Visually-challenged pledge to donate organs

CHENNAI: For Ezhumalai, a 31-year-old visually- challenged person, Sunday was the day when he finally got a chance to give something back to the society that had helped him study for a post-graduate degree despite his disability. Along with 50 other students at the Nethrodaya Home for the Differently-abled, Ezhumalai pledged to donate his organs so that "someone, somewhere, might benefit and live a normal life after his time."The pledging event, held as part of the ninth anniversary celebrations of the organisation, saw moving scenes that showcased a number of success stories within the visually-challenged community.According to its founder-trustee, C Govindarajan, the pledging was organised to send a message that the visionless were no longer just takers from the society and that, they, with their perseverance, had now reached a state where they were at the giving end.  From humble beginnings in 2002, the organisation had grown by leaps and bounds and was providing shelter to visually-challenged people from the under-priveledged  sections. Apart from providing a home, the organisation also extended capacity-building services such as competitive exam coaching and medical and legal aid, all free of cost.Speaking at the event, Inspector General PT Sharma, Commander Coast Guard Region (East), which helped the Home get the land free of cost in Mogappair,  said that the idea of providing educational training, taken up by the home, was commendable, as education provided a means of sustenance to the needy and succeeding generations would also benefit. He said that with the Coast Guard residential complex being very close to the organisation, officers, and their families would also try and take part in the activities of the home. Former Principal Secretary Audiseshiah, who is also the patron of the organisation, said that the gesture was something that should be taken as an example even by everyone.A newsletter titled 'Eye Opener', and audio books on History for college students, were also launched at the event. Additional Director General of Police T.K. Rajendran and Member Secretary of State Planning Commission Dhanavel also participated.