Indore, Madhya Pradesh | 14 June 2025 |: Indore Man Honored for Performing Last Rites of 11,280 Unclaimed Bodies. In an extraordinary act of compassion, Indore resident Shyam Lal Goyal has been honored for cremating 11,280 unclaimed bodies over the past 15 years. His selfless service has brought dignity to thousands who otherwise would have been forgotten.
Who Is Shyam Lal Goyal?
Goyal, a 65-year-old businessman, began this noble mission in 2008 after witnessing an unclaimed body lying neglected near a railway station. Since then, he has dedicated his time and resources to ensuring that no deceased person—regardless of religion, caste, or background—is denied a proper cremation.
How Does He Carry Out This Service?
Identifies Unclaimed Bodies: Goyal coordinates with hospitals, police, and municipal authorities to locate abandoned corpses.
Arranges Last Rites: He follows Hindu, Muslim, and Christian rituals as per the deceased’s suspected faith.
Funds the Process: Despite being a small-scale businessman, he spends Rs. 1,500–2,000 per cremation from his own pocket.
Indore Man Honored: Recognition & Awards
Goyal’s humanitarian work has earned him:
✔ State-level honors from the Madhya Pradesh government
✔ Appreciation letters from social organizations
✔ Local community respect as “Indore’s Guardian of the Departed”
Indore Man Honored: Challenges He Faces
Financial Strain: Rising costs of wood, cloth, and other cremation materials.
Emotional Toll: Handling decomposed and accident victims regularly.
Lack of Support: Minimal institutional help despite his long service.
5 Investigative Questions for Readers
Why do so many bodies remain unclaimed in Indian cities?
What systemic changes are needed to support such humanitarian efforts?
How can local administrations better assist individuals like Goyal?
Are there NGOs working on similar missions elsewhere in India?
Could technology (like facial recognition) help identify unclaimed bodies faster?
Shyam Lal Goyal’s story highlights both extraordinary kindness and systemic gaps in handling unclaimed deaths. While his work is commendable, it also raises questions about social responsibility and government policies toward the deceased.
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