From Family Tragedy to National Mission: Nilesh’s Organ Pledge

What started as a desperate search for a donor for his ailing father has grown into a countrywide campaign led by Nilesh Mandaliwala. On 25 May he will be conferred the Padma Shri for turning Donate Life into one of India’s most effective organ-donation platforms. Rather than celebrate alone, he dedicates the award to every volunteer who has persuaded a family to donate at the most painful moment of their lives. Mandaliwala’s strategy focuses on young people; college students now run awareness camps in villages where traditional beliefs once blocked the idea of organ donation. The group has also partnered with police and transport departments to streamline green corridors so harvested organs reach recipients faster. Looking ahead to 2047, the centenary of independence, the organisation has set an ambitious target: zero deaths caused by non-availability of organs. Mandaliwala argues that success will require new laws, more ICU beds, and a cultural shift that treats organs as a national resource rather than family property. He hopes the Padma Shri will encourage state governments that have so far stayed on the sidelines to finally set up transplant networks. In emotional remarks he said the medal ultimately belongs at the feet of his parents and Lord Dwarkadhish.