AIIMS pays tribute to organ donors’ families

The families of 24 organ and tissue donors were honoured at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, on Friday during a special ceremony. Organised by the Organ Retrieval Banking Organisation (ORBO), the Donor Felicitation Programme brought together those whose loved ones had donated organs posthumously.

Among those recognised were the families of Gopal Singh, a 41-year-old factory worker; Prabha Johar, an 85-year-old retired teacher remembered for her dedication to underprivileged children; and Anish Banerjee, a 26-year-old known for his generosity and regular blood donations.

Anish, who sustained a fatal brain injury earlier this year, was declared brain dead on May 30. His family made the decision to donate his organs. “He was not only passionate about living life to the fullest but also deeply committed to helping others,” his family shared.

“Each year, many lives are lost to end-stage organ failure due to the non-availability of organs. It is vital to dispel myths and promote a positive outlook on organ and tissue donation within society,” said Professor M Srinivas, Director, AIIMS.

This year’s felicitation was part of a wider campaign marking Indian Organ Donation Day. Under the banner ‘Aangdaan Jeevan Sanjeevani Abhiyaan,’ ORBO organised several events across Delhi-NCR — including a walkathon, school poster competitions and flash mobs — to encourage conversation, particularly among the youth, around organ and tissue donation.