‘To know is to know that you know nothing.
That is the meaning of true knowledge’
Socrates
That is the meaning of true knowledge’
Socrates
Introduction
What is Euthanasia? Painlessly putting someone to death — usually someone with
an incurable and painful disease. Also known as assisted suicide and mercy killing. Source Thesaurus.
| RAPE VICTIM ARUNA SHANBAH VEGETATIVE STATE--42 YRs |
4th
July 2015, ‘Belgian doctors grant euthanasia to 24-year-old depressed woman’.
This inspired me to share my thoughts processed over decades! To put it in
perspective:
‘Wish I had the right to exercise
this option when needed! At 76 I have no such inkling as I am living a full and
enriched life purposefully. My deepest
concern is not to be dependent on anyone during ‘prelude to coming down of the
curtain’. To recall the famous dialogue
in Film Anand—‘Babumashai zindagi badi honi chahie lambi nahin’!! As of now my
‘zindagi is most certainly badi’.
Intriguingly,
mention of the word ‘euthanasia’ generates inexpressible feelings loaded with
apprehensions. Fear of misuse,
insensitively overrides victim’s passionate desire to terminate unbearable suffering. Factors could be incurable physical
condition; vegetative state (inactive life physically/mentally); unbearable
man-made oppression and so on
My 85 old
‘Didi’ expired after remaining in coma for 48 hours. Contrary to her
oft-repeated desire, she remained dependent on others for that duration on
ventilator. She was hyper-sensitive to nursing support by male. That was
compromised due to infrastructural compulsions in a renowned hospital. Legal
provisions of euthanasia would have allowed compliance of her desire to die
with dignity on her own terms.
Financial
Burden
Real life
narrative of a reasonably affluent friend in Mumbai—early 1990 daughter’s
marriage was celebrated with fanfare.
Soon after, she conceived much to the delight of all. Pregnancy phase progressed well under the
care of doting husband.
Few weeks
before due date, son-in-law was diagnosed for malignant brain tumor. Treatment started with a sense of
hopelessness. Outflow of expenses became too burdensome to bear. Anguish regarding
financial insecurity of daughter and expectant grandchild added to their woes. Earnest prayer for early exit was consciously
chosen as the only redeeming option—raw yet real fact of life!
Silver
lining was arrival of bonny baby without complications. As patient’s condition
was critical the child was hurriedly taken to Dad. Looking at progeny’s angel
face he lulled into eternal sleep. As if he was waiting for that cherished glimpse
before final exit! Strange and Striking are Creator’s ways!
Lesson. Sentiments should not wish away the financial
implications while deliberating on euthanasia!
Background
Euthanasia
has been a vexed question engaging the minds of one and all since ages. On such complex and confusing issues
confounded by societal conditioning, commoners look up to erudite scholars for
answers. Nothing concrete seems to have evolved over 3000 years as dilemma
continues in interpreting ‘Socrates (469-399 BC) drinking hemlock as a form of voluntary euthanasia’.
Mythical
fears have overwhelmed logical thinking. Conflicting ‘belief systems’ has
weaned away humans from humaneness leading to vicious and unending conflicts. Consequences—fundamentalism, cobweb of
superstitions and blind faith nurtured by intellectual suicide. Currently, unlawful
pressure is on Santadevi, Rajasthan to
abide by engagement ceremony when she was 11 months old. If pressure persists, this determined girl
may commit suicide—worse than euthanasia.
Self-centeredness
is the buzzword that influences life style devoid of compassion and empathy.
Incidents of hideous blood bath, even of kith & kin, occur frequently. Dehradun,
recent episode—16 year old druggy son
murders Mom for money—tip of the iceberg.
Yet majority, wearing masks of emotions, come together to lobby against
euthanasia—extremely hypocritical stance like many others.
Negotiating barriers,
euthanasia has been legalized in 4 countries Netherlands, Belgium, Colombia and
Luxemburg. Assisted suicide is legal in
Switzerland, Germany, Japan, Albania and in USA (Washington, Oregon, Vermont,
New Mexico and Montana). No controversies have surfaced so far needing review
of the policy.
Human Rights vis-à-vis Ground
Realities
In context
of prevailing social and economic injustice, the two words have almost lost
relevance. Institutional network to ensure protection of human rights have become
centres for accommodating political lackeys.
Case in point is the controversial tenure of K. G. Balakrishnan, former Chairman National Human Rights Commission, 2010 to 7 May 2015. Notwithstanding legal technicalities, it tarnished his image and eroded credibility of the Institution. Icing on the cake is VYAPAM Scam in Madhya Pradesh with death
toll rising ingeniously and mysteriously; last count was over 40. Apparently,
criminals are on roll! Who cares about human rights?
Blatant
violation of ‘Human Rights’, be it domestic violence, sexual offences, Infanticide,
honor killing, dowry demands, bride burning elimination of inconvenient
activists, sponsored and executed by guardians of law, has become a predictable
pattern.
Hydra Headed Corruption. It is akin to
tsunami effect engulfing all nooks and corners. Lust
for wealth is too compulsive to spare even blood relations. I recall an
incident of property dispute in which older sister, once a mother figure, had
no qualms in filing false FIR against her brother (Major General, Indian Army) alleging
criminal assault, a non-bail able offence. But for strong evidence to the
contrary, the General would have been arrested for sure.
Laissez Faire
This brings
us face to face with what is and what should be? Most remain on ‘should be
mode’ glossing over existing miseries reconciling to the popular jargon—‘ऐसा ही चला आ रहा है और चलता
रहेगा’ (this traditional practice would go on)—a
typical and convenient choice of silent majority to conform.
Senior Citizens—Are They Alive or Survivors?
To Be
Contd……..
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