Rajasthan: Hindu-Muslim husbands donate kidneys to each others’ wives

JAIPUR: Hindus and Muslims are capable of living in peace together like they have done for centuries in India. The beautiful example of religious harmony today is set in a private hospital in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

A 40-year-old Anwar Ahmed donated his kidney to Vinod Mehra’s wife and inturn Mehra donated his kidney to the former’s wife.Stepping beyond religious boundaries, Mehra and Ahmed donated their kidneys to each other’s wives.

Ahmed said.”I will celebrate this Eid-ul-Azha with more fervour, all thanks to Vinod. He has given his kidney to my wife. My wife is doing well now and recovering. She will be discharged from the hospital a day before Eid-ul-Azha. I have a respect to Vinod bhai as he has given his kidney to my wife.”

Mehra who was filled with joy said. “If it is Eid-Ul-Azha for Ahmed, it is not less than Diwali for me as it will bring home happiness soon when my wife will be discharged from the hospital. She got Ahmed bhai’s kidney in a Kidney transplant surgery. For me Hindu-Muslims are bhai-bhai. I never thought any discrimination in my life and I will never do it in my life. But, after transplant, we (the two families) share special bonding.”

Dr Aushutosh Soni who conducted the transplant said. “Wife of Vinod, Anita was suffering from glomerular disease for the past few years leading to kidney failure. Her blood group is B positive. Vinod’s blood group was A positive. Besides, Ahmed’s wife Tasleem Jahan’s kidney failed due to excessive use of pain killers. Her blood group was A positive and Ahmed’s blood group is B positive. According to Human Organ Transplant Act only near relatives can donate kidneys. But, it permits swap kidney transplant. In the case of these two couples, they were perfect for swap kidney transplant. Ahmed’s blood group was matching with Anita’s and Tasleem’s blood group was found matching with Vinod. The transplant was successfully conducted on September 2.”