Yes, she has been in the news. Yes, she has suffered. Yes, in the vegetable state that she was, she fought injustice. But, NO! She did not deserve to suffer. NO! She did not deserve to be victimized. Above all, NO! it should never have happened to her. How long will we sit and applaud the sufferings of victims of rape and speak till our longs go dry against the abusers?
Today, AICUF stands besides Aruna Shanbhaug, for the warrior that she was. She went into a coma at the tender age of 23. What would we be up to at that age? Working, planning future education, marriage are some of the things on that list. Even the thought of being in a coma for an hour scares us, but she laid there for 42 years, for no fault of her own. She lay speechless, motionless, powerless, defenseless, but always with a smile. This is what not only encouraged the nurses of KEM Hospital, Mumbai to fight against the mercy-killing controversy, but also to give their dedicated service to taking caring of her for the years to follow.
Even though she was physically powerless, with her case flashed all over the media, she made us aware about a lot of issues, like the safety of women at their work place, the unjust laws in our system (that left her attacker punished only for assault and robbery, and not rape), Euthanasia, and many more. Her case helped legalize the Passive Euthanasia Law (Judgment was declared on 7th March, 2011 by the Supreme Court of India), raised a voice against injustice and above all, never abandoned hope. Hope- Given to all the staff at KEM Hospital to never forget one’s duty. Faith- It was not her family nor her relatives, but her friends and colleagues that were there at her bed side to take care of her on bed (while no one could trace even one bed sore on her) And above all, Love- What can we give a her in return? What life can we give a woman who brought meaning into the lives of those who looked after and cared for her? What joy can we give a woman for the smile she gave but never could see or gain anything in return?
Jesus Christ once said, “Whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it shall be done for him” (Mk 11:11-26)
Aruna Shanbhaug has shown us similar faith, hope and it is our turn to gather up the courage: NOT to stand besides Aruna Shanbaug or besides Nirbhaya or besides Soni Suri, but against the injustice that more than often costs lives.
- Renisha Mall
AICUF, Maharashtra
Today, AICUF stands besides Aruna Shanbhaug, for the warrior that she was. She went into a coma at the tender age of 23. What would we be up to at that age? Working, planning future education, marriage are some of the things on that list. Even the thought of being in a coma for an hour scares us, but she laid there for 42 years, for no fault of her own. She lay speechless, motionless, powerless, defenseless, but always with a smile. This is what not only encouraged the nurses of KEM Hospital, Mumbai to fight against the mercy-killing controversy, but also to give their dedicated service to taking caring of her for the years to follow.
Even though she was physically powerless, with her case flashed all over the media, she made us aware about a lot of issues, like the safety of women at their work place, the unjust laws in our system (that left her attacker punished only for assault and robbery, and not rape), Euthanasia, and many more. Her case helped legalize the Passive Euthanasia Law (Judgment was declared on 7th March, 2011 by the Supreme Court of India), raised a voice against injustice and above all, never abandoned hope. Hope- Given to all the staff at KEM Hospital to never forget one’s duty. Faith- It was not her family nor her relatives, but her friends and colleagues that were there at her bed side to take care of her on bed (while no one could trace even one bed sore on her) And above all, Love- What can we give a her in return? What life can we give a woman who brought meaning into the lives of those who looked after and cared for her? What joy can we give a woman for the smile she gave but never could see or gain anything in return?
Jesus Christ once said, “Whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it shall be done for him” (Mk 11:11-26)
Aruna Shanbhaug has shown us similar faith, hope and it is our turn to gather up the courage: NOT to stand besides Aruna Shanbaug or besides Nirbhaya or besides Soni Suri, but against the injustice that more than often costs lives.
- Renisha Mall
AICUF, Maharashtra
This is wonderful. Really loved reading it. R.I.P Aruna Shanbaug. #Respect.
ReplyDeleteThank you Vivek!
ReplyDelete