New Delhi, February 22 Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the noble gesture of organ donation on Sunday and said that raising awareness about this act is helping those in need, as well as strengthening medical research in the country.
In his monthly radio address, Mann Ki Baat, Modi spoke about the death of a 10-month-old girl, Aalin Sherin Abraham, from Kerala, whose parents decided to donate her organs.
He said that there is no greater sorrow for any parent than losing their young child.
"Just a few days ago, we lost Aalin Sherin Abraham, a little innocent girl from Kerala. She passed away at the age of just 10 months. Imagine, she had a whole life ahead of her, which was abruptly cut short. So many dreams and joys remained unfulfilled. The pain her parents must be experiencing is beyond words," he said.
However, Modi said that even amidst such profound pain, Aalin's father, Arun Abraham, and mother, Sherin, made a decision that has filled the hearts of every citizen with respect.
He said that the parents' decision to donate Aalin's organs reveals the extent of their thinking and the magnitude of their personality.
"While they grieved the loss of their daughter, they also showed a spirit of helping others. They wanted that no family should experience such a fate. Aalin Sherin Abraham is no longer with us, but her name has joined the ranks of the nation's youngest organ donors," he said.
The prime minister said that awareness about organ donation is steadily rising in India, and this is helping those who are in need.
He also said that it is strengthening medical research in the country, and many organizations and individuals are doing extraordinary work in this direction.
Like Aalin, there are many people who have given a second life to someone through organ donation, Modi added.
For example, he said, Lakshmi Devi from Delhi, who travelled to Kedarnath last year.
"She had to trek 14 kilometers, and people will be surprised to know that she undertook this trek after a heart transplant," he said.
Devi's heart was functioning only at 15 per cent, and then she received the heart of a deceased donor, which completely transformed her life.
PM Modi said that Gaurang Banerjee from West Bengal has been to Nathu La, which is located 14,000 feet above sea level, twice.
"The special aspect is that Banerjee achieved this feat after a lung transplant, and Ramdev Singh of Sikar, Rajasthan, had to undergo a kidney transplant, and after that, he has been excelling in sporting activities," he said.
"You will come across many such inspiring examples. This proves once again that a single noble act can change the lives of countless people. I heartily commend all those who have undertaken such noble deeds," Modi said.