Isha Foundation Launches Free Cremation Service for Below Poverty Line Families Across Tamil Nadu
Sadhguru’s Isha Foundation has launched a statewide free cremation service for Below Poverty Line (BPL) families across Tamil Nadu, offering financial relief and ensuring dignified last rites for the underprivileged. The service was inaugurated in Chennai by the Minister for Municipal Administration, Thiru K. N. Nehru, who praised Isha’s longstanding public service through its crematoriums, known as Isha Kayantha Sthanam. The Minister noted that these facilities have enabled over one lakh cremations, following proper procedures and ensuring dignity for the deceased.
The initiative aims to support economically disadvantaged families at a time of emotional and financial vulnerability. Isha Foundation currently operates 17 gas crematoriums in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu government and is set to take over three more in the coming months.
Maa Gurudasi from the Isha Kayantha Sthanam team highlighted that, for 15 years, the Foundation has revived ancient traditions surrounding death rituals, conducting them in a service-oriented, non-commercial manner. “We handle each process with utmost sensitivity and awareness to bring comfort to grieving families,” she said.
Isha-managed crematoriums operate in Chennai, Vellore, Thanjavur, and Coimbatore, including locations such as Nanjundapuram, Veerakeralam, Thudiyalur, Podanur, Vellalore, Alandurai, Thondamuthur, Karamadai, and Goundampalayam. All facilities follow strict environmental standards laid down by the Pollution Control Board and the Tamil Nadu government.
Beyond operations, Isha enhances infrastructure by developing green surroundings, installing proper pathways, planting dense tree cover, and maintaining clean bathing and toilet facilities to ensure a serene, safe environment. Crematorium staff receive special training in compassionate and respectful handling of the deceased. A designated mandapam is available for families to perform traditional rituals.
Guided by Sadhguru’s vision, the Foundation plans to scale the initiative nationwide, proposing the adoption of 1,000 to 3,000 crematoria across Bharat to restore traditional sanctity and extend dignified services to all communities.
