I did not know that Zareer Masani had opted for assisted exit from life on August 9, 2024 at a clinic in Switzerland ("A maverick dissenter,” Tribute and "Better early than too late,” Editorial Viewpoint, Parsiana, September 7-20, 2024).
Two years ago, a friend, far younger than I am, was diagnosed with some incurable affliction; death was the only solution to avoid immeasurable pain. He chose to determine the day and time and had his family with him, celebrating his life as he greeted death. Perhaps it may have been at the same place in Switzerland that Zareer had chosen.
Zareer was in my class at the Cathedral and John Connon School in Bombay and was unfortunately bullied. Things were harsher 50 years ago, though seeing how people behave today I sometimes think some things never change.
I did not know that Zareer was a heavy smoker, but then once he left India our paths never crossed except that he did group email me starting 2018.
KEITH STEVENSON
keithstevenson1@gmail.com ...