India has achieved a significant milestone in its organ donation movement, with more than 5 lakh people pledging to donate their organs, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.The achievement reflects growing public awareness of organ donation as a life-saving act that can offer hope and a second chance to patients awaiting transplants. It also marks a major step forward in the government's efforts to promote voluntary organ and tissue donation across the country.Government Highlights Growing AwarenessIn a statement, the Health Ministry said the milestone demonstrates increasing public participation and trust in the organ donation ecosystem."The Government of India remains steadfast in its commitment to bridging the gap between the demand and availability of organs and tissues through sustained awareness generation, enhanced institutional capacities, and strengthened transplantation systems."The ministry added that efforts continue to ensure organ transplantation practices remain ethical, equitable, transparent, and patient-centric.Also read: US Hospital Performs World's First HIV-to-HIV Lung Transplant, Offering Fresh Hope for HIV PatientsPM Modi's Appeals Boosted Organ Donation MovementThe organ donation campaign has gained momentum in recent years, aided by repeated appeals from Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his monthly radio program, Mann Ki Baat.In the 131st episode, the Prime Minister highlighted the growing awareness around organ donation and its impact on healthcare."Awareness about organ donation is steadily rising in India these days. This is helping those who are in need of it. It is also strengthening medical research in the country. Many organizations and individuals are doing extraordinary work in this direction," the Prime Minister said.Read More: AI Cannot Replace Doctors, It Can Only Complement, Says Dr Santosh SivaranjaniOrgan Transplants Quadruple In A DecadeAccording to the latest government data, India has witnessed a fourfold increase in organ transplants over the last decade.2013: Fewer than 5,000 organ transplants2025: Nearly 20,000 organ transplantsThe rise reflects improvements in awareness, healthcare infrastructure, and organ donation systems across the country.Online Portal Simplifies RegistrationTo make the process more accessible, the government launched an Aadhaar-based online organ donation pledge portal in 2023.The platform, notto.abdm.gov.in, allows citizens to register their organ donation pledge securely and transparently.Officials say the portal has significantly streamlined the registration process and encouraged greater public participation.How To Become An Organ Donor According to the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), you can choose to be a donor while you are alive, or your family can give their permission after you pass away.The Organ Retrieval Banking Organization (ORBO) helps coordinate this entire process. If you want to donate your organs after you die, you can pledge to be a donor now. Steps to pledge organ donation:1. Fill Out the Donor FormObtain the organ donor form from ORBO or register online through the national portal.2. Get Witness SignaturesThe form must be signed by two witnesses, including one close family member.3. Submit the FormSend the completed form to ORBO or complete the online registration process.4. Receive a Donor CardRegistered donors receive a donor card along with a registration number.5. Inform Your FamilyShare your decision with family members and keep your donor card accessible so your wishes are known.