Renowned organ donation advocate Nilesh Mandlewala, popularly known as the “Organ Man of India,” was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri by President Droupadi Murmu during the first Civil Investiture Ceremony of the Padma Awards 2026 at Ganatantra Mandap, Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
Expressing his gratitude, Mandlewala said he was deeply honored to receive the award and dedicated the recognition to everyone who supported his journey over the past two decades. He acknowledged the contributions of his late parents, family, friends, social organizations, organ donors and their families, healthcare professionals, law enforcement agencies, volunteers and the team at Donate Life.
“This recognition is not mine alone. It belongs to all those who have been part of this mission. Receiving the award from the President of India is a truly memorable achievement,” he said.
Mandlewala began his organ donation awareness mission in 2005 and founded the NGO Donate Life in 2014. Over the years, he has played a key role in facilitating more than 1,380 organ and tissue donations, helping save or improve the lives of over 1,270 individuals in India and abroad.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, he successfully coordinated 203 organ and tissue donations from Surat alone. His extensive awareness campaigns have reached more than 100 million people, contributing significantly to Surat’s recognition as an “Organ Donor City.”
In addition to the Padma Shri, Mandlewala has received over 70 national and international honors, including the Gujarat Gaurav Award, the highest civilian award conferred by the Government of Gujarat.
