Mumbai: Harmind Singh lives in Pune. But when the 17-year-old heard about a run to create awareness of organ donation in Panvel, he decided he would make the trip to join in. Four years ago, his aunt had had her eyesight restored with donated corneas, and he wanted to help get the donation message across to more people.
He joined 1,049 other people on Sunday for the five-kilometre Give Life, Live Life run at Kamothe in south Navi Mumbai.
Like Harmind, another teenager had come in from Pune. “I learned a lot about the importance of donating organs from my mother who is a doctor,” said Vatsal Solanki, 14. “I also know that one needs to be healthy to do so and I am committed to it. I always try and spread the knowledge I have.”
Maheshkumar Narhare, 36, says he had participated in other runs — eight so far — but this one will stay close to his heart. “It was a different experience,” the Kamothe resident said. “This is the first time that I have run for a cause. Today, I gained knowledge about organ donation. I will now share it with others as well.”
“The event certainly made a difference to me,” said Sneha Pandey, 26. “I even pledged to donate my organs. These activities not only bring the community together but also educate people making one socially responsible.”
The event, organised by Hiranandani Fortis Hospital, Vashi, in association with Altruistic Foundation, was flagged-off, at Ramsheth Thakur High School by Panvel’s Mayor, Kavith Choutmal, and Deputy Mayor, Charushila Gharat.
Myths about organ donation need to be dispelled, Dr. Choutmal said: “I, being a doctor, come across people who fear that donating blood will make them weak. There is a lack of awareness and this kind of initiative helps people to understand.”
Atul Ingale, senior nephrologist and transplant physician at Fortis, Vashi, said, “It is heart-warming to see so many people come together to promote this cause, that can save and enrich thousands of precious lives.”
Organ donation in India needs to be addressed on a wider scale, Dr. Ingale said, and educating citizens was important, which is why events like this mattered. “People who have donated organs of their dear ones despite the grief must come forward and share their experiences, which will help us reach out to the community at large.”
