Gender Inequality, Medical Ethics and Human Rights: A Study of Mahesh Dattani's Play 'Tara'

This study is a research paper which will examine the connected themes of gender inequalities, Medical ethics, disability and human rights in Tara by Mahesh Dattani. The play is about the story of twins Tara and Chandan. A medical choice based on gender bias negatively impacts on their future. There are signs of old patriarchal beliefs everywhere, as their family seems educated and modern, yet their actions exhibit these beliefs. Tara's experience teaches us that equality of care and equality of opportunity can be denied to a girl even within the family. The paper also looks at the roles of the doctor, society and the parents in the twins' tortured lives. It employs a qualitative approach that involves a thorough reading of the play and some of the critical literature. The analysis is based on the idea that the tragedy of Tara does not stem from the fact of her disability. It is also due to discrimination, confidentiality, unequal power and lack of respect for the dignity of children. It is an important play because it raises readers' awareness of gender bias and moves justice, responsibility, and human dignity to the core of family and medical decisions.