On a highway to Dubai to save lives

Apart from being a broadcast media professional, Anil Srivatsa takes to long drives that runs more than a few miles.
Anil Srivatsa (left, sitting) on the road with his team
Anil Srivatsa (left, sitting) on the road with his team

BENGALURU: Apart from being a broadcast media professional, Anil Srivatsa takes to long drives that runs more than a few miles. You might think he is just another road junkey. Think again. This 49-year-old hits the streets to raise awareness about organ donation.

In a series titled, ‘Gift of Life Adventure’ he drives to countries to help facilitate 1 million signatures as part of the Organ Donor Project. His Million Donor Project app sends an SMS to those who have signed up, asking them to donate organs. “I was at a friend’s place, when my friend’s father, who is around 70 years old told me that he had donated his body for the purpose of science. I asked my friend if he knew about it, to which he said, he had no clue of this,” says Anil.

So, how often does one talk about organ donation with family members, who become the rightful owners of the body once one dies? Ignorance, superstition, sentiments, come in the way of donation, notes Anil. He feels that this mindset has to be changed, although it is a long process. Anil travelled from Bengaluru to Scotland during April to June.

The idea for the drive was first seeded by his friend when Anil was recovering from a surgery. The plan and execution to last project took them nearly 2 years. This time, he is planning to drive from Italy to Dubai, which he admits is going to be ‘challenging’ as he has to transit through countries like Turkey and Iran. When asked about how he is preparing himself physically and mentally for the drive, Anil says, “Driving itself is a meditation. Anything that you do for a long time, is a meditation.” The journey is going to be challenging because of the winter. The Rotary Club of Bangalore has been reassuring their support to him, mentions Anil.

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