One of the few regrets I have in life is not being able to convince my father to donate my mother's eyes when she passed away and missing the opportunity to do the same when he passed away in an accident. Today, I feel immensely happy to have found a little closure to that guilt and regret through a small gesture from me, my hubby and son.
All of us have pledged for organ donation and in some strange, beautiful way it really feels amazing to know that we might be able to save a few lives even after we are no more and would still continue to celebrate life through some other people.
It has been quite a while since organ donation has been on my mind but somehow or other I never took any concrete step to go for it. Fortunately, The Times Of India, in association with Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital have launched a week long campaign to encourage organ donation movement. I attended a seminar on organ donation today at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and was glad to listen to the expert doctors and religious leaders who answered all the queries from curious audience. Listening to moving experiences of actual organ donors and recipients was truly eye opener.
It is really sad that organ donation is an issue that normally does not cross our minds until the need for it occurs from our immediate family or circle. Despite being second most populated country, India has shockingly low rate for organ donation! Unfortunately, India with such religious and cultural diversity there are many misconceptions about organ donation. There is complete lack of awareness on the issue and religious apprehension about acceptance, misgivings about reliable medical infrastructure and sometimes, deeply ingrained superstitions discourage people from thinking about organ donation seriously.
Parting with loved one is most painful experience in life and for the family of the person who is brain dead, it is extremely difficult to let go and accept that the person is gone. There is dire need to build the awareness that should take centre stage. We, as society, need to understand the significance of organ donation and educate our families on the issue. The fact that even in our most tragic moments like coping with death we can still reach out and give hope to improve or save someone's life can help find solace and bring some closure.
We are all born with the ability to change someone's life and the gesture of donating organ is in some way conquering death as we continue to celebrate life even after our death! Each life is far too precious and there is no joy that can be compared to the profound experience of knowing that you would be of someone's use, make difference and bring smile on someone's face even after you are gone.
I don't think there can be more profound and noble way of sharing. Do try it. Pledge your organs and convince your friends and family to go ahead and do the same. Believe me, it feels great and makes you value life much more!
It is really sad that organ donation is an issue that normally does not cross our minds until the need for it occurs from our immediate family or circle. Despite being second most populated country, India has shockingly low rate for organ donation! Unfortunately, India with such religious and cultural diversity there are many misconceptions about organ donation. There is complete lack of awareness on the issue and religious apprehension about acceptance, misgivings about reliable medical infrastructure and sometimes, deeply ingrained superstitions discourage people from thinking about organ donation seriously.
Parting with loved one is most painful experience in life and for the family of the person who is brain dead, it is extremely difficult to let go and accept that the person is gone. There is dire need to build the awareness that should take centre stage. We, as society, need to understand the significance of organ donation and educate our families on the issue. The fact that even in our most tragic moments like coping with death we can still reach out and give hope to improve or save someone's life can help find solace and bring some closure.
We are all born with the ability to change someone's life and the gesture of donating organ is in some way conquering death as we continue to celebrate life even after our death! Each life is far too precious and there is no joy that can be compared to the profound experience of knowing that you would be of someone's use, make difference and bring smile on someone's face even after you are gone.
I don't think there can be more profound and noble way of sharing. Do try it. Pledge your organs and convince your friends and family to go ahead and do the same. Believe me, it feels great and makes you value life much more!
