Salute sir! Radio Jockey stands up for brother, becomes 'Living organ donor'

"To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there," said Barbara Bush, wife of the 41st President of the United States, George Bush. Holding on to this line is Anil Srivatsa and family.

47-year-old Anil, a Radio Jockey of the show - Between the sheets - with Online Digital Media, donated his kidney to his elder brother Arjun Srivatsa, a 48-year-old neurosurgeon, recently in Bangalore.

When asked about his inspiration to donate the kidney, he said that inspiration begins with knowledge. It is important to have proper information about the process before taking any decision.

"... I first heard about a kidney transplant on 2001-2002 when my neighbour donated to her sister. At that time, I asked myself a question if I would ever take this step if it's required. I never answered that question till I was confronted with it by my brother.

Family is the strength

When asked whether his family supported him in this big move, he agreed that convincing his wife was a big challenge for him. "Surprisingly, my children immediately agreed. My son even came to me saying that he would donate to his sister in a 'heartbeat' if it was ever required."

"But my wife was shocked when she came to know about this. Her arguments were extremely legitimate and she had to go through many rounds of counselling. But then, none of that worked."

When Anil went for an adventure trip, his children took the time to explain their mother about their father's decision to donate and that why they should support him. "When I returned from the Himalayas, my wife had a totally different view point about this decision and she was the one telling me to get it done soon."

"This made me swell with pride. I would have donated anyway but with my family now rock solid behind me, things got even better."

Road to recovery

Upon coming to know of his brother's decision to donate the organ, Dr. Arjun Said, "We have been close all along and his decision to go ahead was not as much as a surprise as his family wholeheartedly joining in on this."

"My reaction is linked to the whole family accepting his decision . I am overwhelmed and I guess it's only the love that can get you to do something like this . Many have done earlier and many will do in future but for me the whole family is a hero," he added.

When asked if Anil would like to use his radio platform to spread awareness about such transplants, he said, "The social media is a very appropriate platform to do this and I will do my best to capitalise it on every opportunity I get to reach out to masses about this."

It's been nearly a month after the transplant surgery took place and both brothers are on the road to recovery.

OneIndia News