In an inspiring example of courage, compassion and selfless service, the family of Smt Maya Devi, mother of two serving Indian Army soldiers, chose to donate her organs after she was declared brain-dead at Command Hospital, Western Command, Chandimandir, giving a new lease of life to multiple patients awaiting transplants.
Smt Maya Devi, mother of Naib Subedar Tilak Raj of the Dogra Regiment and Havildar Jagdev Singh of the Punjab Regiment, suffered a catastrophic brain stroke. Despite the best efforts of the medical team at the Command Hospital, she could not be revived and was declared brain-dead.
In the face of immense personal loss, her family displayed extraordinary courage by consenting to donate her vital organs. Their decision enabled the retrieval of her kidneys, liver and corneas, offering hope and a second chance at life to several recipients.
The complex organ retrieval operation was carried out through close coordination between specialist medical teams from Command Hospital, Western Command, Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi, and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. The successful retrieval highlighted the high level of expertise and inter-institutional cooperation within India’s organ transplant network.
The Indian Army paid tribute to Naib Subedar Tilak Raj, Havildar Jagdev Singh and their family for their remarkable act of humanity. Their decision to donate organs despite personal grief reflects the enduring military values of Seva (service), Tyag (sacrifice), Kartavya (duty) and compassion, extending the spirit of selfless service beyond the battlefield.
The gesture also serves as a powerful reminder of the life-saving impact of organ donation. By transforming personal tragedy into hope for others, the family has inspired countless people to consider organ donation as a noble act capable of saving multiple lives.
The Indian Army hailed the family’s extraordinary decision as an embodiment of its highest values, demonstrating that service to the nation and humanity extends far beyond the call of duty. Their selfless act will continue to inspire both the Armed Forces and society, reinforcing the importance of organ donation in giving others the precious gift of life.
