Kumari Chandrakanta Jethwani, a 52-year-old government school teacher in Indore, has made an emotional appeal to President Droupadi Murmu for permission to undergo euthanasia, citing unbearable pain from osteogenesis imperfecta, a rare genetic disorder causing fragile bones. Confined to a wheelchair since 2020 due to alleged medical negligence, Jethwani continues to teach at Jabran Colony’s government primary school, enduring 7-8 hours of daily agony. “I teach my students to live with courage, but my body no longer supports me,” she told PTI, emphasizing she will not commit suicide but seeks a dignified end.

Jethwani, who has donated her property to poor students and pledged her organs to MGM Medical College, wants her body studied to advance medical understanding of her condition. After a botched orthopedic treatment paralyzed her lower body, she faced further hardship at an ashram, exacerbating her physical and financial struggles. Unmarried and without family, she demands a female attendant for round-the-clock care until her euthanasia request is addressed. “If I don’t receive the President’s approval within weeks, I will stop consuming food and water,” she stated.

The administration is attempting to dissuade her, with the social justice department deploying a clinical psychologist for counseling and the education department ensuring an accessible school posting. Pawan Chauhan, joint director of social justice, and Vinay Mishra, district project coordinator, confirmed ongoing support, but Jethwani remains resolute. Her plea has sparked debate on euthanasia’s legal and ethical complexities in India, where it remains largely prohibited, highlighting the need for better support systems for those with severe disabilities.

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