Gujarat witnessed its first hand donation, a milestone that had eluded us for years despite our dedicated efforts. I engaged in sensitive discussions with a family, urging them to consider donating their loved one's hands. Initially hesitant and deeply conflicted, the family sought time to deliberate and discuss this profound decision. After a period of reflection, they returned with their consent, along with a poignant request that deeply moved me.

The family's wish was for the hand recipient to partake in the "Kanyadaan" at the deceased's daughter's wedding. This gesture, they believed, would symbolically maintain the father's presence at the ceremony. While the fulfilment of this request was uncertain, we committed to doing our utmost. In a few months, during the wedding, this heartfelt wish was realized: the recipient performed the "Kanyadaan" symbolically passing on the father's role in a deeply meaningful act.

This extraordinary experience has not only been an inspiration to me but has also significantly aided in securing further consents for hand donations, underlining the profound impact of empathy and understanding in the realm of organ donation.