MUMBAI: An inquiry has been initiated against medical student Sejal Pawar at Mumbai’s KEM Hospital after her remarks comparing the sizes of male genitalia of cadavers at comedian Pranit More's show went viral on social media.
Sejal Pawar is an MBBS student at KEM Hospital who attended the stand-up comedian Pranit More’s show where she made disrespectful comments towards cadavers used for medical studies. Her statement has since erupted into controversy.
In a viral clip from Pranit More's show, Pawar is heard talking about dead bodies used in medical examinations. Pawar tells how parts of the body are chopped and goes on to joke about comparing the genitalia of dead male patients.
Taking the cognizance, the KEM hospital authority set up the two members committee and asked it to submit the report. This is not the first controversy Sejal has landed in.
Earlier also, she had made the ridiculing remarks against her college and its professors on her social media account while interacting to social media influencers.
Sejal's statement has invited outrage and backlash because of her disrespectful portrayal of cadavers. And that has not gone well with the body donors. The All India Medical Students' Association has condemned the "insensitive, irresponsible, and disrespectful portrayal" of cadavers and body donors.
Dr Harish Pathak, Dean of King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital and Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College, said that such remarks are completely unacceptable and intolerable.
"We exercise sensitivity when it comes to talking about dead people since their organs can be donated for medical purposes. We have constituted a two-member committee to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. Appropriate action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation expected by evening," said Dean of KEM hospital.
A man at More's show narrated a dating experience and suggested that spending Rs 370 on biryani on a date entitled him to something in return from the woman. The man, identified as Himanshu Jangra, implied he was entitled to physical intimacy. While people in the audience, including the comedian, were seen laughing at the story and expectations, the video triggered outrage online, with many calling it sexist, regressive, and deeply troubling. People on the internet argued that spending Rs 370 on a meal does not equate to consent.
Meanwhile, Sejal Pawar and Jangra extended the apology for their viral 'joke' video. In a public statement, Pawar wrote: "I genuinely want to address a clip from a recent video that has been circulating. Having watched it back, I completely understand why people were upset by what I said. The topic is a sensitive one, and my comments came across in a way they shouldn't have. While there was never any intention to disrespect anyone, I recognise that impact matters more than intent."
Pawar said she takes full responsibility for her comments and understands how they could be interpreted differently from what she meant.
"As a student, this has been a learning experience for me, and it has made me reflect on the way I communicate, especially when discussing subjects that deserve greater thought and sensitivity. To everyone who was disappointed or hurt by the clip, I understand what went wrong, and I am genuinely sorry for that, and I would never let this happen ever again!" she concluded.
