WhatsApp forward message pushed 42 members of a family group to donate their organs
In India, WhatsApp groups for families are well known for 'good morning' texts, quotes and other forwards. Thanks to one of these forward messages that talked about organ donation, 42 members of a family in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, took this message seriously in their family WhatsApp group and decided to come forward and donate their organs in the memory of their grandparents.
Also read: How Google engineers helped India deal with 'Good Morning' WhatsApp messages
WhatsApp finally launches standalone WhatsApp Business app - here’s how it works
Choosing the death anniversary of their grandmother Kuppayi Ammal as an appropriate occasion for this pledge, the extended family of one Mathan Karuppiah, visited Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai, where they made the pledge that they will donate their organs.
Speaking with The Hindu, Mathan Karuppiah said,
"My mother had 11 siblings. All my cousins and their children, who live in different cities, make it a point to meet in Madurai around every new year, when we also ensure that some charity work is done. Last year, our get-together turned out to be different with more than 60 of us taking part in the protests for jallikattu at Madurai throughout a day, wearing uniformly coloured dresses. Though even children came to the hospital, we got to know from the dean that only those above 18 years of age can pledge their organs."
In a chat with The News Minute, S Venkatesh, co-ordinator for transplantation at Government Rajaji Hospital said,
"In the last one-and-a-half years, we have tried to conduct several awareness and outreach programmes for people to understand the need and importance of organ donation. It is very inspirational, and could encourage others to come forward as well."
Do you have an interesting story to share? Please write to us at [email protected]. To stay updated with more positive news, please connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.