Nilesh Mandalewala, known for his significant contributions to organ donation awareness and honored with the 'Padma Shri', received a grand welcome at Surat Airport. The airport was filled with feelings of patriotism, pride, and humanity.
On May 25, 2026, during a grand ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu awarded Nilesh Mandalewala, the founder of Donate Life Foundation, with the prestigious civilian honor 'Padma Shri' for his invaluable contributions to organ donation awareness and humanitarian service. Following this, on May 27, 2026, as Nilesh Mandalewala arrived at Surat Airport, he was warmly welcomed by organ donor families, Donate Life trustees, volunteers, community leaders, media representatives, and a large number of well-wishers. The atmosphere was filled with patriotic slogans like 'Jai Hind' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'.
Upon arriving at the airport, Nileshbhai paid his respects to Jyotiben Shah, the wife of the late Jagdishbhai Shah, Gujarat's first intercity kidney donor in 2006, dedicating the 'Padma Shri' honor to her. During this time, Jyotiben Shah welcomed him with a tilak, flower garland, and shawl. In an emotional tone, Nilesh Mandalewala expressed that this honor is not just for him or the Donate Life organization, but for all the organ donor families who made the noble decision to give new life to many even in their moments of grief.
On this occasion, he also met the family of the late Krishang Patel, who donated a kidney at the age of just four, and expressed gratitude for their contribution to this humanitarian journey of organ donation. Nilesh Mandalewala acknowledged the significant contributions of donor families, doctors, hospitals, SMIMER, Civil Hospital, Gujarat, Surat City Police, Surat Airport Authority, media, Donate Life staff, trustees, volunteers, and community leaders behind the 'Padma Shri' honor he received. He sincerely thanked all donor families, media representatives, trustees, volunteers, community leaders, and well-wishers present at the airport, stating that their love, blessings, and respect made this moment even more memorable.
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