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A friend in need is a friend indeed

Dubai - Somber appeal by the father is certainly very heart rending, and so is Manjot's gesture to save the life of a friend.

This is in reference to news report Disabled dad begs activist daughter not to donate kidney to friend (KT, Dec 3). It was a heartwarming story of Manjot Singh Kohli, who is a 23-year-old Sikh rights activist in Jammu and Kashmir, India. She has decided to save the life of her friend 23-year-old Muslim friend Samreen Akhtar by donating a kidney. It is a wonderful gesture, reflecting compassion. Such acts restore our faith in humanity and power of friendship. But Manjot is facing a serious dilemma.
Her disabled father has appealed to her to reconsider the decision. There are a number of reasons he has cited: He needs her by his side as there is no one else to attend to him; he cannot walk and relies on her support. Besides, he is also planning to get her married shortly and the act of donation might create problems.
The father has, in fact, sent a notice to the medical institute, requesting them to not proceed with the request. He has even approached the governor of the state to intervene.
The somber appeal by the father is certainly very heart rending, and so is Manjot's gesture to save the life of a friend. However, I think she should listen to her father who needs her by his side. Service to parents is supreme. I hope Samreen will understand the noble gesture of Manjot and decline the donation. Surely someone else will come forward to help her.
- Aftab Ahmed, Dubai