Eye Donation and Body Donation: A 105-Year-Old Woman’s Final Gift Inspires Society
The Tarpara family, residents of Haripar village in Kalavad taluka, Jamnagar district, set an inspiring example of human service and social welfare by arranging the eye and body donation of the late 105-year-old Jiviben Ravjibhai Tarpara after her passing. This act was carried out with the cooperation of the Red Cross Choryasi Taluka branch, Surat, and the Lokdrishti Eye Bank.
A family member and social worker involved in the cement and construction business, who actively participates in various social activities, took the initiative for this noble work after the demise of his mother. He contacted a doctor and, with the family’s consent, completed the entire process of eye and body donation.
On this occasion, many family members were present, including Khimjibhai Ravjibhai Tarpara, Rajeshbhai Khimjibhai Tarpara, Dharmi Tarpara, Mit Tarpara, Nayanbhai Khimjibhai Tarpara, Man Tarpara, Dayaben Pareshkumar Geenoya, Shantilal Ravjibhai Tarpara, Kartik Shantilal Tarpara, Keshavi Tarpara, Kripa Tarpara, Jay Shantilal Tarpara, Siya Tarpara, Rameshbhai Ravjibhai Tarpara, Jigar Rameshbhai Tarpara, Dhruv Tarpara, Hiral Shivesh Patel, Chamankumar Ajibhai Tarpara, Brijesh Chamanlal Tarpara, and Roshan Chamanlal Tarpara.
A doctor stated that the family member has been involved in social causes for a long time and continues to inspire people through awareness campaigns such as blood donation, eye donation, body donation, and organ donation. Due to these efforts, many people are joining these acts of human service.
The eyes of the late Jiviben were accepted by the Lokdrishti Eye Bank, while her mortal remains were dedicated to the Department of Anatomy at N.D. Desai Medical College and Research Center in Nadiad for the purposes of medical education and research. Doctors from the department accepted the body donation, explaining that this will significantly aid medical students in the study of human anatomy and research work.
Many dignitaries were present on this occasion, including a doctor, a general surgeon, a social leader, members of Lions Club Surat East, the President of Rotary Club of Surat East, a Secretary, and others. Villagers from Haripar, the Tarpara family, and members of the Saurashtra Patel Seva Samaj paid heartfelt tributes to the late Jiviben, describing her decision for eye and body donation as an inspiration for society.
Haripar Village
Haripar village, located in the Kutch district of Gujarat, India, is renowned for its ancient Harappan-era archaeological site, dating back to around 2600 BCE. Excavations have revealed remnants of a mature Indus Valley Civilization settlement, including pottery, tools, and structural foundations, highlighting its significance as a trade and craft center. Today, the village is also known for its traditional crafts, such as bandhani (tie-dye) textiles, which continue a legacy of local artistry.
Kalavad Taluka
Kalavad taluka is a region in the Jamnagar district of Gujarat, India, known for its historical and cultural significance. It was once part of the princely state of Nawanagar and features landmarks like the ancient Kalavad Fort, which reflects the area’s Rajput-era heritage. Today, the taluka is primarily agricultural, with a mix of rural traditions and historical remnants that attract visitors interested in Gujarat’s past.</
Haripar village
Haripar village is a historic settlement in Gujarat, India, known for its ancient stepwell and temple complex dating back to the Solanki period (10th-12th centuries). The village features the intricately carved Haripar stepwell, which served as both a water source and a social gathering place, reflecting the region’s rich architectural heritage. Today, it stands as a protected archaeological site, offering insight into medieval Indian engineering and culture.
Kalavad taluka
Kalavad taluka is an administrative region in the Jamnagar district of Gujarat, India, known for its historical and cultural significance. It was once part of the princely state of Nawanagar and features the Kalavad Fort, a 18th-century structure built by the Jadeja Rajputs. The area is also notable for its traditional crafts, particularly bandhani (tie-dye) textiles, and its role in regional trade and agriculture.
Jamnagar district
Jamnagar district, located in the state of Gujarat, India, was founded in the 16th century by Jam Rawal, a Jadeja Rajput ruler, and served as the capital of the princely state of Nawanagar. The district is historically significant for its association with the legendary cricketer Ranjitsinhji, who became the Maharaja of Nawanagar and helped develop the region’s infrastructure. Today, it is known for its vibrant culture, the sacred Lakhota Lake, and its role as a major hub for the marine and brass industries.
Red Cross Choryasi Taluka branch
The Red Cross Choryasi Taluka branch is a local chapter of the Indian Red Cross Society, located in the Choryasi taluka of Surat district, Gujarat. It operates under the broader humanitarian mission of the Red Cross, providing emergency relief, health services, and disaster response to the local community. While specific historical records of this branch are limited, it is part of the Indian Red Cross’s long-standing efforts, which date back to its founding in 1920 under the Geneva Conventions.
Lokdrishti Eye Bank
Lokdrishti Eye Bank is a prominent eye bank located in Nepal, dedicated to collecting, processing, and distributing donated corneas for sight-restoring surgeries. Established to combat preventable blindness, it has played a crucial role in the country’s eye care system by facilitating corneal transplants and raising awareness about eye donation. The initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce the backlog of corneal blindness, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
N.D. Desai Medical College and Research Center
N.D. Desai Medical College and Research Center is a prominent medical institution located in Nadiad, Gujarat, India. Established in 2001, it offers undergraduate and postgraduate medical education alongside research facilities. The college is named after Nandkishore Desai, a philanthropist, and is affiliated with Gujarat University, contributing significantly to regional healthcare and medical training.
Nadiad
Nadiad is a city in the Kheda district of Gujarat, India, with a history dating back to the medieval period. It was historically known as “Nandigam” and was an important center for trade and culture under various rulers, including the Marathas and the British. Today, it is renowned for its educational institutions, particularly the Dharmsinh Desai University, and its role in India’s independence movement.
Surat
Surat is a major port city in the Indian state of Gujarat, historically renowned as a thriving center for trade and textile manufacturing during the Mughal era. It was one of the first landing points for European colonial powers, including the British and Portuguese, and played a key role in the global diamond and silk industries. Today, it remains a bustling commercial hub, often called the “Diamond City of India” for its diamond cutting and polishing industry.
