KATHMANDU, Nov 24: Nepal’s Sapana Roka Magar has been named as one of the 100 inspiring and influential women from around the world for 2020.

 Sapana is involved in an organization that cremates unclaimed bodies as per the Hindu tradition. “After becoming homeless for three months, Sapana travelled to Kathmandu where she became involved in an organisation that cremates unclaimed bodies,” the BBC said while revealing the list of 100 Inspiring and Influential Women from around the world.

The bodies of those who die of COVID-19 are strictly managed by Nepal Army. Sapana’s organization retrieves the abandoned bodies from the streets or mortuaries and arranges for them to be taken to hospital for post-mortem examinations. If the body remains unclaimed for 35 days, the organisation brings it to the crematorium and performs the Dagbatti rituals, which in Hindi culture are usually performed by the son of the deceased,” the BBC further said.

 “There are homeless, abandoned people across the world. People who die on the streets deserve proper last rites. I do this job not as a social service but for my own peace of mind,” the BBC quoted Sapana as saying about her passion and job.

BBC said this year 100 Women is highlighting those who are leading change and making a difference during these turbulent times. The list includes Sanna Marin, who leads Finland's all-female coalition government, Michelle Yeoh, star of the new Avatar and Marvel films and Sarah Gilbert, who heads the Oxford University research into a coronavirus vaccine. And in an extraordinary year - when countless women around the world have made sacrifices to help others - one name on the 100 Women list has been left blank as a tribute.

 
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