To the family of the man who donated their kidney to my father:
Thank you. A million times thank you. As politicians this week debate whether there should be a presumption of donation unless someone specifically says they do not wish to – I do not know the answer. I do know, I am eternally grateful to you for improving my father’s life.
Think of it. You ease his pain from dialysis three times a week, and extended his life. He will be able to play with his new grandchild now early next year.
So why do more people not donate in the British Indian community. The Swaminarayan Temple did a mass campaign encouraging organ donation the same week my father received his.
I asked my mum, as I signed up to the NHS organ donation register – it’s okay isn’t it as a Hindu (I already knew, it was, that’s the nature of Hinduism). So I won’t have an open coffin, but a lot of people’s lives will be better because I have lived – think of that.
That website is www.organdonation.nhs.uk
By the way, the person who was the donor for my father, was around 70. So you’re not too late. There is a huge need. To all those still undecided, I make this case:
Do not be squeamish – you will feel nothing
There is no religion on earth that prohibits it – come on seriously!
I am pretty sure, in the Karmic calculator, this act will count as a huge plus – far more than any pilgrimage, any donation to a mandir
As the Jewish people say, ‘if you save the life of one person, you save all humanity.’
My father would not allow me to be a living ‘directed kidney donor’ to him. Around 5,000 people in the UK are in need of a kidney transplant and across the UK, more than 250 patients died last year waiting for a kidney transplant, due to a shortage of organs. In the UK living kidney transplants have been performed since 1960 and currently around 1,100 such operations are performed each year.
I do not want to presume everyone is a donor unless they opt out. So I would leave doubters with these comments and appeal to faith:
“Organ donation is in keeping with Hindu beliefs as it can help to save the life of others.”
The Late Mr Om Parkash Sharma MBE, President, National Council of Hindu Temples
“I always carry my donor card with me. It says that my whole body can be used for organ donation and medical purposes after my death. I would like to encourage as many people as possible to do the same.”
The Late Dr Bal Mukund Bhala, Coordinator Hindu International Medical Mission, Former President Hindu Council UK
And one final thank you. To the NHS doctors, consultants, nurses and all the staff. Their care and understanding has been beyond belief.
