In a heart-wrenching yet inspiring act, the family of 36-year-old Ravinder Singh from Gori Peera Vali Gali, Samana, Patiala, transformed their unimaginable tragedy into a lifesaving gift by donating his organs after his brain death.
Ravinder, a jeweller, suffered a fatal road accident on April 10, 2025. Despite initial treatment at Rajindra Hospital and further care at PGIMER, Chandigarh, he was declared brain dead on April 16, 2025. In their deep sorrow, Ravinder’s parents, Mr. Sinder Pal Singh and Mrs. Rajinder Kaur, were approached for organ donation with the support of Head Constable Gagandeep Singh of Pasiana, who provided both emotional support and guidance during this difficult time.
“Ravinder Singh’s family has turned a devastating loss into a legacy of life,” said Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER . “Their decision exemplifies selflessness and the supreme human spirit. Our dedicated team, including doctors, transplant coordinators, and paramedics, worked tirelessly to ensure the donation process was handled with dignity and compassion.”
The family's brave choice led to the successful retrieval of both kidneys and the pancreas, which were transplanted into terminally ill patients. One recipient received a kidney and pancreas, while the other received a kidney.
“No parent should ever have to go through what we did,” shared Sinder Pal Singh. “But if our son's passing can mean life for someone else, then his soul lives on in the most beautiful way. This decision was painful, but we believe it gave his death a greater meaning.”
Reflecting on his role, Head Constable Gagandeep Singh remarked, “Despite not knowing the family, I felt a strong sense of duty to discuss organ donation with them. Originally overwhelmed, they agreed after understanding the profound impact their son could make, and I truly respect their strength.”
Prof. HS Kohli, Head of the Department of Nephrology , added, “Both recipients were on dialysis and in desperate need of transplants. Thanks to Ravinder’s family, one received a kidney and pancreas, while the other received a kidney, granting them renewed lives. This underscores the tremendous impact of organ donation.”
Prof. Ashish Sharma, Head of the Department of Renal Transplant Surgery, stated, “With this latest case, PGIMER has accomplished 59 simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplants, making us the only public sector hospital to achieve this milestone. However, this success comes with challenges, such as ensuring donor availability and managing complex multi-organ transplants.”
Emphasizing the significance of such selfless acts, Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent & Nodal Officer, ROTTO North, n oted, “The decision made by Ravinder’s family exemplifies humanity’s essence. Their willingness to turn tragedy into hope for others will resonate profoundly within the organ donation community.”
Ravinder is survived by his parents and two sisters, one of whom is married. His family’s courageous decision has not only saved two lives but also inspired many others to support organ donation.