Meet 11-year-old Bommesh, who has pledged to donate his eyes

In Belavatha Grama, Gubbi taluk, Tumakuru district, near Bengaluru, the young and old alike have found inspiration in the dying wishes of Harish Nanjappa. On 16 February, Harish was mowed down by a speeding truck. Harish’s dying wish was to donate his organs to save other lives. 11-year-old Bommesh S is one among the 179 people who have pledged to donate their eyes.

A class VI student of Karegowdanahalli Government School, Bommesh suffered from cataract in his eyes soon after his birth. He had to undergo several surgeries to see things clearly. Now Bommesh has one hero – ‘Harish anna’. “Harish anna has set a living example for all of us when he pleaded to donate his organs while lying in a pool of blood on the street. I too want to donate to help those who are not blessed with eyes to see things around,” said Bommesh, in a report by The Times Of India.

On 29 February, at the 13 day ceremony of Harish’s death, around 180 villagers in the age group of 11 and 82 pledged their eyes to pay tribute to the selfless soul. “A total of 102 women, 71 men and 9 children from 250 families volunteered to pledge their eyes,” said Dr Somashekar N, medical director of Dr Rajkumar Eye Bank, Narayana Nethralaya, who was in the village to create awareness on eye donation.

Dr Bhujang Shetty, chairman of Narayana Nethralaya, said: “We’ve harvested Harish’s eyes and successfully transplanted them on two individuals. It’s astounding to see how a man who was cut into two and lying on the road was able to think with such clarity. I’m overwhelmed by the villagers’ gesture too.”

To stay updated with more positive news, please connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.