Jammu, 26 April (H.S.): Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday appealed to citizens to take a pledge for organ donation and said the gift of life is respected across faiths.

“I appeal to every citizen to take the pledge for organ donation today. Let society remember that each one of us is a potential donor. Each one of us holds the extraordinary power to save lives even after we are gone,” Sinha said as he attended ‘Naman Diwas’, an event dedicated to honouring organ donors and their families. The LG further said organ donors and their families have brought happiness to countless lives.

Lauding the role of State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO) Jammu and Kashmir, he urged its representatives to intensify awareness campaigns across all platforms, including social networks, community meetings, educational institutions, places of worship and workplaces.

“To those who hesitate due to cultural or religious concerns, I wish to remind you that our traditions affirm the sanctity of life and the virtue of selfless giving. Speak to any spiritual guide, family members and community elders and you will find that this gift of life is not only respected across faiths but celebrated as a blessing,” Sinha said, adding that through cornea donation, a person can can restore sight, dignity and the simple joy of seeing a child’s smile or a sunrise.

“I must emphasise with great responsibility that no award from the government or any institution can ever truly capture the value of your gift,” he said.

The LG further said SOTTO Jammu and Kashmir through its campaigns, hospital partnerships, collaborations with NGOs and training of medical professionals to sensitively identify and manage brain-dead donor cases, has become a movement of compassion and humanity.

He urged its state team to increase registrations and pledges through dialogue and outreach.

The LG had last year registered himself on Ayushman Bharat Organ Donation Registry of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar