Student documentary suggests right to die

Aruna Shanbaug lies in ward number 4 of Mumbai's KEM Hospital unaware that a euthanasia plea (mercy killing) for her is pending before the Supreme Court. In 1973, Shanbaug was sodomized by a hospital staffer leaving her in a vegetative state

Aruna Shanbaug lies in ward number 4 of Mumbai's KEM Hospital unaware that a euthanasia plea (mercy killing) for her is pending before the Supreme Court. In 1973, Shanbaug was sodomized by a hospital staffer leaving her in a vegetative state.


Hrithik Roshan's character in Guzaarish files an appeal in the
court for euthanasia

The Ahmed siblings, Mehfooz, Khurshid and Ruksana had submitted a collective euthanasia plea. Residents of Mankhurd, Khurshid and Ruksana have already lost their battle against multiple dystrophy while Ahmed is still struggling. Mehfooz is dependent on his brother Khalid for assistance, including using the bathroom.

Jogeshwari resident Baby Chaudhary had once believed death was the only answer to her husband Shyamsunder's suffering. The father of two was paralysed in the Vile Parle taxi blasts that had occurred during Mumbai's 26/11 terror attacks.

Though Aruna, Mehfooz and Shyamsunder have yet to meet one another, they collectively tell the story of seeking death in life in Silent Cries, a documentary that explores how euthanasia could be a solution for many.

After spending 45 days in the life of Aruna, Mehfooz and Shyamsunder, a bunch of third year Bachelor of Mass Media students of KC College are asking what it means to have 'dignity in death'.

"If there is something called dignity in life, there should be dignity in death. That's where euthanasia comes in. Though we had decided not to take a stand, while shooting the documentary we realised life is far too precious," says Priyanka Kothari. The documentary by Khuushbu Gianani, Kinjal Tailor, Bhumika Shah, Maansi Aurora and Kothari won the class documentary competition judged by former sociology professor Nandini Sardesai, and actor Sanjay Suri. "Every case should be looked into individually before permission to die is granted," believes Kothari.

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