A grieving father from Aripada village here has turned his personal tragedy into a lifeline for others by donating the organs of his brain-dead son, saving three lives.

Following the donation, Kailash Chandra Sahoo took the body of his son Manoj from Bhubaneswar and cremated him at their village in Kendrapara on Friday. The district police gave him a guard of honour for the family’s courageous gesture of organ donation.

Manoj, who worked at a private firm, met with the accident on Monday while crossing the road and was admitted to Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS). He received serious injuries on his neck from the mishap and was declared brain dead.

Kailash Chandra Sahoo (right) and Prof Dr. RC Das, Medical Superintendent, KIMS

Kailash Chandra Sahoo, a driver by profession, told The Telegraph: “I decided to donate my son’s organs so that three other lives could be saved. He was the only earning member of our family. He used to give ₹10,000 every month. We lost everything. But I am happy that my son has been able to bring smiles
to others.”

Kailash said: “We brought the body from KIMS today (Friday) and cremated his body. Manoj, a graduate, left for Bhubaneswar four months back and joined a firm. The accident occurred when he was crossing the road at 6pm on Monday. Then we rushed to Bhubaneswar.”

He added: “By the time we reached around 11pm on Monday, he was in a critical condition. He was declared brain dead. After a brief discussion with my wife, Puspa, we decided to donate his organs.”

Manoj’s mother Puspalata Sahoo told this newspaper that she was happy with the decision of her husband.

She said: “I don’t know for which fault, god has given us such a punishment. But at least we are happy that his organs have given a ray of hope to others.”

Medical Superintendent of KIMS, Prof Dr R.C. Das said: “Organ donation is a regular process governed by strict guidelines. Every brain-dead case is assessed to ensure the possibility of organ donation as per the government mandate.”

He added: “In this instance, the father himself came forward, expressing his willingness to donate his son’s organs. His realisation of the value of organ donation is truly inspiring.”

“Three lives will be saved because of this generous act. The organs have already been transplanted,” Dr Das added, expressing deep gratitude to Kailash for his courageous decision.

Dr Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT, KISS & KIMS has also expressed his deepest gratitude to the father for his act of kindness.