Meerut: Breaking the shackles of tradition and overcoming sharp religion fissures people in remote parts of western Uttar Pradesh are increasingly taking to organ donation to save each other’s lives. Prabha Singh, 28, and Hazra Bano are now friends. Kidneys bind them.While Prabha’s brother-in-law donated his kidney to Hazra’s husband, Hazra donated her kidney to Prabha.When prodded for details, Prabha Singh, a resident of Muzaffarnagar, said smilingly: “Hazra’s husband was a kidney patient, and I needed a kidney also. When we got to know that both the families were in need, we didn’t think much. Though our religions are different, what kind of humans we will be if we cannot help each other in times of need. Hazra donated the kidney to me and my brother-in-law donated his kidney to her husband.”In another case, a married woman donated her one kidney so that her ailing brother could live. Three months ago, Meera Sharma, 41, a teacher, got to know that her brother needed a kidney transplant. She did not waste time and consulted her husband, who gave his consent.Meera turned on its head the long-held notion of Raksha Bandhan, that it is a brother’s duty to protect his sister.“My husband was very cooperative. He stood by me when I decided to donate a kidney to my brother. Raksha Bandhan is all about love of brother and sister. And it’s not only the brother’s responsibility to protect the sister; she can also protect her brothers,” Meera, a resident of Meerut, said.Meera is not the only one to have challenged stereotypes.51-year-old Maya Singh, who works as an Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM), got a kidney from her husband.She said: “When my husband volunteered to donate his kidney, neighbours said all sorts of things. They thought that my husband will not be able to work after donating the kidney, but he refused to give in to the societal pressure and misconceptions and agreed to donate. I was unable to go to work due to the kidney failure, but now we again have two earning hands in the family.”However, doctors talk about a long road ahead.“There are so many misconceptions about organ donation. People think that they will not be able to work normally and will become weak. In fact, many think that the process might be a failure all together and will deteriorate their health. People should come forward for organ donation and stop believing in myths associated with it,” said Dr Sandeep Garg, nephrologist, Nutema hospital.Babu Khan (60) and his son Shehzad Khan (28) are examples of how health issues do not take place with the donor or the recipient.“Despite my age, I have not felt any health issues even three years after donating my kidney. In fact, as far as my son is concerned, he is blessed with a son of his own and I couldn’t have been happier,” said Babu.

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