The power of good story multiplies when it's Twice Told. You think you know how the story goes when you've read it. But then you hear it again and it is fresh! TwiceTold is proud to host a discussion with Minakshi Dewan on her latest book, The Final Farewell: Understanding the Last Rites and Rituals of India's Major Faiths.

What are the beliefs associated with death in India? How do final rites and rituals reveal the misogyny and caste-based discrimination that plague the country? Who are the people involved in managing the deceased and laying them to rest? What are the economic and environmental costs of saying that final goodbye? Powerful and enlightening, The Final Farewell offers a glimpse into a world that is misunderstood and feared.

With compassion and sensitivity, Minakshi Dewan explores the many ways in which some of the country's major faiths treat the dead: this includes avoidance of human remains, believed by some to be spiritual pollutants; the worship of bodies at the pyre; professional mourners hired to wail loudly for the dead; and musicians devoted to celebrating life at funerals. Based on thorough research, keen observation, personal interviews, The Final Farewell is a reminder to honour those who came before, and to work towards a better world to leave behind.

Dr Minakshi Dewan is a researcher and writer with a PhD degree in social medicine and community health from Jawaharlal Nehru University and a master's in social work from TISS Mumbai. She has worked with international and grassroots development organisations, with her main area of focus being women’s health, gender, and community mobilization. She has contributed chapters in academic publications on tribal health and healing rituals. Her writings have appeared in leading Indian and international publications and address a range of issues, including health, human rights, the environment and culture. She has also written a non-fiction title for children.

The discussion will be chaired and led by Gopal MS, also known as Mumbai Paused. Gopal MS is a photographer and writer who has been documenting life on the streets of Mumbai at mumbaipaused.com for the last 10 years. He loves the city and the stories that spill out on to the streets of the city with limited space. He is also the author of several photobooks based on his documentation of the city.