Ameya Uchil Leads Youth Initiative To Address India’s Organ Donation Crisis With Education And Technology

In a country where the organ donation rate is only 0.65 donors per million, one high school student is working to address both this statistic and public perception. Ameya Uchil, an 11th-grade student from The International School Bangalore (TISB) and founder of the DONATE (Diverse Outreach Network Advancing Transplant Education) Foundation, has made it his mission to address India's critical shortage of organ donors through grassroots education and technological innovation.

It's more than about distributing pamphlets; he is actively engaging with schools and villages, having meaningful conversations about organ donation.

Since 7th grade, Ameya Uchil has been focused on raising awareness about organ donation. He formally launched the Donate Foundation in February 2022. Since then, the organization has grown with multiple regional ambassadors and more than 100 volunteers .

Till date, Ameya Uchil and his team of volunteers have reached out to over 16,000 students across more than 15 Indian states using the foundation's targeted strategy.  The foundation has also conducted workshops in 50 + villages across India thus reaching out to more than 100000 villagers. Their workshops, webinars, and community initiatives primarily focus on schools, as Ameya believes that early education can help normalize discussions about organ donation. Additionally, they organize awareness drives at various apartment complexes and corporate offices.

What distinguishes the DONATE Foundation is its holistic approach. In addition to awareness initiatives, the organization offers emotional support to patients and families affected by organ failure, connecting them with others experiencing similar challenges.

The foundation's work in rural communities have been effective in addressing misunderstandings and prejudices surrounding donations. These areas, which were previously overlooked by larger awareness initiatives, have responded positively to the foundation's culturally sensitive outreach strategies. Recently, the Donate Foundation conducted a week-long drive in Dharavi, the largest slum in Asia, which is home to over a million residents. The awareness campaign achieved success, and the Donate Foundation is now collaborating with various NGOs in Dharavi to increase awareness on a regular basis and offer support to families in need.

As organ donation rates gradually improve in India, Ameya and the Donate Foundation remain focused on the wider goal: fostering a culture in which organ donation is openly discussed, easily understood, and widely accepted as the life-saving gift. “ I am extremely grateful to the support that the various NGO’s are providing and I thank my entire team of regional ambassadors and volunteers without whom we would not be able to accomplish our mission “ said Ameya Uchil.

Ameya is currently developing an app and community platform designed to streamline efforts and provide centralized support and information system for patients. In the future, Ameya aims to develop innovative solutions to enhance organ preservation.

The dilemma we face today extends beyond mere statistics. Misconceptions, cultural barriers, and a lack of information impede individuals from making decisions that could save countless lives. The Donate Foundation ( www.donatefoundation.org ) is dedicated to making a difference and raising awareness among the general public, rural communities, and students.