Amit Chelawat, a 45-year-old chemist, living in the South Tukoganj area of Indore, died of a heart attack while playing badminton at Abhay Prashal on the previous Wednesday morning. Colleagues administered CPR and were able to revive him for a little while. When they tried to give him medicine, Chelawat refused to take it, following the principles of Navkarsi, a Jain tradition that forbids eating something or taking medicine before 8 AM. Tragically, he had another heart attack soon after and was declared dead on reaching the hospital.
Chelawat was an active badminton player and led a healthy lifestyle. He is survived by his wife and two daughters, one in the United States and the other in Class 11. In a voluntary gesture, the family contributed his corneas and skin to be transplanted into others for their benefit.
The incident has given rise to the discussion of Navkarsi in Jain tradition, which is refraining from any food or drink until 48 minutes after sunrise. This tradition is based on principles of non-violence and mindfulness, seeking to cause less harm to microorganisms that are believed to be more active before sunrise. [1]
Medical practitioners prompt early medical treatment at the time of the cardiac episodes. Cardiologist Dr. Manish Porwal explains that while exercising the heart requires more blood; this might expose the concealed blockages that exist. A cardiologist said that an athlete should regularly undergo ECG and TMT tests and should not exercise in an empty stomach since low sugar levels trigger multiple risks to the heart.
This tragedy brings to mind the fine balance between religious ceremonies and medical emergencies. It really calls for enlightenment and education of how to be able to act in such scenarios, so strongly held beliefs could be balanced by timely medical treatment.
References:
"Fasting in Jainism." Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasting_in_Jainism.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Pragati Sakhuja/MSM)