Naveen Presents Suraj Award, Appeals For Organ Donation

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday appealed to people to come forward to save precious human lives by participating in organ donation movement.

Speaking at a function organised virtually to present ‘Suraj Award’ to late Bipin Pradhan, the chief minister said, “Let’s save humanity even in death.”

Aska MLA Manjula Swain and Ganjam collector handed over a cheque of Rs 5 lakh to Renu Pradhan, the wife of Bipin Pradhan, on behalf of the chief minister. The family of Bipin, who belongs to Bhatapada area of Ganjam district, had decided to donate six of his vital organs before his death at Kiran Hospital in Surat.

Thanking Pradhan’s family for supporting and promoting the human values, Naveen said they have displayed exemplary compassion and humanity by donating his vital organs. This sacrifice is an act of human empathy and nobility, he added.

The state government instituted Suraj Award in memory of late Suraj Behera whose family members donated his organs before his accidental death to save a number of lives.

Remembering the sacrifice made by the parents of late Suraj Behera, the chief minister said their inspiring and humanitarian act will remain an example for society and boost the movement of organ donation in Odisha and India as well.

Health Minister Naba Das also thanked the wife of Bipin Pradhan for the great humanitarian act. Aska legislator and Renu Pradhan also spoke.

Secretary to CM (5T) VK Pandian moderated the programme.