For 37-year-old Sachin Chhabra from Prayagraj, the passing of his 64-year-old mother Jyoti on September 29, 2022, became a transformative moment that reshaped his entire life. What initially began as a day filled with anxiety following her knee transplant surgery in Varanasi swiftly descended into profound tragedy when she suffered a massive heart attack the very next day.
Fulfilling a Final Promise
Amidst the overwhelming grief, Sachin vividly recalled his mother's heartfelt wish—that those unable to see the world should be gifted with new light through eye donation. Acting without delay, he transported his mother's body from Varanasi to Prayagraj and ensured her eyes were donated at Manohar Das Netra Chikitsalaya. "She always emphasized that life would gain true meaning if her eyes could help someone see. I simply fulfilled her final desire," Sachin explained emotionally.
The Birth of a Compassionate Mission
That decisive act marked the inception of a dedicated mission. Over the subsequent three years, Sachin's relentless efforts have facilitated 22 cornea donations, successfully restoring vision to 44 individuals through transplants at the hospital. A law graduate from Allahabad University who manages an iron fabrication business in Lukerganj, Sachin noted that, apart from his mother, none of the 22 donors had formally pledged eye donation during their lifetimes. "Most families make this critical decision at the last possible moment, which underscores the immense importance of awareness campaigns," he elaborated.
Extending the Circle of Compassion
His campaign rapidly expanded beyond his immediate family. In December 2022, when his friend Naveen Pandey lost his mother at SGPGI Lucknow, Sachin intervened promptly, assisting in bringing her body to Prayagraj for eye donation. More recently, a friend from Naini lost his mother to breast cancer earlier this month; inspired by Sachin's persistent motivation, the family consented to donate her eyes as well.
A Family Legacy of Giving
Within his own family, the mission evolved into a cherished legacy. Following Jyoti, multiple relatives donated their corneas:
- Grandfather Madan Lal Chhabra (December 2022)
- Uncle Ramesh Chhabra (May 2023)
- Aunt Lata Chhabra (June 2023)
- Maternal uncle Inderjeet (August 2023)
To date, nine members of his extended family have donated eyes. Furthermore, his wife Ritika, father Manoj Kumar, elder brother Jatin, sister-in-law Nidhi, and even his seven-year-old daughter Ruhani have all pledged their eyes for future donation.
Medical Community Recognition
Dr. Aarti Singh, in-charge of the eye bank at Manohar Das Netra Chikitsalaya, praised Sachin's role as invaluable. "He not only actively spreads awareness but personally visits families during their most challenging moments to provide counsel. His contribution to eye donation in Prayagraj is truly remarkable," she stated.
Strengthening Resolve Through Association
Sachin is affiliated with a social-religious organization that promotes organ donation after death, which further fortifies his determination. He regularly educates people about the significance of donating eyes, highlighting that corneas can be donated within a critical 10-hour window post-death while they remain viable for transplant. "Out of every ten families I approach, barely one agrees," he acknowledged. "However, even if just one person gains vision, every effort is entirely worthwhile."
From urgently traveling between cities during times of mourning to gently persuading grieving families, Sachin has transformed his personal loss into a powerful movement of compassion and hope, illuminating lives across Prayagraj and beyond.
