Army Chief Gen Dwivedi, Wife Pledge Organs, Inspire Armed Forces Donation Drive

Speaking on the occasion, General Dwivedi described organ donation as a service to humanity and a natural extension of the Armed Forces’ ethos of sacrifice, courage, and duty.

 

In a strong message of compassion and public service, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi and his wife Mrs. Sunita Dwivedi, President of the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA), pledged to donate their organs at the Army Hospital (Research & Referral) on 20 August 2025.

The gesture is being hailed as a major boost to the Armed Forces Organ Retrieval & Transplantation Authority (AORTA), which has emerged as a national leader in advancing organ donation and transplantation efforts.

Leading by Example

Speaking on the occasion, General Dwivedi described organ donation as a service to humanity and a natural extension of the Armed Forces’ ethos of sacrifice, courage, and duty.

“Organ donation is the gift of life. It reflects the same spirit of selflessness with which our soldiers defend the nation. I urge service personnel and their families to come forward and set an example for society,” he said.

Mrs. Sunita Dwivedi, who has been spearheading numerous social welfare initiatives under AWWA, said the pledge was a personal commitment to advancing awareness and breaking taboos surrounding organ donation in India.

AORTA: Armed Forces Leading the Way

Under the leadership of Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), AORTA has positioned itself at the forefront of organ retrieval and transplantation in India.

• The Indian Army recently set a record with more than 26,000 personnel pledging organ donations in a single campaign, signalling the strength of collective action.

• Armed Forces hospitals have also been instrumental in conducting successful transplants and facilitating organ retrieval across states.

AORTA is now being recognised as a model for civilian institutions, demonstrating how a structured and disciplined approach can help address India’s acute organ shortage.

Honouring Healthcare Heroes

Recognising the critical role of medical and support staff, General Dwivedi presented Chief’s Recommendation Cards to three frontline workers engaged in organ transplant care. This included not only doctors and paramedical staff, but also a housekeeper who maintained hygiene and sanitation for transplant patients.

The Army Chief’s gesture reinforced the ethos of the Army Medical Corps, where every contribution—big or small—is valued in the mission to save lives.

Tribute to Donor Families

The event also included a solemn tribute to donor families, whose decision to donate the organs of loved ones saved countless lives. Families were felicitated for their courage and compassion, symbolising the profound human bond created through organ donation.

Driving a National Movement

India continues to face a critical shortage of organ donors, with thousands of patients awaiting life-saving transplants. Awareness campaigns such as this are expected to:

• Break myths and stigma around organ donation.

• Encourage voluntary pledges across the Armed Forces and civilian population.

• Inspire youth and families to see organ donation as an act of national service.

A Call Beyond Uniforms

By pledging their organs, General Dwivedi and Mrs. Dwivedi have sent a powerful message that organ donation is not limited by profession, status, or age. Their act is expected to inspire both the defence community and civilians to join in the cause.

The Army’s initiative has once again demonstrated that the Armed Forces lead not only in defence of the nation’s borders but also in upholding values of humanity, empathy, and service to society.