ITN Vol 8; Issue 27, 2008 – 2009

The Hithendran Effect

Few stories captured the imagination of the people of Tamil Nadu as that of young Hithendran. It was a landmark in the history of public awareness of deceased organ donation in the state.

“...There has been a spate of organ donations in Tamil Nadu since October 2008 and this has been largely due to what has come to be known as the “Hithendran effect.” A.P. Hithendran's life was snuffed out in an accident on the evening of September 19, 2008. Yet he shines like a beacon of light because his parents, Dr. S. Ashokan and Dr. Pushpanjali, took the decision to donate the organs of their brain-dead 16-year-old son… A month after Hithendran's tragic death, his grieving but courageous parents pledged to campaign for organ donation. They also strongly advocated the use of helmets and cautioned parents against letting minors drive vehicles...”