Fifty-two people pledged to donate their organs at an awareness program held on March 29, the Palms Sunday, at Sevvapet parish of the archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore, marking Church’s concern about promoting organ donation in southern India.
The campaign was organized with the support of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and local parish youth.
Mr. Ponraj, Zonal Transplant Coordinator of the district of Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, explained the importance of organ donation and its impact on patients awaiting transplants. “The end of one life does not have to be the end,” he said. “Through organ donation, one person can give new life to several others.”
He also addressed common fears and misunderstandings, helping participants better understand the medical and ethical aspects of donation.
Fr. Edward, the parish priest, described organ donation as an act of faith and generosity. “Offering one’s organs so that others may live is a sacred act,” he said. He later distributed certificates to participants who took the pledge.
According to organizers, the 52 donors included 33 women and 19 men, all of whom completed their registration through an online system during the event.
Organizers said the strong response, especially from young people, shows a growing willingness to support life-saving initiatives. “This is not just a number,” one volunteer noted. “It reflects a change in mindset and a readiness to help others beyond one’s lifetime.”
The St. Vincent de Paul Society played a key role in mobilizing participants and promoting the initiative as part of its mission to serve those in need.
The event highlighted how community efforts, combined with youth participation and institutional support, can help build awareness and encourage more people to consider organ donation.
Organ donation remains a critical need in India, where thousands of patients await transplants each year. Initiatives like this aim to bridge the gap by encouraging individuals to make informed and compassionate choices.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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