• Source:JND
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Three prominent Indian women—Pooja Sharma, who has performed funeral rites for over 4000 people, social activist Aruna Roy, and wrestler-turned-politician Vinesh Phogat, have been recognized in the prestigious BBC 100 Most Influential and Inspiring Women list for 2024.

Along with Pooja Sharma, Indian Americans Sunita Williams, a NASA astronaut, and Sneha Revanur, a 20-year-old AI expert, are among the notable individuals included in BBC's list of the most inspiring women. The list also features Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nadia Murad, Hollywood actress Sharon Stone, climate activist Adenike Oladosu, and rape survivor Gisele Pelicot.

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Who Is Pooja Sharma

Pooja Sharma was born on July 7, 1996, in a middle-class family. According to her official website, Sharma lost her elder brother on March 12, 2022, when he was "brutally murdered in front of her eyes following a minor dispute." 

Following this tragic incident, she took it upon herself to perform his last rites, tying a turban on her head when no one else stepped forward to offer help. 

Over the past three years, Sharma has dedicated herself to performing the last rites for thousands of unclaimed bodies in India's capital city. She has also founded an NGO named Bright The Soul Foundation, which works towards the welfare of marginalised communities. 

Sharma has faced significant backlash for performing funeral rites, however, she continues to do this work for individuals from various faiths and religions, ensuring that everyone receives the dignity they deserve in death. 

In addition to her work in the funerary field, Pooja Sharma’s NGO is committed to a wide range of social causes. They focus on environmental welfare, providing care for the elderly, supporting abandoned children, and facilitating child education.