Bargarh: The death of Brajendra Kumar Baghel (61), a resident of Mahantypada of this town, couldn’t have come sooner than Saturday when the nation is observing the World Organ Donation Day.
Brajendra died Friday evening and as per his earlier affidavit and registration with Burla-based Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Science and Research (VIMSAR’s) anatomy department, his body was sent to the hospital Saturday so that the medical students can use it for the development of medical science. Four months back his younger brother Surendra also donated his body to the hospital after death for the same purpose. Both were bachelors but Brajendra was differently-abled. The two were suffering from sickle cell disease since childhood.
Though they had been visiting the hospital frequently to receive blood and treatment when they lived, one day the concept of organ donation struck them and they decided to make affidavits with the hospital authorities.
“We are proud to have such great human beings among us,” the family as well as locals said.
MLA Debesh Acharya, who also visited the Baghels after Brajendra’s death, saluted the action of the siblings. “The organ donation by the two brothers has set an example not only for Bargarh town but for people across society,” Acharya said. May this soil produce more great sons like them and medical students gain immense knowledge from their sacrifice, the MLA added.
There was gloom all around when the family member bade farewell to Brajendra after the arrival of the hearse. Though they were sad and crest-fallen after losing a key member of the family, they were also equally proud of the example set by the elder son of Koushalya and Sundar Baghel of Mohantypada.
Rajendra, Narendra and Surendra were junior to him. Besides, he is survived by five sisters also. Narendra died of cardiac arrest last February while Surendra passed away suffering from sickle cell April 11.
“We have lost three brothers over last seven months. Though we are yet to overcome the serial tragedies, organ donation by Surendra and Brajendra has given us a new identity and we are proud of them,” Rajendra said.
“Send my body to the hospital after my death so that the students can get a breakthrough dissecting my mortal being,” Tara Dash quoting his departed brother Brajendra said. He left us within 24 hours of uttering these words, a tearful Tara said.
“It is a practice to bury or burn a body after death. However, we all should follow the Baghels and donate our bodies to research institutes so that they can open new vistas for the medical students,” Bijay Dash, a relative, said. PNN
