Swami Athuradas cremated

KOTTAYAM: The mortal remains of Swami Athuradas, the motiff of Kurichy Athurasramam and the founder of the first private homoeo medical college in the state, was cremated on the ashram premises on Sunday morning in the presence of hundreds of his disciples.The cremation of “the silent doer and achiever” was noted for its modesty and grace.Instead of the practice of performing the last rites of math leaders in a samadhi position and lowering the body in a pit, Swami Athuradas’ body was consigned to flames according to Hindu rituals.This was in tune with the directive and wish expressed in his will, once again asserting his conviction that he was only an ordinary man.There was no customary state honours either.Among the mourners who paid their homage on Sunday were Defence Minister A K Antony, Opposition Leader V S Achuthanandan, Revenue Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, NSS general secretary G Sukumaran Nair, Anto Antony MP, C F Thomas MLA and BJP district president Ettumanoor Radhakrishnan.Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Finance Minister K M Mani and Rural Development Minister K C Joseph were among those who paid their respect on Saturday at the ashram.The cremation services were led by a team of sanyasins headed by Swami Prajnananda Theerthapadar of the Vazhoor Vidyadhiraja Theerthapada Ashram.The pyre was lit by the Swami Prajnananda.Incidentally, the sandalwood used for the pyre was collected from the premises of the Ashram itself, by felling a sandal tree planted by Swami Athuradas many years ago.A condolence meet was held after the cremation, under the auspices of the Athurasramam Trust.