On the second day of the India Today Conclave, an engaging discussion on the topic 'Playing God: The Right to Die with Dignity' featured Supreme Court lawyer Nisha Bhamhani, ISKCON GBC and director of GEV (Govardhan Eco Village) Gaurang Das, head of policy and strategic partnerships Smriti Rana, and chairman of Nephron Clinic Dr. Sanjeev Bagai. They each presented their perspectives on euthanasia or the right to die with dignity.
During the discussion, Gaurang Das argued for understanding those who no longer wish to live or are in pain. He stated that death cannot be permitted. From a spiritual viewpoint, pain is linked to the mind, and it is essential to provide emotional and mental support to patients.
Meanwhile, Smriti Rana pointed out that when discussing euthanasia, one must consider the patient's condition and the pain they endure. There are many patients who cannot recover and live only with life support, while their families lack the means for treatment. In such cases, the right to die with dignity should be granted. When it becomes clear that a patient cannot survive and is only in pain, their euthanasia wishes should be understood.
Lawyer Nisha Bhamhani mentioned that the Supreme Court allowed passive euthanasia in 2018, describing it as an excellent decision. She explained the difference between active euthanasia and passive euthanasia. The latter is permitted when all hope is lost, requiring a long process where doctors and other stakeholders decide there's no prospect for survival. Thus, it becomes the right to die with dignity, which is a significant initiative.
However, Dr. Sanjeev Bagai had a differing opinion, asserting that patients only seek treatment. Neither doctors nor systems can decide someone’s death. Often, there is a lack of resources for treatment. Yet, life is a mystery, and so are its possibilities. He provided examples, such as a Bihar case with conjoined twins who sought euthanasia but received treatment due to India Today's initiative, and are now living. Similarly, he referenced an acid attack victim who asked for euthanasia due to non-functioning organs but is now thriving post-treatment. Solutions focus more on quality treatment and support, underscoring the mystery that is life.
