Semblances of “aangdan (organ donation)” with “kanyadan (gift of a maiden)”under hindu marriage

Abstract

This article seeks to draw parallels between various rituals and practices of the Indian wedding and the concept of organ donation and transplantation. The purpose of this article is to make it easier for the layman to relate to the concept of organ donation and transplantation. The article attempts to liken “Kanyadan” (giving away of a daughter in marriage) and “Aangdan” (organ donation); makes comparisons between the two using parameters of legal age, importance of love, search for a suitable match, appointment of middle men, financial investments and legal penalties etc. The article equates traditional match making on the basis of religion with the blood group matching in organ donation and transplantation. It further links the guna milap (Matching of fate lines) of the prospective bride and groom with that of Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) matching in organ donation and transplantation. It also highlights the significance of ensuring compatibility with internal environment irrespective of best selected matches in both the cases. The engagement ceremony to grant social approval to a marriage is equated with socio-legal approvals by “Authorization Committees” for organ donation and transplantation. Geography or spatial proximity also plays a crucial role in facilitating a marriage as well as organ transplant. The article also concludes that a combination of sadness and jubilation is common in both these events. The post-event management in both the cases is a roller coaster ride – full of apprehensions and anxieties – and needs more investments in terms of money, emotions and care. The two however differ on the infrastructure issue; while it’s easy to perform “Kanyadan” at any place by priests or pundits, availability of infrastructure and manpower is restricted in case of “Aangdan”. The author also draws parallel between some unusual marriages and unusual organ donation and transplantations and warns people against commercial donors. She also tries to counsel those feeling cheated and resentful for not receiving organs for transplant despite their names being on top in the waitlisted people for organ transplant. The author underlines that based on this article a role play or social drama could be prepared for conveying the nuances and intricacies of organ transplant to common people.