KERALA’S 10-MONTH-OLD BABY ALIN’S ACCIDENTAL DEATH: |
A WARNING TO SOCIETY AND A CALL FOR A SAFER FUTURE

By Rotarian Lal Goel | Founder & Charter President | Rotary Club of Organ Donation International | Chairman: Organ Donation India Foundation & GYAN

The Tragedy That Shook a Nation

The recent accidental death of 10-month-old Baby Alin from Kerala has sent a wave of grief and introspection across India. While the nation has united in profound praise for the parents’ selfless decision to donate their infant’s organs — a noble and life-giving act — this tragedy demands that we also pause and ask a harder question: Could this death have been prevented?
The answer, according to the law of the land and the evidence of road safety science, is an unambiguous yes. Baby Alin did not have to die. And therein lies the urgent warning this tragedy holds for every family in India.

The Law That Was Ignored
Section 194B(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act mandates the use of child restraint systems — commonly known as car seats — for young children travelling in motor vehicles. This is not a suggestion. It is a legal obligation, enacted specifically to prevent fatalities like the one that claimed Baby Alin’s life.
Globally, road traffic injuries are a leading cause of death among children under five. Properly installed child car seats reduce the risk of death in a crash by up to 71% for infants. This is not merely statistics — it is the science of survival. When a vehicle is involved in a collision, an unsecured infant becomes a projectile. No parent’s arms, however strong, can hold a child safely against the physics of a crash.
Baby Alin’s parents, like countless Indian parents, may not have been aware of this law. Or perhaps, like many others, they may have considered it unnecessary for a short trip. This is the cultural blind spot that India must urgently address.

Organ Donation: Noble Act, Difficult Context
As someone deeply involved in organ donation advocacy, I believe organ donation is a noble, life-saving act. But organ donation should never become a consolation prize for preventable negligence. A life saved through donation is sacred — but a life lost due to avoidable carelessness is a societal failure.
The decision of Baby Alin’s parents to donate her organs is, without question, an extraordinary act of compassion. Lives have been saved as a direct result. The nation’s gratitude is appropriate and sincere.
However, praising this act without equally acknowledging the preventable circumstances of the death risks sending a dangerous signal to society. It must be said clearly — not to punish grieving parents already devastated by loss — but as a societal learning: the tragedy began with non-compliance with a law designed to protect children. A society that mourns avoidable child deaths while turning a blind eye to the cause does a disservice to every child yet to be born.

The Larger Issue: Prevention Before Donation
India continues to struggle with compliance with road safety regulations. According to global road safety data, India accounts for one of the highest numbers of road fatalities in the world. Yet child car seat usage in India remains extremely low, enforcement of child restraint laws is weak, public awareness about infant road safety is minimal, and many parents wrongly believe holding a baby in arms is safe.
In contrast, countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States enforce strict child restraint regulations with heavy penalties and strong public education campaigns. Compliance is high because enforcement is real.
India cannot afford symbolic laws. We need cultural change backed by enforcement.

A Roadmap for the Future: Seven Pillars of Child Road Safety
If Baby Alin’s death is to carry meaning beyond grief, it must catalyse systemic change. The following roadmap outlines concrete, actionable steps for government, civil society, and every Indian family.

1. Rename Section 194B(2) as “Alin’s Law” — and Enforce It
   In the United Kingdom, the landmark organ donation legislation is known as Max and Keira’s Law, named after Keira Ball, a nine-year-old whose organs saved the life of Max Johnson, among others. The law carries their names because their story made it real, gave it a human face, and ensured that the public would remember not merely a legal provision but a child. That is the power of naming a law after those whose lives gave it meaning.
   India should do the same. Section 194B(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act — the child restraint law that, had it been followed, might have saved Baby Alin — must be formally designated Alin’s Law. This is not a symbolic gesture alone. It is the most meaningful homage a nation can pay to a child who cannot speak for herself. Every time a traffic officer checks for a car seat, every time a parent reads a road safety notice, every time a hospital hands new parents a safety leaflet, the name Alin should be present. She should be remembered not only as a donor, but as the child whose death became the turning point that made Indian roads safer for every infant who follows her.
   The Motor Vehicles Act’s child seat mandate under Alin’s Law must move from paper to practice. Traffic police across India must be trained, equipped, and directed to check for child restraint systems as part of routine enforcement. Fines must be meaningful, consistent, and applied without exception. A law that is not enforced is no law at all — and a law that bears a child’s name carries a moral weight that demands it be taken seriously.
2. A National Awareness Campaign
   The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, in partnership with state governments, should launch a sustained, multilingual public awareness campaign on child road safety. Hospitals, maternity wards, and paediatricians should be enlisted as frontline educators — informing new parents about car seat requirements before they leave the hospital with their newborn for the very first time. This campaign should carry Baby Alin’s name and story at its heart.
3. Affordable Access to Child Car Seats
   One significant barrier to compliance is the cost of quality child car seats, which can be prohibitive for low- and middle-income families. The government should consider subsidising car seats for economically weaker sections, reducing GST on child safety equipment, and encouraging domestic manufacturing to bring prices down. Safety must not be a privilege of the affluent.
4. Integration into Driving Licence and Vehicle Registration Processes
   Child safety information should be embedded into the process of obtaining a driving licence and registering a vehicle. Every new driver must be tested on child passenger safety laws. Vehicle registration renewal communications should include child safety reminders. These are low-cost, high-impact interventions.
5. Civil Society and Rotary Engagement
   Organisations like Rotary International, with its deep roots in communities across India, have a vital role to play. Rotary clubs can organise free child seat installation clinics, community education drives, and distribute informational materials in local languages. Civil society can bridge the gap between government mandates and ground-level behaviour change.
6. Media Responsibility
   The media, which rightly celebrated the family’s generosity in organ donation, must also fulfil its responsibility to inform. Every report on child road fatalities should mention Alin’s Law and the life-saving statistics that back it up. Journalism that informs is journalism that protects.
7. A Data-Driven National Child Road Safety Dashboard
   India should establish a publicly accessible, state-wise dashboard tracking child road traffic fatalities and injuries, car seat compliance rates, and enforcement statistics. What is measured is managed. Transparency drives accountability, and accountability drives change.
   Conclusion: Let Alin’s Life Be a Turning Point
   Baby Alin lived for only ten months. In her brief time on earth, she gave life to others through the gifts her parents chose to offer. But civil society owes her something too — the commitment that no other child will needlessly die in a car because parents did not know, or did not comply with, the law.
   In Britain, Max and Keira’s Law changed how the nation thinks about organ donation. In India, Alin’s Law must change how a nation protects its children on the road. That is a legacy worthy of her name.
   Let us honour Baby Alin not only with tears and praise for her parents’ generosity, but with action. Let every parent who reads this story buckle their child in. Let every government official enforce Alin’s Law. Let every hospital educate new parents in her name. Let every Rotarian spread the word.
   A society is measured not by how it mourns its lost children, but by how fiercely it protects the living ones. Baby Alin’s death is a warning. Let us heed it.
   — Rotarian Lal Goel

MCC Bank Conducts Leadership Session for Management and staff

NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044

MCC Bank organized a Session on leadership motivation, face-to-face selling skills, and communication skills titled “Speak, Lead and Connect” on 19th February 2026 at the Board Meeting Hall of its Head Office in Mangalore. Sahakara Ratna Shri Anil Lobo welcomed the distinguished guests with floral bouquets. The guest speakers for the session were Dr. K. Rajesh Nayak, Director – Training at the College of Banking and Financial Studies, Muscat, and CA S. S. Nayak, a renowned Chartered Accountant and expert in taxation, entrepreneurship, and business advisory services.

CA S.S. Nayak, in his session, stated that the Indian banking system is the number one in the world, highlighting its resilience, regulatory strength, and adaptability in a rapidly evolving financial landscape. He emphasized that banks should address customer complaints first before pursuing new business opportunities, as resolving concerns builds credibility, strengthens trust, and lays a solid foundation for growth.

He further mentioned that the limitations and regulatory requirements relating to the digitalization of the cooperative banking sector have now been duly addressed, enabling institutions to move forward with greater confidence in adopting technological advancements. He also stated that compliance is a higher priority than business expansion.

Explaining the exact meaning of KYC (Know Your Customer), he stressed that it involves truly knowing and understanding customers rather than merely verifying their Aadhaar and PAN cards. He also elaborated on taxation aspects applicable to Indian residents and NRIs.

He advised Managers to “know your bank, know your product, know your competitor, and know your limitations,” and encouraged them to work hard, noting that there are ample opportunities in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. He urged branch managers and staff to work together to achieve their targets.

He concluded by stating that successful people show results, whereas unsuccessful people give reasons. He explained the “10-30-10 technique,” whereby approaching 10 existing customers and obtaining three references from each can lead to 30 prospects; from 30 prospects, at least 10 can be converted into customers. He also discussed effective customer handling and emphasized that customer complaints should be resolved at the branch level itself.

Finally, he explained the concepts of Management by Objectives and Management by Exception. He concluded by quoting a Sanskrit-inspired saying: “Desire changes nothing, decision changes something, and dedication changes everything.”

Dr. K. Rajesh Nayak emphasized the importance of building trust in the Bank, stating that trust is the foundation upon which lasting customer relationships and sustainable growth are established. He encouraged participants to strengthen their listening skills, explaining that effective listening not only improves customer understanding but also enhances problem-solving and service delivery.

He remarked that while technology and artificial intelligence are advancing rapidly, human skills continue to play a far more powerful role in banking, as empathy, judgment, and personal connection cannot be replaced. He cautioned everyone never to underestimate anyone’s abilities and stressed the need to continuously build knowledge and competence. He further stated that knowledge and wisdom are essential qualities of a good leader, and that common sense is equally important for everyone.

In his presidential address, Chairman Sahakara Ratna Shri Anil Lobo emphasized the importance of leadership excellence in strengthening the foundation of the organization. He highlighted that true leadership is reflected not only in decision-making but also in the ability to inspire confidence and build lasting relationships with customers. Stressing a customer-centric approach, he remarked that service should always be delivered with a positive attitude, as positive interactions create trust and foster long-term loyalty.

He also underscored the significance of setting clear targets and consistently monitoring performance through regular follow-ups to ensure steady progress. According to him, professionalism in approach, disciplined execution, and accountability at every level are essential for achieving organizational goals. He encouraged all members to remain committed, focused, and performance-driven in order to meet and exceed their targets while upholding the highest standards of service. He thanked the guest speakers for their valuable advice to the Management and staff.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, Mr C.G. Pinto, Professional Director, expressed his sincere gratitude to the guest speakers for their insightful and enlightening sessions. He appreciated the initiative taken by the Chairman in inviting such distinguished professionals to address the Board of Directors and staff, stating that their expertise and practical guidance would greatly benefit the institution in strengthening its leadership capabilities and enhancing overall performance.

The Managers appreciated the sessions, stating that the insights shared by the speakers would help them grow further, achieve their targets, and strengthen customer service. Accountant Mr Alwyn D’Souza compered the programme and proposed the vote of thanks. As a token of gratitude, the Chairman honoured the guest speakers with shawl and memento. The Chairman, Vice Chairman, Directors, top officials from the Head Office, Branch Managers, and senior officials attended the session.

Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte Prays for Students as Examinations Approach

NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044

Mangaluru, February 21, 2026: The Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte organized a special prayer service on February 21, 2026, invoking God’s blessings upon students appearing for their forthcoming examinations. The programme was aimed at spiritually strengthening students, encouraging disciplined and ethical study habits, and offering reassurance to parents and teachers during a period that is often marked by anxiety and pressure.

The serene atmosphere of the Shrine was filled with devotion as students, parents, teachers, and devotees gathered in large numbers. One of the distinctive features of the Infant Jesus Shrine is its spirit of inclusiveness. People visit this Shrine irrespective of religion, caste, language, or social background. Over the years, devotees belonging to different faith traditions have found solace and inspiration here. Christians, Hindus, Muslims, and people of other beliefs regularly visit the Shrine seeking peace, strength, healing, and divine guidance. This universal appeal was clearly visible during the prayer service, as families from diverse backgrounds joined together with a shared intention for the well being and success of children.

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by John Pinto, OCD, who delivered a thoughtful and compassionate homily. Reflecting on the realities faced by students today, he observed that examinations often create stress not only for children but also for parents and teachers. He reminded the gathering that while academic achievement is important, it should never come at the cost of mental peace, moral values, or physical health.

Addressing the students, Fr John Pinto encouraged them to cultivate disciplined habits by preparing a realistic personal timetable and following it with sincerity. He stressed the importance of regular study, timely revision, and adequate rest. He urged students to approach examinations with calmness and confidence rather than fear. Drawing from spiritual wisdom, he explained that faith in the Universal Power that governs the universe enables individuals to rise above anxiety and self doubt.

He emphasized that faith is not blind dependence but a source of inner strength that inspires responsibility, perseverance, and right conduct. According to him, believing in the infinite intelligence that governs the universe helps individuals align their thoughts and actions in a positive direction. When faith is combined with sincere effort and ethical actions, it becomes a powerful force that leads to success and fulfillment. His words resonated deeply with students and parents alike, offering reassurance and hope.

Following the Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration was held in an atmosphere of deep silence and prayerful reflection. Special prayers were offered for students preparing for examinations, for parents who support them with dedication and sacrifice, and for teachers who guide and shape young minds. This time of adoration allowed the faithful to pause, reflect, and entrust their concerns and aspirations to God.

One of the most touching moments of the programme was the anointing and blessing of the children. Each student was anointed with holy oil and individually blessed, invoking God’s grace, wisdom, and guidance upon their academic journey. Parents watched with visible emotion as their children received the blessings. For many families, this moment symbolized reassurance, hope, and renewed confidence as they entrusted the future of their children into God’s loving care.

Addressing the gathering after the service, Stifan Perera, OCD, Director of the Shrine, extended his heartfelt best wishes to all students appearing for their examinations. He encouraged them to face their academic challenges with honesty, confidence, and perseverance. He reminded them that true success is not measured only by marks or ranks, but by the values they uphold and the integrity they display in life. He also acknowledged the vital role played by parents and teachers in nurturing and guiding students.

The Eucharistic celebration was concelebrated by Wilson Tauro, OCD, Vocation Promoter, whose presence added to the spiritual richness of the occasion. Together, the priests highlighted the importance of prayer, guidance, and moral formation in shaping young lives, especially during crucial academic phases.

The prayer service held special significance as the year has been declared the Year of the Children by the Diocese of Mangalore. In this context, the programme stood as a meaningful expression of the Church’s concern for children and young people, recognizing them as the hope of the future and emphasizing the need for holistic care that includes intellectual, emotional, moral, and spiritual growth.

The Infant Jesus Shrine has consistently organized such prayer services at the beginning of the academic year and during examination periods. These initiatives reflect the Shrine’s enduring commitment to supporting students through prayer and pastoral care. Many students and parents have shared that such moments of prayer provide peace of mind, renewed motivation, and clarity during demanding academic times.

A defining characteristic of the Shrine is its universal outlook. People from different walks of life and religious traditions visit the Shrine regularly, especially on Thursdays and during special novenas. Many are drawn not by formal religious affiliation but by a deep belief in a Universal Power and the compassionate presence symbolized by the Infant Jesus. This openness has made the Shrine a spiritual home where human hopes and struggles find expression beyond boundaries of religion or caste.

Faith, at its core, is about trusting the Universal Power that governs the conduct of the universe. Whether one fully understands it or not, an infinite intelligence guides creation and human destiny. By believing in this higher power, individuals are able to draw inner strength, resilience, and clarity of purpose. Faith offers courage during fear, patience during uncertainty, and direction during moments of confusion.

At the same time, the message emphasized throughout the programme was that faith must always be accompanied by ethical actions. Honesty in examinations, discipline in preparation, respect for parents and teachers, and responsibility towards society are essential values. When belief is united with right conduct and sincere effort, it becomes a transformative force that leads not only to academic success but also to meaningful and responsible living.

The active participation of students, parents, and teachers highlighted the strong bond between the Shrine and the wider community. Their presence reflected a shared understanding that education is not merely about intellectual achievement, but about forming character and nurturing values that guide individuals throughout life. The atmosphere was filled with calm assurance and renewed hope. Students left the Shrine with confidence and peace of mind, parents with trust and reassurance, and teachers with encouragement to continue their mission. Once again, the Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte, reaffirmed its role as a centre of faith, inclusiveness, encouragement, and spiritual guidance, reminding all that when faith, effort, and ethical living come together, success naturally follows.

Is India’s Organ Donation Policy Shift Good Enough?

India has reached a historic milestone in organ transplantation. In 2024, the country performed approximately 18,900 organ transplants—the highest ever recorded. Yet beneath this achievement lies a stark reality: India continues to face one of the world’s most severe organ shortages.

An estimated five lakh (500,000) patients require organ transplants annually, but only a fraction receive them. More concerning is the foundation of the system itself—India’s deceased organ donation rate remains below 1 per million population (pmp).

In contrast:
• Spain records approximately 52.6 deceased donors per million population (2024)—the highest in the world.
• The United States records approximately 48 deceased donors per million population (latest reported data).

For a nation of over 1.4 billion people, this gap is not merely statistical—it is systemic.

The Recent Policy Shift

Since 2023, the Government of India has initiated significant reforms under a “One Nation, One Policy” approach, anchored by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO).

1️⃣ Removing Access Barriers (2023)
• The upper age limit of 65 years for waitlist registration was removed.
• The domicile requirement was abolished, allowing patients to register in any state.
• Registration on the national waitlist was made free.

These were long-overdue measures that reduce interstate disparities.

2️⃣ Equity-Based Allocation (2025 Advisory)

NOTTO issued a 10-point advisory providing:
• Additional priority to women recipients.
• Preference to immediate relatives of deceased donors.

This addresses long-standing gender imbalance and incentivises family consent.

3️⃣ Digital and Financial Enablers
• Aadhaar-linked online pledge registration has crossed 3.3 lakh pledges.
• Financial assistance under Ayushman Bharat supports eligible transplant patients.
• Efforts are underway to strengthen real-time registries and organ transport protocols.

These reforms build upon the Transplantation of Human Organs Act and the NOTTO–ROTTO–SOTTO framework established in 2014.

Progress: What Is Working
• Transplants have risen from fewer than 5,000 in 2013 to nearly 19,000 in 2024.
• Deceased donors crossed 1,100 in 2024.
• States like Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Gujarat demonstrate that structured programmes improve outcomes.

These gains are meaningful—but not transformative.

The Persistent Structural Gaps

1️⃣ Deceased Donation Remains Critically Low

India remains overwhelmingly dependent on living donors.

While Spain stands at 52.6 pmp and the United States at 48 pmp, India remains below 1 pmp due to:
• Inconsistent state implementation
• Legal ambiguity around brainstem death
• Fear of medico-legal consequences
• Absence of national Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD) protocols
• Limited expanded-criteria donor use

Without mandatory reporting and legal clarity, deceased donation cannot scale.

2️⃣ Infrastructure and Human Resource Deficits

Many registered transplant centres remain inactive. Public hospitals lag behind private institutions. Chronic shortages include:
• Trained transplant coordinators
• ICU beds for donor maintenance
• Retrieval and transport logistics
• Real-time digital allocation systems

Announcements alone cannot fix underfunded systems.

3️⃣ Mobile Organ Retrieval Centres: A Critical Missing Link

One transformative reform India urgently needs is the establishment of Mobile Organ Retrieval Centres (MORCs).

Why Mobile Retrieval Centres Matter

India’s geography is vast. Many potential donors are located in tier-2 and tier-3 cities where:
• Transplant teams are unavailable
• Brain-death declaration is delayed
• Organs are lost due to logistical constraints

Mobile Organ Retrieval Centres—equipped ambulances with trained surgical retrieval teams and organ preservation equipment—can:
• Travel to non-transplant hospitals
• Perform on-site organ retrieval
• Stabilise and preserve organs
• Coordinate rapid air or road transport

This model reduces organ wastage, decentralises access, and builds confidence among smaller hospitals.

International Inspiration

Spain’s high performance is supported by hospital-based coordinators and rapid retrieval systems. The U.S. model relies on strong Organ Procurement Organisations with structured transport networks.

India must adapt these principles to its scale through:
• Nationally funded Mobile Retrieval Units
• Regional rapid-response teams
• Dedicated organ air corridors
• Real-time GPS-linked tracking systems

Without mobile infrastructure, policy reform will not translate into higher deceased donation rates.

Massive Unmet Need

Kidney transplants number around 13,000–14,000 annually, yet waiting lists run into lakhs. Waiting periods stretch 3–5 years. Thousands die while waiting.

Rural and economically weaker patients face barriers of affordability and awareness. Myths, religious misconceptions, and fear continue to influence family consent.

The International Comparison

Spain’s leadership—52.6 pmp—was built through:
• Mandatory brain-death reporting
• Hospital-based transplant coordinators
• Continuous professional training
• Cultural normalisation of donation
• Presumed consent

The United States, at 48 pmp, benefits from strong Organ Procurement Organisations and structured national reporting.

India’s reforms remain largely procedural rather than systemic.

The Verdict: Progress, But Not Enough

The 2023–2025 reforms deserve recognition. They have:
• Increased transplant numbers
• Reduced bureaucratic barriers
• Promoted equity
• Improved digital registration

However, they do not yet address the structural core of the crisis.

The Road Ahead: From Reform to Transformation

1️⃣ Universal Financial Protection
• The AB-PMJAY scheme must be mandatory for all transplant-performing hospitals.
• Insurance companies must comprehensively cover organ transplantation without increasing premiums.

Financial fear must never prevent a transplant.

2️⃣ Empower NOTTO with Statutory Authority

NOTTO should be granted stronger binding powers for:
• Mandatory reporting
• Audit control
• Enforcement capability

Organ allocation must be insulated from politics and delay.

3️⃣ Mandatory Brain-Death Reporting
• Compulsory declaration in every ICU
• Regulatory action for non-reporting
• Uniform national protocols

4️⃣ Education Reform
• From 5th standard onwards, organs, tissues, brain death, and organ donation must be part of the curriculum.

5️⃣ Responsible Public Discourse

Deliberate misinformation that discourages organ donation should invite accountability under appropriate legal provisions.

6️⃣ Media as a Public Health Partner

Sustained organ donation messaging—not seasonal campaigns—is essential.

7️⃣ Structural Reforms Still Needed
• Harmonised legal definitions of death
• Mandatory brain-death audits
• National DCD protocols
• Public ICU investment
• Transparent allocation systems
• Performance-linked funding
• National rollout of Mobile Organ Retrieval Centres

Conclusion

India has the population base, clinical expertise, and technological capacity to become a global leader in organ donation.

What is missing is decisive systemic execution.

With Spain at 52.6 pmp, the United States at 48 pmp, and India still below 1 pmp, incremental reform is not enough.

We need stronger laws.
We need empowered institutions.
We need compulsory reporting.
We need universal financial protection.
We need a mobile retrieval infrastructure.
We need education from childhood.
We need a media partnership.

And above all, we need citizens to step forward.

Until structural reform matches policy ambition, thousands of preventable deaths will continue.

And that is a gap no nation of 1.4 billion should accept.