Father Davis Chiramel of the Thrissur Archdiocese in Kerala is unique in more ways than one. He has only one kidney and that is because he donated a kidney on 30th September 2008 to 48-year-old Gopinathan Chakkamadathil – an electrician living in his St. Francis Xavier Church at Vadanappilly.

The Kidney Federation of India (KFI) is a new initiative that Father Chiramel has started. The aim of the federation is to ensure that relatives come forward to donate a kidney to their needy kin.

Popular playback singer Padmabhushan th K.J. Jesudas launched the KFI on 30 October 2009. “Let those who have two give one to those who have none,” urged Jesudas quoting the Biblical saying in his inaugural address.

While 1,000 free dialysis coupons were distributed to those undergoing dialysis, the Federation aims to support at least 10 kidney patients with Rs.2,00,000 assistance for transplant each year.