In the heart of the picturesque hills of Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh, where nature’s beauty intertwines with human resilience, a touching story of hope and courage emerges from the journey of a son who donated his liver to his father, Dr. Ashok Pant, an educator more than a decade ago.
Enter the world of ‘Jigar Ka Tukra’–a poignant documentary film produced by Ramanand Bhatt, a visionary director of Chandrica Designocomm is based on Pant’s book, ‘Liver Pratyaropan: Mere Anubhav’ (My Experiences of Liver Transplant). The short film inspires viewers to witness the extraordinary journey of Dr. Pant over the past 15 years, following his life-changing liver transplantation.
The film was screened on April 19 to mark World Liver Day at the Deputy Speaker’s Hall, Constitution Club in the national capital, further highlighting importance of life-saving organ donation.
The event was attended by prominent figures from the medical community, organ donation advocacy groups, and families affected by organ transplants, emphasizing the film’s vital theme.
The narrative focuses on Dr. Pant’s harrowing experience with liver cirrhosis and his subsequent liver transplant. Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Pant, the founder of the ‘Manas’ group of institutions in Pithoragarh, recounted, “After several misdiagnosis from doctors in Pithoragarh and Haldwani, I finally went to Singhania Hospital in Delhi, where Dr. DK Singhal informed me that I was suffering from decompensated cirrhosis and needed an urgent liver transplant to survive. My family and I viewed this as a challenge, especially after having to arrange Rs 25 lakhs upfront.”
A pivotal moment comes when Dr. Pant’s son, Shivasheesh, then an engineering student, bravely offered to donate a portion of his liver to save his father’s life.
This is what captured the attention of producer Ramanand Bhatt. “I was inspired to bring Dr. Pant’s story to life because his book beautifully intertwines his struggles and triumphs, showcasing not just the medical journey of a liver transplant but also the profound emotional landscape of survival.”
Accompanied by a heartfelt portrayal of Dr. Pant by actor Shankar Mishra, the documentary is a celebration of life—a story of love, sacrifice, and family bonds; it also aims to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation through a thought-provoking narrative.
“By choosing to donate a portion of his liver, the son not only provides his father with a second chance at life but also strengthens their bond and inspires others to consider the importance of organ donation,” said Bhatt regarding his decision to spotlight this subject.
Furthermore, the film serves as a vital call to action, addressing the acute shortages in organ transplants in the country and encouraging more people to consider registering as organ donors, whether during their lifetimes or after death.
By sharing these powerful and personal stories, ‘Jigar Ka Tukra’ aims to transform perceptions surrounding organ donation and inspire a culture of giving that can ultimately save lives.