Source: NDTV
Tuesday, October 31, 2006 (Jaipur):
The death of 93-year-old Kela Devi in Jaipur after 60 says of Santhara, has triggered off a debate on the Jain ritual once again.
The ritual is a fast unto death, undertaken by those who want to die of their own will.
The custom had run into controversy recently, when a petition in the Rajasthan High Court challenged it, saying that it should be termed as suicide.
Though petition for such cases of santhara have come to light in Rajasthan itself, Kela Devi's case is certainly the most controversial.
This is so because she was perfectly healthy when she decided to begin her santhara.
"We are sad but we are also happy at the death she chose. Her last days passed in peace and prayer," said Sunil Hirawat, Grandson of Kela Devi.