Odisha Honours 24 Organ Donors with Suraj Samman, Highest-Ever in a Year

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has recorded its highest-ever annual recognition of organ donors, with 24 donors from 11 districts receiving the ‘Suraj Samman’ for helping give a new lease of life to others.

The awardees were honoured at a state-level programme organised at Lok Seva Bhavan on the occasion of World Organ Donation Day. Each donor’s family received a cash award of Rs 5 lakh along with a certificate in recognition of the life-saving contribution.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling paid tribute to the donors and their families, describing organ donation as a profound humanitarian act that can transform the lives of several people.

The number of awards presented this year is the highest since the institution of the Suraj Samman, reflecting growing recognition of organ donation and the contribution of families who consent to donation following brain death.

Speaking at the event, Mahaling said sustained public awareness has been crucial in encouraging people to consider organ donation. He credited awareness initiatives, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’, with helping create greater public consciousness around the issue and turning organ donation into a wider social movement.

“Organ donation is not just a decision, it is a golden opportunity to give new dreams and life in the eyes of another person,” the Minister said.

He said the idea of donating organs is consistent with India’s long-standing traditions of compassion and service and called for greater efforts to make organ donation more acceptable and accessible to people across the State.

Recalling the story of Suraj, after whom the award has been named, Mahaling highlighted the life-saving potential of organ donation from brain-dead individuals. Organs such as the kidneys, liver, lungs, heart, pancreas and intestines can be transplanted to patients in need, potentially saving or transforming several lives.

The Minister urged government agencies and stakeholders to step up awareness campaigns and provide people with accurate information about organ donation so that misconceptions and hesitation can be addressed.

He also stressed the importance of recognising the emotional strength of donor families, who make the decision to donate organs at a difficult time and thereby offer hope to others.

Health Department Secretary Ashwathi S., NOTO Director Anil Kumar, senior Health Department officials and representatives of other departments attended the programme.