Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi pays tribute to Kerala’s youngest organ donor Aalin Sherin Abraham

In recognition of the infant’s life-saving contribution, the Kerala Police accorded her a Guard of Honour, marking a rare gesture.

• PM Modi paid tribute to 10-month-old organ donor Aalin Sherin
• Aalin's organs saved five lives after a fatal road accident
• Kerala Police gave Aalin a rare Guard of Honour for her donation

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Sunday, paid tribute to Kerala’s youngest organ donor, 10-month-old Aalin Sherin Abraham, during the 131st episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, describing her parents’ decision as an extraordinary act of courage and compassion.

"There is no greater sorrow for any parent than losing one’s own child. The pain of losing a very young child is deeper," PM Modi said. "Just a few days ago, we lost Aalin Sherin Abraham, a little innocent girl from Kerala," he noted.

The Prime Minister highlighted the growing awareness around organ donation in the country.

“Awareness regarding organ donation is increasing… Medical research is also getting a boost… There are many people like Aalin who have given another life to someone by organ donation,” he said.

Aalin, a native of Mallappally in Pathanamthitta district, suffered critical injuries in a road accident on February 5 near Pallam junction in Kottayam district. She was travelling with her mother and grandparents when their vehicle was hit by an oncoming car. The child sustained severe head injuries, while other family members were also seriously hurt.

After receiving initial treatment at hospitals in Changanassery and Thiruvalla, she was shifted to a Kochi hospital for advanced care. Doctors declared her brain-dead on February 13.

Following counselling by medical authorities, her parents, Arun Abraham and Sherin Ann John, consented to donate her organs.

Her liver, two kidneys, heart valve and corneas were retrieved for transplantation. The liver was transplanted into a six-month-old infant undergoing treatment, making the recipient one of the youngest beneficiaries of a posthumous liver donation in the state. The kidneys were allocated to another child, while the heart valve and corneas were transplanted to patients in need.

In recognition of the infant’s life-saving contribution, the Kerala Police accorded her a Guard of Honour, marking a rare gesture.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George described the act as a powerful message to society.

“From the depths of their grief and sorrow, the parents chose to donate their daughter’s organs. It is an expression of love and care for humanity and a model for many others,” she said, adding that the state government had decided to honour the child for her contribution.

Several public representatives paid their respects at the funeral held at St. Thomas CSI Church in Nedungadappally, where locals gathered to bid farewell to the infant whose brief life helped save five others.