Kumari Chandrakanta Jethani, a 52-year-old seeks permission for euthanasia
Despite her condition she continues to teach for 7–8 hours daily
Her health deteriorated due to alleged medical negligence
In a heartbreaking appeal, a 52-year-old government school teacher from Indore, Kumari Chandrakanta Jethani, has written to President Droupadi Murmu seeking permission to undergo euthanasia due to unbearable physical suffering. Despite being paralyzed and wheelchair-bound, Jethani continues to teach science for 7–8 hours a day at Government Middle School, Jabran Colony, showcasing extraordinary dedication to her students.
Jethani’s condition stems from an alleged case of medical negligence in 2020, where she claims she was administered incorrect medication during a hospital stay. The treatment reportedly left her lower body paralyzed and worsened her pre-existing condition, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a disorder that causes brittle bones. Following this, she was moved to an ashram, where she says she faced further hardship and a lack of care.
In her emotional letter to the President, Jethani stated, “I will not commit suicide because I teach my students to live with courage. But my body no longer supports me. I go through excruciating pain every day. I am seeking euthanasia so that my body parts can be donated for someone else who might get a new life.”
Despite enduring severe pain, Jethani’s resolve to educate never waned. She has donated all her property to benefit underprivileged children at her school and pledged her organs to MGM Medical College after her death. "My organs are not of use for me but more valuable than the Kohinoor diamond if they can restore someone's sight or save a life," she wrote in her plea.
Her request has sparked renewed debate around euthanasia in India, especially concerning dignified end-of-life options and the lack of institutional support for those enduring chronic, incurable pain. With no family and limited assistance from the authorities, Jethani’s appeal brings urgent attention to the need for compassionate care and support systems for the differently-abled and chronically ill in India.
What Is Euthanasia?
Euthanasia refers to the act of ending a person’s life to relieve them from unbearable suffering, especially when there is no hope of recovery. Often termed as ‘mercy killing’, ‘assisted dying’, or ‘assisted suicide’, the word originates from Greek words meaning 'good death'. Euthanasia is a deeply controversial topic that raises complex moral, ethical, and legal questions, with its legality varying widely across countries. It is typically classified into four categories: voluntary euthanasia, where the person consents; involuntary euthanasia, conducted without the person’s consent; passive euthanasia, which involves withdrawing medical treatment; and active euthanasia, where measures are taken to directly cause death. While the practice remains illegal in most parts of the world, it continues to be a subject of intense debate, especially in the context of human rights, medical ethics, and compassionate care. [Rh/Eth/VP]