The Indian youth’s sense of altruism and love for social action are emerging as the mainstay of the country’s organ donation and transplant programme. Not only do youth in the 18 to 30 age group make up for 60% of the people who pledge to donate organs (see box), almost 80% of the deceased donors are from the 18 to 40 age bracket.

Dr Rahul Pandit, an intensivist with Fortis Hospital, illustrates the point with the example of Sydney-based Deeyan Udani (7) who suffered brain death during a visit to India in 2016. “The child had heard of organ donation in school and expressed his desire to become a donor. His wish must have played a role in convincing his parents,” the doctor said…..Readmore