News
Teachers in Russia’s Nizhny Tagil were offered certificates for a 5,000-ruble ($45) discount on tombstones from a local funeral company, sparking mixed reactions, according to a report by the Telegram channel Podyem.
Some teachers speculated that the offer, circulated by the local education workers’ union, was intended as a New Year’s gift. “Not a voucher for [medical] treatment or a vacation, but a discount on a tombstone. Isn't this a reflection of the state of medicine in the city?” commented one of the teachers.
The funeral company, “Gran,” told Podyom that their proposal was misunderstood. The certificates, they explained, were intended to support teachers coping with the loss of loved ones and were unrelated to the upcoming holidays.
“This is not a gift certificate but a gesture of support. It is provided free of charge, has no expiration date, and imposes no obligations [on the holder]. We wanted to help teachers who have experienced loss, as times are hard now. It’s unfortunate that the initiative was taken as an insult,” the company said.
“Gran” also noted that similar certificates are offered to other organizations, such as the Union of Veterans of Local Wars, where the discount — 10,000 rubles ($88) — was double that offered to the teachers. “We manufacture and install the tombstones ourselves,” the company said, emphasizing its transparent pricing and absence of hidden fees.
Despite the criticism, “Gran” reported receiving several calls from teachers expressing interest in the service — and added that its intentions were purely benevolent from the start.