Several professions like manual scavenging and trash collection are often looked down upon by society. Hearse driver occupation is also one of them. Hearse vehicle is usually considered as a chariot of heaven is neglected by many. In the Bankura district of West Bengal, the petrol pump workers reportedly do not prefer to fill petrol in the car carrying dead bodies. Sometimes the drivers of these cars have to speed up even if they are going to do some work like tire repair or servicing. In the eyes of a section of common people, these cars are unclean and untouchable. Despite such discrimination, a student of Bankura University shows courage as she drives a hearse vehicle on the streets of the district. She transports the dead bodies of Bankura’s Barajora Blood Donation Society. The name of the student is Puja Mondal.
The car was bought by the Barajora Blood Donation Society organization in 2014. However, none of the drivers agreed to drive the car as they had to face the problem of petrol at petrol pumps. The absence of seat covers was also one of the main issues. It was present at many taxi stands but rode by none. After that, Puja Mondal joined the Barajora Blood Donor Society and donated blood for the first time in 2018. In 2021 Puja took charge of this vehicle carrying the dead body while completing her graduation in Durgapur. She claimed that, like the other five vehicles, it was also a normal vehicle, not an impure object. Pooja started driving the car with this mindset and now, she claims that people have changed their thoughts about Hearse vehicles with time.
Puja is currently studying social service at Bankura University along with promoting awareness and social welfare work. Puja is a well-known name by many in the university. From the assistant professor of the university to the vice-chancellor or the registrar of the university, everyone remembers Puja. Her parents are also proud of her. Impressed by the courage of her daughter, Tumpa Mondal said “I like it very much. When my daughter first decided to drive, she was very scared. Can he drive such a big car? After that everything gradually became fine. Now I am very happy.”
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