Euthanasia should be called as false mercy'

March 24, 2011

aruna

Mangalore, March 24: The appeal for euthanasia for Aruna Shanbagh, a rape victim suffering for the past 37 years has put Indians in a dilemma of choosing death over life. When Aruna's case has pumped the country to take stands, Shubhada Society and Bethany Social Service Trust, Mangalore, took a step further by organising a 'Symposium on Euthanasia,' enabling the city to voice their opinions at Sahodaya Bethany Seva Kendra on Wednesday.


Speaking at the symposium, Roshni Nilaya College of Social Work Professor Rita Noronha said that euthanasia is not limited to living or dying but has several dimensions attached to it such as human, social, legal, relationship and financial. “Euthanasia is a complex subject. Humanising living and dying are the two important aspects today,” she added.

“Euthanasia means a happy death. Referring to any patient as 'vegetable' or 'cabbage' is wrong,” said Kasturba Medical College Professor Dr Prabha Adhikari in her keynote address.


Explaining the concept of euthanasia, she said that active euthanasia is not allowed in our country, where a person is put to death because he cannot bear the pain or if he asks for death.

However, passive euthanasia which involves withdrawing life support and allowing the patient to have a natural death is allowed with the permission of the family only if the patient is certified to have no hope for cure, she said. Euthanasia has been allowed in other countries but in India having this law implemented can give chance to its misuse, said Dr Prabha.

“Today we live in a non-empathetic society and people have become prone to violence. Constitution guarantees the right to life but does not allow one to end his life. Euthanasia should be called as a false mercy,” said St Raymond's High School Graduate Assistant Richard Alvares.

“We cannot claim death, only death can claim us. When life is afflicted with illness, its time to provide care,” said Fr Muller Medical College Nursing Superintendent Sr Aileen.

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News Network
November 21,2025

Bantwal: A domestic dispute appears to have led to a violent confrontation in BC Road area, where the owner of a textile shop was allegedly attacked with a knife by his wife on Wednesday evening.

Krishna Kumar Somayaji, the owner of Somayaji Textiles, sustained serious injuries in the incident and was immediately taken to a hospital for treatment. He is currently receiving care in the intensive care unit and is reported to have survived the assault, according to police.

The Bantwal Town police have registered a case against Somayaji's wife, Jyothi KT, who has since been taken into custody.

Police stated that the complainant, Namita, an employee at the shop, reported the sequence of events. She stated that around 7 p.m. on Wednesday, the suspect entered the shop, wearing a burqa and disguised as a customer, before attacking Somayaji with a knife. The employee then transported the injured owner to a local hospital via an autorickshaw.

Superintendent of Police Arun K confirmed that an ongoing domestic dispute between Somayaji and his wife reportedly preceded the attack. Police noted that Jyothi KT had previously visited the shop and issued threats.

Based on the complaint, Bantwal Town police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Indian Arms Act-1959. An investigation into the incident is currently underway.

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News Network
November 26,2025

Mangaluru, Nov 26: Assembly Speaker and local MLA U.T. Khader has initiated a high-level push to resolve one of Mangaluru’s longest-standing traffic headaches: the narrow, high-density stretch of National Highway-66 between Nanthoor and Talapady.

He announced on Tuesday that a formal proposal has been submitted to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) seeking approval to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the widening of this crucial corridor.

The plan specifically aims to expand the existing 45-meter road width to a full 60 meters, coupled with the construction of dedicated service roads. Khader highlighted that land for a 60-meter highway was originally acquired during the initial four-laning project, but only 45 meters were developed, leading to a perpetual bottleneck.

"With vehicle density rising sharply, the expansion has become unavoidable," Khader stated, stressing that the upgrade is essential for ensuring smoother traffic flow and improving safety at the city's main entry and exit points.

The stretch between Nanthoor and Talapady is a vital link on the busy Kochi-Panvel coastal highway and connects to major city junctions. The move to utilize the previously acquired land for the full 60-meter width is seen as a necessary measure to catch up with the region's rapid vehicular growth and prevent further traffic gridlocks.

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coastaldigest.com news network
December 2,2025

karkala.jpg

Udupi, Dec 2: A wave of regional pride is sweeping through Udupi district as Shagun S Verma Hegde, a talented Class 9 student from Christ King English Medium High School, Karkala, has been named the captain of the Indian National Team for the Under-15 Girls’ Volleyball Championship.

Shagun holds the unique distinction of being the sole player from Karnataka selected to represent the country in the prestigious international tournament. The championship, organized by the School Games Federation, is scheduled to take place in Shangluo, China, from December 3 to 13, where Shagun will lead the national squad.

A Remarkable Journey to the Top

Shagun’s selection is a testament to her dedication and exceptional skill on the court. Her journey included several rigorous rounds of selection:

•    She was the only player from Udupi district to qualify for the state-level selection camp.

•    Out of eight players from Karnataka who advanced to the national selection camp in Pune, Maharashtra, Shagun was the only one to secure a place in the final national squad.

•    The national camp saw participation from approximately 200 players, which was shortlisted to 23. Shagun not only made the final cut but was also ranked as the second-best player overall, solidifying her leadership role.

Shagun, who is the daughter of Sandesh Verma and Shruthiraj of Kallotte, Karkala, has trained under experienced coaches Santosh D’Souza, Jeevan D’Silva, Jairaj Poojary, and Ramesh. Her selection as the team captain has brought profound honour to her family, school, the Udupi district, and the entire state of Karnataka.

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