Bangalore, August 15, 2021: In keeping up with its commitment to save more lives, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore in association with Aster Volunteers organized ‘Organ Donation Pledge Program’ today. As a part of this initiative, doctors, nurses and staff from the hospital came forward to pledge their organs. The program was conducted on the occasion of World Organ Donation Day to encourage more people in the society to come forward for this noble cause.
The program witnessed doctors narrating inspiring stories of donors and educating people on the importance of organ donation.
In India, there is a wide gap between the number of organs required and the organs available. Because of this, approximately half a million people die annually due to unavailability of organs. End stage organ failure causes nearly half a million deaths in India annually as well as untold misery to several patients who have to undergo dialysis. However, India has successfully developed kidney, liver, heart, lung, pancreas and small bowel (intestine) transplant programs in the public and private sector, while centres in India lead the way by innovating hand and uterus transplants.
Over the past decade, organ donation rates have increased more than tenfold across the country. The rate has gone up from 0.08 per million to more than 0.8 per million population, with several states recording donation rates of 3-4 per million population. Despite the increase, there is a minority of population who are not aware of organ donation. There is a need to conduct various awareness campaigns and programs to educate the masses from grass root levels. Organ donation is the greatest gift of life; by donating organs you are saving lives of many people. People should not be hesitated to come forward and pledge their organs. Be the change and bring the change.






![New Delhi [India], January 9: Visually impaired cricketer and captain of Indian Men’s Cricket Team for the Blind Illuri Ajay Kumar Reddy on Tuesday was conferred with Prestigious Arjuna Award from the President of India at a specially organized function at Rashtrapati Bhavan. National Sports Awards are given every year to recognize and reward excellence in sports. Arjuna Award for outstanding performance in Sports and Games is given for good performance over a period of the previous three years and for showing qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and a sense of discipline. Illuri Ajay Kumar Reddy (Blind Cricket) is among the 26 sportspersons who were honoured with Arjuna Award for outstanding performance in Sports and Games 2023. The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports last month had announced the National Sports Awards 2023. The nominated stars received their awards from the President of India. “I am overwhelmed with this recognition. I dedicate this award to my Parents and Family members for their support. I also would like to thank Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) and all the players with whom I have played,” Ajay Reddy said in a statement. Congratulating Arjuna awardee Dr Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar, Chairman- Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) said “It is an honour and proud moment for all the blind cricketers across the world. It is the good recognition for the hard work and dedication in taking Cricket for the Blind to the next level through various achievements by the Indian Men’s Cricket Team for the blind under the leadership of Ajay Reddy. CABI is happy that cricket for the blind is getting the recognition with other major sports.” Following the Award ceremony, Illuri Ajay Reddy, the chairman of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) Dr Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar and CABI secretary Shailender Yadav also met Indian pacer Mohammad Shami. Shami is also among the 26 sportspersons who were honoured with Arjuna Award on Tuesday. Illuri Ajay Reddy is currently working in SBI regional office in Bangalore. He is a B2 category player, who is representing India since 2010. He has been part of winning two ODI World Cups, 3 T20 world cups, 1 Asia Cup. Ajay is the captain of the Indian cricket team for the blind since 2016. Under his captaincy Team India has won 1 ODI world cup, 2 T20 world cups, 1 Asia Cup and the Silver Medal in IBSA World Games and many bilateral and triangular Series. Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) acknowledges the great support received from the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports through this award. The continuous support and patronage received from the esteemed ministry has helped CABI to achieve this milestone.](https://thisweekindia.news/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Arjuna-Award-to-Ajay-Kumar-Reddy-Captain-of-Indian-Blind-Cricket-Team-thisweekindia.png)






