Tamil Nadu Paves The Way For Organ Donation Movement

Organ Donation in Tamil Nadu has been one of the best examples of public-private partnership in the country. And it all started after a 15-year-old boy, Hithendran was declared brain dead and his parents decided to donate his heart. This incident on the outskirts of Chennai gave rise to a movement that increased awareness about heart donation and came to be known as the Hithendran effect.

On September 20, 2008, Hithendran, elder of two sons drove his father's bike to visit a friend. "I told him to wear a helmet, but he sped off," says his mother Dr Pushpanjali. The next time she saw him was at the hospital with several injuries. The doctor said he was brain dead. She adds, "My husband and I are doctors, we knew what that meant. He wouldn't wake up again but I prayed and we waited for a miracle for three days." Her voice wavered and eyes got teary. "But somewhere someone is alive because of my Hithu and the decision we made. I urge people to come forth and pledge their organs," Ashokan, Hithendran's father adds. Pledge Now to donate your organs.