Anil Srivatsa, Founder of Gift of Life Adventure (GOLA) Foundation, in an ambitious effort to raise global awareness for organ donation. Manipal Hospitals has come forward to support Anil’s monumental year-long journey as an Indian Athlete to the World Transplant Games 2025 in Germany, which will commence in July 2024, during Organ Donation Month in Bengaluru. The route will culminate in Dresden, Germany, on August 10th, 2025, marking the 100th country visited by Anil by road on this life-changing mission.
Anil Srivatsa, a native of Bangalore and esteemed life coach, commenced his journey advocating for organ donation nearly a decade ago following a transformative incident. In 2014, Anil’s brother, Dr Arjun Srivatsa required a life-saving transplant due to severe renal failure. In a remarkable act of courage and love, Anil donated one of his kidneys and underwent surgery at Manipal Hospitals in Yeshwantpur. This act highlighted the prevalent misconceptions and reluctance surrounding organ donation within India. Since that pivotal moment, Anil has dedicated himself to dispelling myths and promoting organ donation. His efforts have significantly contributed to changing perceptions and policies, demonstrating the profound impact one individual’s commitment can have worldwide.
Anil has become the first athlete to traverse over 40,000 miles across 17 countries to compete for India at the World Transplant Games 2023 in Perth, Australia. In 2019, he earned two gold medals and also set a world record in the cricket ball throw event. Continuing his momentum, he achieved further accolades at the 2023 Games, solidifying his pioneering role in advocating for organ donation.
“My journey in organ donation advocacy has been driven by a deep desire to save lives and dispel myths. The global response and the tangible impact on countless lives reaffirm my belief in the power of collective effort and humanitarian responsibility through love and compassion. My foundation’s activities are geared towards this end through awareness, advocacy and philanthropy projects,” said Anil.
Anil has driven across 58 countries so far on this mission before setting off on this one, telling his story in over 1,000 talks to over 300,000 people. He is now on his final journey around 40+ countries in Africa, Europe, North America, and Asia to bring Rotary Clubs together to promote organ donation and the LIFT UP (Life Increasing Funded Transplants for the Underprivileged) Project.
