Kerala Bids Emotional Farewell to Youngest Organ Donor

Kerala on Feb 15 bid a heart-rending farewell to 10-month-old Aalin Sherin Abraham, the state’s youngest organ donor, as she was laid to rest with full state honours at St Thomas CSI Church in Nedungadappally, a village in Thiruvalla Revenue Division.

Ministers, public representatives and people from across the state gathered at her residence to pay their last respects after her body was brought home in the morning for the final rites. Aalin’s tiny coffin, placed on a bed of jasmine, became the centre of collective grief – and gratitude – for a life that, though brief, gave hope to five critically ill patients.

The infant, daughter of Mr Arun Abraham and Ms Sherin Ann John of Pathanamthitta district, suffered critical injuries in a road accident on Feb 5 at Pallam near Kottayam while travelling with her mother and grandparents, reported the Times of India. Despite intensive medical efforts, doctors confirmed her brain death on Feb 12.

In the midst of unimaginable grief, her parents consented to donate her organs. The process was coordinated by the Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (K-SOTTO). Her liver was sent to KIMS Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, her kidneys to the Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, her heart valve to the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, and her eyes to an eye bank.

A green corridor was created to transport the organs swiftly from Kochi to Thiruvananthapuram, ensuring timely transplants. Officials said the gesture turned a family’s immense loss into renewed life for multiple recipients.

Industries Minister P Rajeev said the state honours were accorded as a mark of deep respect for the parents’ decision. “The government views with deep respect the decision taken by the parents, who upheld the noble example of organ donation despite their profound grief,” he said.

Union Minister Suresh Gopi attended the funeral and said the child would continue to live on through others, reported India Today. “While her body is laid to rest, she lives on by saving multiple lives,” he said, adding that he came to pay tribute on behalf of the nation.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George and other leaders also attended the ceremony. A family member of one of the organ recipients was present to share in the grief and express gratitude.

As police accorded a ceremonial guard of honour and the final rites were performed, Kerala saluted a little girl whose final act became a powerful symbol of compassion and humanity.