In a heartwarming display of compassion and humanity, the family of Raveesh Kunwar Malik, a 36-year-old lawyer who tragically lost his life in a road accident, made the profound decision to donate his organs. This selfless act saved the lives of four individuals in desperate need of transplants, including a heart, liver and two kidneys, and restored the sight of two more through corneal transplantation, thereby impacting six lives in a significant gesture of hope and renewal at PGIMER today.
Prof. Vivek Lal, Director PGIMER, paid homage to Raveesh Kunwar Malik and his family, stating, "This incredible act of generosity not only reflects the selflessness of the Malik family but also sheds light on the critical need for organ donation in our society.”
“At PGIMER, we are dedicated to honouring Raveesh's wish and preserving his legacy as a life-saver. I commend our dedicated teams from the Departments of Neurosurgery, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Cardiology, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Cardiac Anaesthesia, Hepatology, General Surgery, Nephrology, Renal Transplant Surgery, Neurology, Ophthalmology, Pharmacology, Hospital Administration, Forensic Medicine, Testing Labs including Immuno-pathology and Biochemistry, along with our allied departments, for their swift and sensitive handling of this donation. Their efforts exemplify our unwavering commitment to delivering life-saving treatments,” stated the Director of PGIMER.
Raveesh Kunwar Malik, affectionately known as Rony, was a beloved son, brother, and friend who dedicated his life to his profession and the service of his community. On December 4th at 2:40 PM, he was fatally injured in a tragic bike accident while traveling from Chandigarh to Panchkula, colliding with a four wheeler in Sector 16. Initially taken to a GMSH, Sector 16, he was later transferred to PGIMER as an unidentified patient on 4th December only.
However, destiny had willed otherwise and all the incessant efforts of the medical team and fervent prayers of the family and friends proved futile and Raveesh was declared brain dead on December 9th at 12:56 PM. His untimely passing leaves a void that will be felt by many. However, his legacy lives on through the lives he has touched, even in death.
As Rony's body was being handed over at PGIMER’s mortuary, his father, Advocate Mr. V.S.T. Malik, shared emotionally, "Rony was always inclined towards helping others. In his memory, we wanted to do something that would honor his spirit, and what better way than to give life to others? We hope this act of kindness will inspire more families to consider organ donation."
His brave-heart mother, Advocate Mrs. Naveen Malik, expressed her sentiments poignantly: "Though we have lost our dear son, knowing that he can give a second chance to others brings some solace to our hearts. We could never imagine that in our darkest hour, we would be able to illuminate the lives of those in need. It is a bittersweet moment."
Raveesh's brother, Suhail Pratap Malik, added, "We are proud of Rony. He may not be physically with us anymore, but through this act, he is a hero. He always believed in helping others, and now he is continuing to do so."
The donation process was facilitated by the dedicated team at PGIMER, known for their cutting edge expertise in organ transplantations. Following the family's consent, all relevant teams swiftly swung into action, retrieving Rony’s heart, liver, kidneys, and corneas to be transplanted to matching recipients at PGIMER.
The heart was transplanted to a 30-year-old female, marking the 10th Heart Transplant at PGIMER. Similarly, three patients with organ failure received second chances at life with the transplantation of the liver and two kidneys, while two individuals were given the sight through corneal transplants.
The emotional send-off of Raveesh Kunwar Malik took place at PGIMER, where a guard of honour was presented to commemorate his outstanding gesture and the determination of his family to honor his memory.
As the family, friends, and healthcare professionals gathered to pay their final respects, the Pastor, delivering remarks at the service, stated, “Rony’s life may have been cut short, but his spirit shines brightly through his ultimate gift to humanity. Let this remind us of the fragility of life and the eternal significance of giving.”
Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent, PGIMER, who was personally present at Rony’s final send-off, emphasized the significance of organ donation. "Today, we witnessed a powerful reminder of the impact organ donation can have. Through their loss, the Malik family has given life to others, an extraordinary gift that we hope will inspire many to come forward and support this noble cause."
This act of organ donation not only provides a second chance at life for recipients but also serves to inspire others in the community to consider this generous option. While the tragedy of Raveesh Kunwar Malik’s passing has left a deep wound in the hearts of his family and friends, their decision to donate his organs offers hope and the promise of life to others, concluded Prof. Koushal.