Kerala has witnessed a big rise in organ donation in 2025. The Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (K-SOTTO) recorded 25 deceased donors this year—more than double the previous count. There were 75 organs donated, with kidneys topping the list at 41, followed by 21 livers and 7 hearts. In contrast, donor numbers dropped to 11 in 2024 after standing at 21 in 2020. K-SOTTO executive director Noble Gracious said, “The rise in awareness among the community has contributed to the increase in numbers. Families of brain-dead patients are now coming forward for organ donation.” The highest donor count was 76 in 2015 but fell in the years after due to misinformation and doctors' reluctance to certify brain death. "The misleading portrayal in movies contributed to the dip," he added. Dr. Gracious also highlighted the role of doctor training. "With campaigns and workshops, there is more acceptance in the community and organ donations are increasing. Doctors are also being trained and empowered in brain death certification." In 2025, 400 doctors received training in this area. The father of late Amal Babu, whose organs were donated in October, shared a personal story. A. Babu said, “After we saw our son’s situation, my wife asked the doctors if we could donate his organs. Six organs were harvested. Our son’s heart was transplanted to Ajmal. We used to call our son Unni; that’s how my wife calls Ajmal now. Our son will continue to live with six people.” Dr. Gracious noted the transplant system must grow to keep pace. "We need to improve infrastructure and capacity. Though over 50 transplant centres are registered, not all can perform organ transplants well, especially cadaveric transplants which happen suddenly," he explained. Currently, 10,541 people in Kerala have pledged to donate their organs. The recent surge shows hope for saving more lives through organ donation.