City of Joy author Lapierre in coma

Renowned French author Dominique Lapierre, whose seminal work City of Joy and subsequent humanitarian efforts have ensured a lasting connection with this city, is critically ill. The writer slipped into a coma a few days ago.
Pioneering film theoretician and founder of Chitrabani, father Gaston Roberge, told Hindustan Times that his long-time friend was currently in hospital being kept alive by life support systems. “He is showing no signs of recovery. Doctors have said he might die if the life support systems are taken off. They have also reportedly asked his wife to take him home, since there is little they can do for him.”
Sunil Lucas, president of Signis India, the World Catholic Association for Communication, said Lapierre had injured his head after a fall at his home in France.

A prayer meeting for Lapierre’s recovery will be held on Friday at the tomb of the Blessed Mother Teresa of Kolkata, at the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity. Lapierre, who will turn 81 on July 30, co-wrote the script for the first feature film on Mother Teresa, In the Name of God’s Poor, released in 1997.
His Kolkata connection, borne from his work, City of Joy, was sustained and enhanced by his charitable efforts. The writer ploughed the lion’s share of the royalties from this book back into various social service projects in the city and state, including the creation of floating dispensaries in the Sunderbans.
A prayer meet will be held at the tomb of the Blessed Mother Teresa of Kolkata, at the headquarters of Missionaries of Charity for the speedy recovery of Lapierre on Friday.