86-yr-old Karibasamma donates Rs 10 lakh to soldiers

Davanagere: Even at the age of 86, Karibasamma, a retired teacher living in an old-age home in MCC B Block, Davanagere, donated Rs 10 lakh to the soldiers protecting the borders, after selling her house, and adding that to her pension savings.

She handed over the cheque to Davanagere deputy commissioner Gangadharaswamy GM, so that the money can be transferd to the soldiers’ fund. She said she was happy that she was able to fulfill her long-pending wish.She contributed the amount to the Bharat Ke Veer fund. Karibasamma suffers from high blood pressure, diabetes, slip disc and is a cancer survivor. She also fought for her legal right to euthanasia, where she repeatedly wrote through the district administration to Prime Minister, and various chief ministers seeking mercy killing.Speaking about her donation to the soldiers’ fund, she said, “This goes back to a thought I had 50 years ago. Soldiers willingly serve in high altitude locations surviving extreme weather conditions, leaving behind their families. Thinking of their sacrifices, I felt I should do be doing something for them as well, and that thought stayed with me. That is why I decided to give the money after selling of my house. I had set aside Rs 6 lakh from the house sale for the BSF fund, and now that amount has grown to Rs 10 lakh.

By giving this money to the country, I feel I have paid my debt to the country. Since my health keeps fluctuating, I have handed over the money to the DC Gangadharaswamy GM.”She has spent the last 30 to 40 years campaigning for the legal provision of euthanasia , and its proper implementation across the country. “Euthanasia was recognised by the law, but clear operational guidelines on how it should be carried out are still not issued,” she added.“Karibasamma donated Rs 10 lakh to the soldiers, and the amount will be sent to the soldiers’ fund. Her actions reflect deep love for the country. She is an inspiration to all of us,” said the DC.