Life, after death

Kochi: When Lekha Namboothri, a villager in Mavelikara in Alapuzha district, heard about Shafi who was on the verge of death due to kidney failure, she decided to donate one of her kidneys for free, despite all her financial struggles. When actress Rima Kallingal heard about Lekha’s act, she was deeply moved. So when she was invited to inaugurate a blood and organ donation camp organised by FISAT, Engineering College in Kochi, she expressed her desire to meet Lekha. The two met at the camp. For Lekha, it was a life-changing event.

“It was like a dream. Meeting Rima in person, someone I had seen only on the big screen, was really unbelievable. She treated me with respect for what she considered an act of kindness. I donated my kidneys in 2012 and never talked about it. Now that Rima wrote about me on her FB wall, people come to me to ask about the organ donating process. And I now realise that we should spread the message to all,” says Lekha.

Organ donation is uncommon in India, so when celebs back a cause or come out in public to support a cause, it creates a strong impression. M’town is an epitome of philanthropy. Organ donation comes as another feather in their cap. Along with Mohanlal, director Sidique and Renjini Haridas, actress Rima, actors — Kunchacko Boban and Biyon have joined the bandwagon of taking this social initiative forward.

Rima says donating organs would make her life more meaningful. “I have wanted to pledge my organs for a long time. I had already decided to donate my eyes when I heard about Lekha Namboothiri, who I call a living example of kindness. She inspired me to donate all my organs. Meeting her at FISAT was really touching. If our organs can save another’s life or be used for any medical research after our death, then why shouldn’t we do it?” she says.

Biyon of Parankimala fame recently signed up to donate his eyes while inaugurating the eye donation camp organised by Government Medical College, Thrissur. “I owe it to my mom for encouraging me to donate my eyes. After being an eye donor, I got a lot of messages and phone calls from my friends and relatives asking about the process. I am glad that I encouraged many to donate. I am now planning to donate other organs too. We can only do a little in our lifetime, so why not help many after our death?” he asks.

TV personality-turned-actress Renjini Haridas had signed up to donate her organs last year after an awareness programme organised on World Heart Day. According to Renjini, saving someone’s life is the best thing one can ever do. “I always wanted to do it but I was not aware of the procedures and it was during an awareness programme that director Siddique and I signed up. I did not even think twice about it.”

Renjini discusses the myths surrounding organ donation. “Many of us believe in superstitions and are uninformed about the truth. It is time we pledge our organs to give life to those who are suffering. A meaningful life can go beyond one’s death!” she adds.

Advocates of organ donation are hoping that the publicity by celebrities will actually promote the concept of organ donation. Deceased Donor Organ Transplantation Programme ‘Mrithasanjeevani’ launched by Government of Kerala in 2012 is now playing a pivotal role in organ transplantation in Kerala. “The programme has catalysed kidney, liver and heart transplantation in the state and enhanced eye retrievals and corneal transplants. Lung, intestine, heart valve transplants are also on the anvil,” says Aneesh P.V. Transplant Coordinator, Mrithasanjeevani.