Dr. K. Ganapahy  M.S..FACS.FICS, Ph.D-eminent neurosurgeon, Secretary- Neurological Society of India, Member-Neuro traumatology section of the Neurological society of India secretary General –Asian Australasian society Neurological surgery. Professor at Anna University only person from the medical profession to be on the faculty of an engineering collage)-his credentials are impeccable but what makes him first among equals is his insight into people feeling and his pioneering spirit

Brain stem death in a person with head injuries is a recognized clinical entity on its own but it is certainly linked with the possibility of organ donation and transplantation. It is something that can be spoken about in an open manner now. But six year ago the topic was taboo not that there were any doubts or questions about the concept of brain stem death itself or the clinical test that were required to declare brain stem death . but its ramification with regard to community, question as to whether everything was done to save the patient or did their interests only lie in procuring organ for transplantation Any neurosurgeon in this extremely difficult and hostile climate would hesitate to step forward and be part of the organ donation process.

But Dr. Ganapathy stepped into this landmine of a situation and played a crucial role in the very first multi-organ transplant in the country in Chennai in 1996. Here in his own inimitable style is the behind the scene story of that landmark event (Gift if Life - page V to VII)