Jayesh Laxmishankar Jaiswal, a 25-year-old gym enthusiast from Kolkata, tragically lost his life in a road accident on May 8, 2025. In a moment of immense grief, his family chose to donate his organs, saving the lives of four critically ill patients and restoring sight to two more.
This act of generosity marks only the fifth deceased organ donation in West Bengal so far this year, underscoring the urgent need for greater awareness and infrastructure for organ donation in the state. Medical officials and transplant authorities have lauded the family’s decision, calling it a “noble” and “life-affirming” gesture that sets an example for others.
A Heart of Gold: Jayesh’s Final Gift
Jayesh Jaiswal, remembered by his cousin Akash Shaw as “a gym enthusiast, fitness freak, and wanderlust,” was returning home late at night from his family’s chanachur factory when a speeding truck collided with his two-wheeler near Baranagar, North Kolkata.
Rushed first to RG Kar Medical College and then to Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals, Jayesh was declared brain dead the following afternoon. Despite their heartbreak, Jayesh’s family agreed to donate his organs after being counselled by hospital staff and transplant coordinators. “My brother had a heart of gold. Even in his death, he has given hope to others,” Akash said, holding back tears.
Jayesh’s lungs, liver, and kidneys were transplanted into four patients, including a 65-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman, while his corneas were sent to Disha Eye Hospitals to restore vision for two more. Dr S N Singh, the attending neurosurgeon, praised the family’s decision: “At a time of unimaginable loss, they chose to save lives. This is humanity at its best.”
Organ Donation in Bengal: A Call for Greater Awareness
Jayesh’s story shines a light on the persistent challenges facing organ donation in West Bengal. Despite thousands of road traffic deaths annually, the state recorded only 14 deceased organ donations in 2024 and just five so far in 2025, according to the Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (ROTTO).
Experts attribute this to a lack of public awareness, limited training among healthcare professionals, and insufficient infrastructure for identifying and managing brain death cases. “Most families are unaware that organ donation is possible after brain death, especially in accident cases,” said a ROTTO official.
While southern and western states like Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Maharashtra account for nearly 90% of the country’s deceased organ donors, Bengal continues to lag behind. Medical professionals are urging hospitals to appoint trained transplant coordinators and for the government to launch awareness campaigns, so more families can make informed decisions in moments of crisis.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Jayesh’s legacy is a powerful testament to the impact of empathy, even in the face of tragedy. His family’s courageous decision to donate his organs has not only saved lives but also inspired hope in a region where such acts remain rare.
The Logical Indian believes that organ donation is one of the highest forms of kindness, turning personal loss into a gift of life for others. As a society, it is our responsibility to foster awareness, support grieving families, and build the infrastructure needed for more such life-affirming choices. How can we, as a community, encourage open conversations about organ donation and ensure that every family feels empowered to make this noble decision?
