Father's Day.

Son gives 'gift of life' to his father

Priya Adhyaru Majithia / DNA

Sunday, June 20, 2010 11:47 IST

Ahmedabad: It's Father's Day today, and many of us would want to make it very special for our dad by gifting him what he desires most. But what Amit Kumar, a 26-year-old bachelor, gave his father is beyond what money can buy - he gave him life. In what can be termed as one of the rarest cases of organ donation, Amit donated one of his kidneys to his ailing father Lakshikant Jha, 55, and saved his life.

The kidney transplant surgery was carried out on June 9 at the Institute of Kidney Disease and Research Centre (IKDRC). "My father was suffering from an infection for the past 7 years which damaged both his kidneys. I realised it was my duty to donate my kidney to him. I owe him my life, and this was a chance to show my gratitude to him," said Amit, who is a management professional.

The transplant surgery was successful and brought immense happiness to Amit's family, "At first, it was difficult to convince my mother; she was very scared about my future. But I was insistent, and told her that the pain would last only a couple of days, and I would get immeasurable joy in return," Amit said. "Today, she is happy to see that both of us are fine, and dad is recuperating well," he added.

Amit, the eldest of three sons, has set an example of unconditional love, and his siblings are extremely proud of him and look up to him as a source of inspiration. Dr Pranjal Modi, a senior kidney specialist at IKDRC, said, "This case was one of its kind. I have never before seen a son donating his kidney to his father, it has always been the other way round.

"Today, when the concept of a nuclear family has made many to disown their parents, Amit's case stands out as an inspiration; it epitomises the love between parents and children."