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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Rupee falls 9 paise to all-time low of 90.58 against US dollar in early trade
Mumbai (PTI): Rupee depreciated 9 paise to an all-time low of 90.58 against US dollar in early trade on Monday, weighed down by uncertainty over an India-US trade deal and persistent foreign fund outflows.
Forex traders said rupee is trading with a negative bias as investors are in wait and watch mode and awaiting cues from the India-US trade deal front.
At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 90.53 against the US dollar, then fell further to an all-time intraday low of 90.58 against the greenback, registering a fall of 9 paise over its previous close.
On Friday, the rupee had slipped 17 paise to close at an all-time low of 90.49 against the American currency.
Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading 0.05 per cent lower at 98.35.
Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, was trading higher by 0.52 per cent at USD 61.44 per barrel in futures trade.
On the domestic equity market front, the 30-share benchmark index Sensex was trading 298.86 points lower at 84,968.80, while the Nifty was down 121.40 points at 25,925.55.
Foreign Institutional Investors sold equities worth Rs 1,114.22 crore on Friday, according to exchange data.
"FPIs continue to be in selling mode in equity and debt while RBI has been selling dollars to fund their long positions," said Anil Kumar Bhansali, Head of Treasury and Executive Director Finrex Treasury Advisors LLP.
