Chandigarh: A society is not defined solely by its economic growth or technological advancement. It is equally measured by the compassion, empathy, and solidarity its people display during life’s most difficult moments. Among the traditions that have long reflected these values is the collective participation in funeral processions and last rites. Today, however, many believe this spirit of community is gradually fading.
Generation Z has earned appreciation for speaking out on issues of public importance. In recent months, young people have emerged as a powerful force for social and educational reforms. They have participated in protests against examination paper leaks, demanded accountability from authorities, and called for stricter action against those responsible for undermining the integrity of examinations. Such civic engagement reflects a strong sense of awareness and a willingness to fight for transparency and fairness in the education system.
Similarly, members of Generation Alpha are beginning to raise their voices on issues affecting education. In different parts of the country, including Fatehpur in Uttar Pradesh, Gaya in Bihar, and States such as Rajasthan and Maharashtra, students have participated in campaigns and demonstrations seeking better school infrastructure, adequate classrooms, improved sanitation and drinking water facilities, and the appointment of qualified Science teachers. Their growing civic consciousness deserves appreciation and encouragement.
Yet, while younger generations are increasingly active in demanding reforms, the same spirit of social responsibility should also extend beyond public protests. Strengthening social bonds, preserving cultural traditions, and standing with families in times of grief are equally important responsibilities. A generation that can lead movements for justice can also lead by example in preserving the values of compassion, service, and collective responsibility.
One noticeable change in recent years is the declining participation of young people in funeral processions and last rites. In earlier generations, it was customary for at least one member from almost every household to accompany the deceased on the final journey. Young people would help carry the bier, assist with funeral arrangements, gather firewood where required, and remain with the bereaved family throughout the cremation. These were not merely religious customs but expressions of humanity, empathy, and community service.
There was a time when funeral processions truly reflected community solidarity. In most villages, it was common for 60 to 70 people—and often more than a hundred—to accompany the deceased. Neighbours, relatives, friends, and even distant acquaintances would set aside their daily routines to stand beside a grieving family. Their presence conveyed a simple but powerful message: no one should face grief alone.
Few years ago, during a personal interaction, the Principal of DBS College, Dehradun, Prof. O.P. Kulshreshtha, shared similar concerns about what he perceived as a declining interest among young people in participating in funeral processions and last rites. He observed that while today’s youth enthusiastically attend birthday celebrations, social gatherings, and events commemorating various international days, their participation in the final rites of relatives, neighbours, and members of the community appears to be diminishing.
According to Prof. Kulshreshtha, this is more than a change in social habits—it reflects changing priorities. Celebrating life’s achievements is important, he said, but standing with families during moments of loss is equally significant. Funeral rites are not merely religious ceremonies; they are expressions of respect, empathy, and social responsibility. A balanced society is one in which the younger generation values both occasions of celebration and moments that call for compassion and solidarity.
Another concern that deserves attention is the apparent difference in community participation based on a family’s economic status. In many places, funeral processions of affluent families attract large gatherings, while those of economically weaker families often witness far fewer attendees. Although this may not be true everywhere, such instances raise an important question: should compassion ever depend upon wealth or social standing? Every individual deserves dignity in death, and every bereaved family deserves the support of its community.
One personal experience strengthened this concern. A few years ago, when one of our relatives, a government engineer, suffered paralysis, nearly a dozen family members came together and contributed around Rs 5 lakh within an hour towards his medical treatment. It was a remarkable example of family unity and collective responsibility. Everyone recognised that supporting a relative in distress was a shared obligation.
With that experience in mind, I expected the same spirit of togetherness when two relatives from economically weaker backgrounds passed away. I believed the family would once again come forward—not only by contributing towards the funeral expenses but also by standing beside the bereaved family during their most difficult hours.
Unfortunately, that expectation was not fulfilled. Although around 10 to 15 adult male members of our extended family live in the village, many of them employed in government service, only a limited number actively participated in the funeral and last rites. There appeared to be little collective effort to ensure that the ceremonies were conducted with the dignity and support the grieving families deserved. The experience was particularly painful because the deceased belonged to poor households that needed emotional and practical assistance the most.
This is not about blaming individuals. Rather, it prompts a broader reflection: Have we become more willing to support people when there is hope of recovery, but less willing to stand with families when there is nothing to gain except the fulfilment of a moral and social responsibility? Compassion should not end when life ends.
The final rites of a person are more than rituals; they represent society’s last expression of respect, gratitude, and solidarity. No family—especially one facing economic hardship—should feel isolated during such moments. If communities can unite to save a life, they should also unite to honour a life.
Modern lifestyles, migration, demanding careers, and changing social patterns have undoubtedly altered traditional ways of living. Yet these changes should not diminish the values that have long held families and communities together. A person’s final farewell should continue to be an occasion when society comes together to offer dignity, comfort, and support, irrespective of wealth or social status.
As India moves towards becoming a developed nation, material progress must be accompanied by moral and social progress. The younger generations have already demonstrated their ability to drive meaningful change in public life. They now have an equally important opportunity—to preserve the timeless values of empathy, community service, and collective responsibility. A truly progressive society is one that not only celebrates success together but also stands united in moments of grief, ensuring that no one walks their final journey alone.
