In a profound act of humanity and selflessness, the organs of former ISRO officer P. Ayyappan (75) have given a new lease of life to multiple patients, reaffirming the transformative power of organ donation. Ayyappan, a resident of Amritagiri House, Poonithura, was undergoing treatment at Amrita Hospital, Kochi, after sustaining severe injuries in a road accident near Tripunithura on February 5, while returning from a temple visit. Doctors later confirmed brain death.
In a moment of immense personal grief, Ayyappan’s children—Dhanya, a blood bank employee at Amrita Hospital, and Dhanesh—made the courageous decision to donate his organs, turning their loss into hope for others. The organ donation process was coordinated through K-SOTTO (Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization).
As part of this noble gesture, Ayyappan’s right hand was transplanted to a 47-year-old patient from Perunadu district, who was undergoing treatment at Amrita Hospital. The complex surgery was led by renowned hand transplant surgeon Dr. Subrahmanya Iyer, along with Dr. Kishore, Dr. Sam Thomas, and their multidisciplinary team. In another life-saving procedure, Ayyappan’s liver was transplanted to a 58-year-old patient from Kumbazha Vettur in Pathanamthitta district, under the leadership of Dr. Binoj S. T. and Dr. Sudheendran S. His eyes were donated to the eye bank, restoring sight and hope to others.
Speaking after the donation, Ayyappan’s children shared that while the pain of losing their father is immense, it brings them solace to know that his life continues through others. They described organ donation as the greatest tribute they could offer to their father, who stood as an inspiration to the community even in death.
Following postmortem procedures, Ayyappan’s mortal remains were handed over to the family with full honours. Prayer ceremonies were led by Swami Jayadamrutha Chaitanya and Samsiddhamrutha Chaitanya. When his body was kept for public viewing at Amrita Hospital, doctors and hospital staff paid their last respects and offered a guard of honour, acknowledging his final act of generosity.
Ayyappan’s legacy now lives on—not only through his distinguished service as a scientist, but through the lives he saved, making his story a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of organ donation.