Goa, Feb. 1 -- Nilankur Das

Goa has always been a place where cultures and religions come together in harmony, blending seamlessly over time. This identity, shaped by the interplay of Hindu, Muslim, Christian and other traditions, extends beyond its festivals, architecture, and cuisine to its deeply humane approach to life-and now, to the rites that mark its end. A recent effort by Goa's municipal bodies to establish integrated burial and cremation grounds for all communities reflects this ethos of inclusivity and unity.

At the heart of this initiative lies the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP), the oldest civic institution in Asia and a symbol of Goa's enduring cosmopolitan character. With its roots in the Portuguese era, the CCP...