Nine-year-old Kerala boy becomes source of hope even in death through organ donation

Thiruvananthapuram: Even in death, nine-year-old Devaprayag became a source of solace and life for others. After sustaining critical injuries in a road accident at Nilamel and while undergoing treatment, he was declared brain-dead. His family chose to donate his organs, turning their personal grief into hope for several patients.

Devaprayag was the son of Bichu Chandran and C M Akhila of Nedumparath House at Thirumala in Thiruvananthapuram.

One of Devaprayag’s kidneys, his liver, heart valve and both corneas were donated. The kidney and liver were transplanted into patients at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. The corneas were given to patients at the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology in Thiruvananthapuram, while the heart valve was donated to a patient at the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology.

Health Minister Veena George paid tributes to Devaprayag and expressed her condolences, standing in solidarity with the bereaved family.

The tragic accident occurred on December 15 at Nilamel in Kollam district, when a car carrying Sabarimala pilgrims collided with a KSRTC bus travelling towards Kottarakkara at around 6.30 am. Devaprayag’s father Bichu Chandran and his friend Satheesh Venugopal died on the spot. Devaprayag, who was also in the car, was critically injured. All three were initially taken to a private hospital in Venjaramoodu, following which Devaprayag was shifted to a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram due to his deteriorating condition.

Brain death was confirmed on December 18, after which the family consented to organ donation.

Devaprayag was a Class Three student at Shanthiniketan School. His mother Akhila works at the RTO office in the Collectorate.