Bargarh: Donating one’s body for medical research is a practice that is yet to catch on in the country. However, a resident of backward Bargarh district has become an inspiration in death by having his body donated for the noble cause.
Shibakumar Baghel, known by his family and friends as Surendra, was a sickle cell patient and a resident of Mahanty Pada area of Bargarh town. Surendra succumbed to the disease recently and his family handed over his body to the Anatomy department of VSS Medical College and Hospital in Burla Monday in keeping with his wishes.
Surendra’s act of donating his body for medical research is the first-of-its-kind case in the district.
Family members, relatives and villagers were all praise for the noble act of Surendra, who was the third son of his parents Kaushalya and Sundar.
A villager said the example set by Surendra will inspire others to emulate his act and donate their bodies, as that would be a big step towards improving medical research and helping young medicos get a solid grip on their subject.
Surendra, who remained single all his life due to sickle cell anaemia, had filed an affidavit in December 15, 2015 with the hospital’s anatomy department seeking to donate his body for research purposes.
His elder brother Brajendra (60), who is also a sickle cell patient, had signed up to donate his body along with Surendra. Both had filed affidavits the same day. “Burying or cremating a body serves no purpose. If we can donate something for the great cause of enriching medical science without putting a burden on anybody or even on ourselves, all of us should opt for it,” said Brajendra.
Reminiscing the day they filed the affidavit, Brajendra said, “The thought of donating our bodies came on the day when both of us were being treated at the hospital for our disease which is incurable.” He further added they were inspired by the noble act of former West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu, who had also donated his body for research. They were also inspired by the selfless service of Mother Teresa since their childhood, said Brajendra, who too remained a bachelor like his younger brother.
Surendra’s family members said he was bedridden for the last several months and breathed his last at 7.15 am Monday. They immediately called the principal of VSS Medical College and Hospital over phone and informed him of Surendra’s death. On the advice of the principal, the family members took the body in a car and handed it over to college authorities. A large crowd joined the family in a tearful procession to the hospital.
Surendra’s family members said they feel proud of the initiative taken by Surendra and Brajendra.
Surendra’s parents were blessed with four daughters and four sons. While all four daughters are married, only two sons were married. Their youngest son, Narendra, an employee of Rural Water Supplies and Sanitation Department, died two months back due to cardiac arrest. PNN