Pune: The Zonal Transplant Coordination Centre (ZTCC), Pune, felicitated over 79 organ donor families during the 13th Naman Diwas ceremony in Pune on Sunday, acknowledging their decision and its life‑saving impact. Also present were recipients who expressed their gratitude.The event was attended by ZTCC Pune members, representatives of NGO Re‑birth, transplant coordinators, medical professionals and numerous transplant recipients. They all paid tribute to donors and celebrated the survivors.Families of donors shared memories of the deceased. It included relatives of a young woman who died of postpartum eclampsia leaving behind an eight‑month‑old and the family of a subedar who succumbed to injuries in an accident. The recipients spoke about the changes in their life after the process.Mother of the 33-year-old woman who died of high blood pressure after delivery in Aug 2025 said, ”My daughter was a hero for everyone, but still our baby. She was not just my daughter, but a soulmate who always stood by me. She strived to become a successful woman. She got four degrees, became an advocate and worked for others. However, her greatest triumph was giving the ultimate gift of life to others even after her death. Her heart, eyes and kidneys were donated to five strangers.”The Subedar’s wife said, “He served the nation for 32 years. He was in a very serious accident. I could not even speak with him. I urge everyone to donate organs.”Pune ZTCC coordinator Aarti Gokhale said, “These families chose to give the gift of life to others even after losing their loved ones — bringing new hope and survival for many.”People who had donated their own organs were also honoured at the ceremony. One such notable attendee was a senior citizen who underwent a liver transplant 24 years ago and continues to compete successfully in the World Transplant Games, a testament to the safety post organ donation.ZTCC officials said Naman Diwas aims to remember donor legacies and to boost public awareness about the process. “The day symbolises hope and reinforces our collective responsibility to build a compassionate society,” added Gokhale.
