85-yr-old retired teacher hopes to be K'taka’s 1st beneficiary of ‘Right to Die with Dignity'
Davanagere: 85-year-old H B Karibasamma, a retired government schoolteacher, stands on the verge of becoming the first individual in Karnataka to exercise the right to die with dignity. The recent circular issued by the state government on January 30 has paved the way for terminally ill patients to seek this right, bringing Karibasamma closer to fulfilling her long-standing wish.
A lifelong crusader for this cause, Karibasamma has endured immense physical and emotional hardship. Having battled a slipped disc for over 30 years and now facing cancer, her health has steadily declined. Despite these challenges, she remained steadfast in her mission, dedicating the past 24 years to advocating for the right to die with dignity. Her efforts included numerous petitions addressed to the Chief Minister, Prime Minister, President, and even the Supreme Court of India.
Although the Supreme Court legalized passive euthanasia in 2018, Karnataka has only recently moved toward implementing the right to die with dignity. State Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao clarified that this right should not be confused with euthanasia and applies solely to patients on life support who are unresponsive to life-sustaining treatment.
Residing in an old-age home in Davanagere with her husband, Karibasamma has paid a heavy personal price for her unwavering commitment to this cause. She lost her property, financial security, and relationships in her pursuit of the right to a dignified death. Having chosen a life of detachment from material possessions, she donated her remaining savings of ₹6 lakh to the welfare of Border Security Force (BSF) personnel.
Childless and estranged from her extended family, Karibasamma expressed her hope that her struggle would open doors for many others suffering from terminal illnesses. She acknowledged the alienation she faced due to her activism but remained resolute in her belief that those enduring unbearable pain deserve the right to pass away with dignity.
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RCB beat MI by 18 runs after batters fire
Mumbai (PTI): Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar, Phil Salt and Virat Kohli blasted half-centuries as the defending champions beat Mumbai Indians by 18 runs in an Indian Premier League match here on Sunday.
Salt (78 off 36 balls) and Kohli (50 off 38 balls) stitched together a 120-run stand for the opening wicket before Patidar scored a rapid 53 off just 20 balls as RCB posted 240 for 4.
In response, Mumbai Indians were restricted to 222 for 5, with RCB spinner Suyash Sharma (2/47) putting the skids on the home side with a double strike in the eighth over, from which they could not recover.
Sherfane Rutherford top-scored for MI with an unbeaten 71 off 31 balls.
While opener Rohit Sharma appeared to be struggling with a hamstring issue and had to retire hurt on 19, his partner Ryan Rickelton made 37, while Suryakumar Yadav (33) and Hardik Pandya (40) were the other contributors for MI.
Brief scores:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru 240 for 4 in 20 overs (Phil Salt 78, Virat Kohli 50, Rajat Patidar 53, Tim David 35 not out).
Mumbai Indians: 222 for 5 in 20 overs (Sherfane Rutherford 71 not out, Ryan Rickelton 37, Hardik Pandya 40; Suyash Sharma 2/47).
