On the occasion of Organ Donation Day, the nation paused to recognize a profound act of courage and humanity. Nb Subedar Naresh Kumar, a proud soldier of the Indian Army’s Spear Corps, was honoured by Union Health Minister JP Nadda at the ROTTO (Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation) event in Delhi, not for his military service alone, but for a deeply personal and heroic decision.
Just weeks ago, tragedy struck Naresh Kumar’s family when his 18-year-old son, Arshdeep, met with a fatal accident. Faced with an unimaginable loss, Naresh Kumar and his family made the brave and selfless choice to donate Arshdeep’s organs — a decision that went on to save six lives.
In an emotional tribute at the event, Minister JP Nadda hailed Naresh Kumar as a “living embodiment of the spirit of Service Before Self,” a core value of the Indian Army. “In the face of profound grief, he chose to give life. This is not just a story of loss — it is a story of hope, compassion, and heroism,” said the Minister.
Arshdeep’s organ donation has already given a second chance at life to six critically ill patients across the country — a child in need of a heart transplant, a young woman battling liver failure, and several others in desperate need of kidneys and corneas. These lives, now filled with renewed hope, stand as a legacy to Arshdeep’s memory and his family’s extraordinary strength.
Nb Sub Naresh Kumar’s actions have sparked widespread admiration both within the armed forces and among civilians. The Indian Army, through its official channels, saluted the act, stating:
"This selfless decision, taken at the darkest of hours, reflects the highest ideals of the Army and the eternal bond of duty, sacrifice, and service to the nation."
Beyond the immediate impact of saving lives, the gesture has ignited critical conversations around organ donation in India — a subject that still struggles with awareness and cultural hesitations. Experts at the ROTTO event noted that such stories of courage can catalyze a shift in public perception, encouraging more families to register as donors.
For Naresh Kumar, the recognition is meaningful, but secondary to the knowledge that Arshdeep’s life continues through others.
“My son was full of life and compassion. In our loss, we found a way to let him live on — to bring light into the lives of others,” he said, holding back tears.
As the sun set on Organ Donation Day, Naresh Kumar’s quiet strength stood as a shining example — a reminder that even in grief, there is the power to give, to heal, and to hope.
Arshdeep lives on — in six beating hearts, and in the hearts of millions inspired by his family’s grace.