Chennai: Pramod Lakshman Mahajan, a 67-year-old farmer hailing from Sangli, Pune, has embarked on a journey across the country on a two-wheeler to propagate organ donation. He has taken up a 10,000-km expedition pan-India in 100 days, visiting major places to send his message across.
He has been supported by NGOs, including Rebirth, Mohan Foundation, Donate Life, NOTTO, ROTTO, ZTCC, Jeevasarthakathe and Mileage Munchers.
As part of his journey, he halted in Chennai and left for Puducherry today. Health Minister C Vijaya Baskar flagged off his journey this morning at Omandurar Government Hospital.
Pramod started this journey 21 October this year at Shaniwarwada and rode across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, etc., thus far.
The Maharashtrian told News Today, “When an Army jawan was in need of a kidney in 2000, I volunteered on grounds of humanity. Years later, he was blessed with children and is now leading a healthy and happy life.”
“Immediately after the donation, I was able to get back to work in the fields, including ploughing. I understood that gifting an organ does not deteriorate one’s health. I have three children and I have fulfilled my duty as a father, too,” chuckles the sexagenarian, speaking in Marathi.
Pramod cites statistical data and states, “Among the 90,000 brain-dead people in the entire country, only 817 pledged their organs. There is an abundant need for organs in our country.”
So what does he do riding his quaint bike? “If someone is declared brain dead, it is important to harvest their organs. With this simple act of kindness, we give life to another human. We take a lot for ourselves from society, but we need to learn to give back. And one way is organ donation. I take this message to the people across the length and breadth of the country,” he replies.
However, the farmer says he has noticed change in people’s attitude. Citing an incident, Pramod says, “About two years ago, a young lad from a Muslim family was declared brain dead. His father took the bold step of donating his organs and set an example in his community.”
He believes that gifting organs is our responsibility and one has to be generous despite the diversity existing in several aspects.
In his journey, he has also come across heartwarming incidents. One such incident happened in Bhopal, he says, and adds, “Around 250 people, including a police commissioner, pledged their organs when I met and spoke to them about the need for such an act.”
When asked how he made it possible, he smiles: “Communication is the trick. When I pour my heart out, despite the language barrier, they understand. Not knowing the vernacular language has not been a challenge at all.”
He also states that there are a lot of myths surrounding organ donation. “When one wants to donate an eye, just the cornea is harvested. However, in a village, people assumed that the entire eyeball would be taken,’ he explains and continues, ‘When I speak to them, I ensure the myths are broken and encourage them to pledge their organs.”
It should be noted that he sold his farm to become a full-time social worker. On his plans after this expedition, “I will continue working towards organ donation,” smiles Pramod.