Nilesh Mandlewala of Donate Life Institute Honored with "Best Citizen Award"
Recognized for Outstanding Contributions to Organ Donation in India
Surat – Nilesh Mandlewala, the visionary founder of the Donate Life Institute, received the prestigious "Best Citizen Award" in recognition of his significant impact on the field of organ donation. The award ceremony, held at the Taj Land Hotel in Mumbai, was organized by the Meghashray Foundation, where Maharashtra MLA and BCCI Treasurer Ashish Shelar presented the accolade.
Nilesh Mandlewala's journey from a businessman and chamber president to a national icon in organ donation began in 1997 after his father was diagnosed with kidney failure. His personal experience with his father's dialysis since 2004 and the challenges faced by other kidney patients and their families motivated him to advocate for organ donation.
Launching the organ donation movement in 2005, Mandlewala has since expanded his campaign from kidney donations to include liver, pancreas, heart, bone, lung, small intestine, hand, and uterus donations. His efforts have transcended geographical boundaries, benefiting patients not only in Gujarat and India but also in countries like the UAE, Ukraine, Russia, Sudan, and Bangladesh, with successful transplants in Mumbai and Chennai hospitals.
To date, the Donate Life Institute, under Mandlewala's leadership, has facilitated the donation of 1,242 organs and tissues, granting new lives to 1,142 individuals worldwide. His relentless work has elevated the status of Surat and Gujarat on both national and international platforms.
Nileshbhai Mandlewala's contributions have been acknowledged with numerous accolades, including the esteemed "Gujarat Garima" award, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the Government of Gujarat.
The Mumbai event also celebrated other luminaries, including singer Padma Bhushan Udit Narayan, writer Padma Bhushan Ruskin Bond, actor Padma Bhushan Anupam Kher, spiritual guru Padmashree Sadguru Brahmeshwaranand Acharya Swami, athlete Padmashree Sudha Singh, ENT specialist Padmashree Dr. Milind Kirtane, and others from diverse fields. The ceremony was presided over by Smt. Seema Singh, National President of the Best Citizen Award Committee, with attendees comprising consulate representatives, doctors, film personalities, and social organization leaders from Mumbai.
Nilesh Mandlewala’s recognition as the "Best Citizen" underscores the profound impact of his advocacy for organ donation, inspiring many to follow in his footsteps and contribute to saving lives.