Agra: Doyen of Hindi poetry Gopal Das Neeraj , who died on Thursday, had sought permission for euthanasia just a week before his death.“My health does not allow me to do anything. My body has become a burden on me and I want to be free from it,” the 93-year-old Neeraj wrote in a letter dated July 11 to the DM of Aligarh, seeking “helideath” injection to end his life. However, the letter reached the DM’s office on July 16. A day later, when he was taken seriously ill, he was rushed to a private hospital from where he was referred to AIIMS in New Delhi. He breathed his last on July 19.In his letter to the DM, Neeraj had referred to the recent decision of the Supreme Court, legalizing passive euthanasia.Aligarh DM CB Singh confirmed having received the letter on July 16. Singh told TOI, that the legendary lyricist’s secretary had informed him about the letter earlier and he had then directed the chief medical officer (CMO) to appoint a doctor to visit Neeraj’s home regularly.Additional CMO Dr Rahul Kulsheshtra, who was appointed by the CMO, went to Neeraj’s home on July 14 but could not meet him as the poet was resting. Dr Kulsheshtra said Neeraj’s caretaker told him that his condition was better. On July 17, Neeraj went to Agra, where he fell sick and was taken to hospital.Neeraj had been suffering from many old age related ailments for the past few years and was shifted from Agra to the pulmonary department of AIIMS on Wednesday after he developed respiratory complications, a family member told TOI.The mortal remains of Neeraj were brought to Agra on Saturday morning, where a large number of people, including Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and leaders Shivpal Yadav and Kumar Vishwas, paid their last respects to him. Poet Surendra Sharma also visited the bereaved family to offer his condolences.Talking with the media in Aligarh, former CM Akhilesh Yadav said Neeraj was a great man and he had personal connect with the poet's family. “In the memory of the great Hindi poet, we will build a memorial in Etawah,” he added.Later, the poet’s mortal remains were taken in a flower-decked cortege to his hometown, Aligarh, for cremation. Neeraj was given a state funeral around 4 pm. The cremation was held amid massive security. However, his wish to donate his body to AMU’s JN Medical College to enable students learn “the intricacies of God’s greatest creation” could not be fulfilled.

Stay updated with all the Agra Latest News headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.