommodate approximately 2,000 bodies, ‘Anjuman Bagiya’ embraces sustainability by incorporating lush fruit trees within its serene grounds, contributing to its environmentally conscious ambiance. The cemetery’s notable feature is the designated area where redundant organs post-operation find their resting place, reflecting the ethos of compassionate care embedded within its operations.
Aslam Khan, Chairman of the Haryana Anjuman Charitable Trust, proudly states, “‘Anjuman Bagiya’ holds a significant place among the facilities listed by numerous multi-facility hospitals, such as Medanta and Fortis, situated in Gurugram and neighbouring cities.” Khan emphasises the importance of the cemetery’s inclusion in these listings, particularly due to the substantial influx of patients from Muslim countries seeking medical treatment in these renowned institutions.
Speaking to Clarion India, Khan underscores the significance of Islamic practice in burying removed organs, especially in regions affected by conflict or war. He highlights the scenario where severely injured patients from Muslim-majority areas undergo surgeries in Delhi-NCR hospitals, often resulting in the removal of organs. For relatives of such patients, ‘Anjuman Bagiya’ provides solace by offering a space to adhere to religious beliefs amid challenging circumstances.
Khan acknowledges the absence of specific statistics regarding the number of removed organs buried in ‘Anjuman Bagiya’ over the past two decades. However, he notes a consistent flow of two to four cases per month, indicating the ongoing demand for the cemetery’s services. Highlighting the inclusive nature of the facility, he mentions that besides patients from Muslim-majority areas, many Indians also undergo surgeries resulting in organ removal, making the cemetery a final resting place for organs from a diverse range of patients.
Despite several Muslim cemeteries in Gurugram and surrounding cities, none offer specialised arrangements for burying removed organs. Khan points out that due to the nature of these organs being removed during operations, conventional cemeteries might hesitate to accommodate them. However, there hasn’t been any reported opposition to the practice, suggesting a recognition of the importance of providing a dignified resting place for these organs within ‘Anjuman Bagiya’ while respecting religious and cultural sensitivities.
