# Davis Chiramel > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Davis_Chiramel > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Davis_Chiramel.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davis_Chiramel > Source revision: 1357358029 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Short description|Indian Catholic Priest}} {{Use Indian English|date=October 2015}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2015}} {{Infobox Christian leader | honorific_prefix = Reverend Father | image = Fr Davis Chiramel 2025.jpg | image_size = | caption = | birth_name = Davis Chiramel | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1960|05|30}} | birth_place = [Aranattukara](/source/Aranattukara), [Kerala](/source/Kerala), [India](/source/India) | alma_mater = St. Joseph Pontifical Seminary, Aluva | residence = [Aranattukara](/source/Aranattukara), [Thrissur](/source/Thrissur), Kerala | occupation = * Priest * Spiritual Leader | title = | church = St. Mother Teresa Church Kaiparambu, Thrissur District, Kerala, India | province = | ordination = 30 December 1988 | ordained_by = [Joseph Kundukulam](/source/Joseph_Kundukulam) | archdiocese = [Syro-Malabar Catholic Archdiocese of Thrissur](/source/Syro-Malabar_Catholic_Archdiocese_of_Thrissur) | denomination = [Syro-Malabar Catholic](/source/Syro-Malabar_Catholic) | parents = * Chakkunny (father) *Kochannam (mother) | signature = | footnotes = | diocese = [Thrissur](/source/Thrissur) }} '''Rev. Fr. Davis Chiramel''' (born 30 May 1960) is an Indian Catholic priest, humanitarian, and global advocate for organ donation. Popularly known as the '''''“Kidney Priest''".''' He is the founder of the ''[Kidney Federation of India](/source/Kidney_Federation_of_India)'', ''[Accident Care and Transport Service (ACTS)](/source/Accident_Care_and_Transport_Service)'', and several other social welfare initiatives. His life’s work has been dedicated to promoting organ donation, eradicating hunger, and uplifting marginalized communities. He currently serves under the [Syro-Malabar Catholic Archdiocese of Thrissur](/source/Syro-Malabar_Catholic_Archdiocese_of_Thrissur).{{Cite web |title=CHIRAMEL DAVIS (Jr.) - Archdiocese of Trichur |url=https://www.trichurarchdiocese.org/ecclesiastical/archdiocesan_priest/101 |access-date=2019-12-11 |website=www.trichurarchdiocese.org}} ==Early life and education== Davis Chiramel was born in [Aranattukara](/source/Aranattukara), [Thrissur](/source/Thrissur), [Kerala](/source/Kerala), to Kochannam and Chakkunni of the Chiramel house. He was the fourth among six children and spent his early years surrounded by nature, developing empathy for both people and animals. He studied at Tharakan’s High School, pursued priestly formation at St. Mary’s Minor Seminary, Thope (Thrissur), and later at the Pontifical Seminary, Aluva. He was ordained a priest on 30 December 1988 by Archbishop [Mar Joseph Kundukulam](/source/Joseph_Kundukulam) at ''St. Thomas Church'', [Aranattukara](/source/Aranattukara). == Priesthood and Humanitarian Work == Fr. Chiramel’s priesthood is characterized by deep compassion and practical social engagement. His philosophy ''“Practice before preaching”'' guided him to personally act before inspiring others. His empathy for the suffering led to the establishment of several transformative humanitarian projects across India and abroad. == Organ Donation and the Kidney Federation of India == On 30 September 2009, Fr. Chiramel became the first Catholic priest in India to donate a kidney, offering it to a Hindu electrician named Gopinathan. This selfless act inspired a national movement for organ donation and led to the founding of the [Kidney Federation of India (KFI)](/source/Kidney_Federation_of_India), headquartered in Thrissur. [KFI](/source/Kidney_Federation_of_India) promotes living and deceased organ donation, supports kidney patients with dialysis and transplant aid, and conducts awareness campaigns such as the Manava Karunya Yathra (Journey of Human Compassion). == Accident Care and Transport Service (ACTS) == In 2000, Fr. Chiramel founded ''[ACTS](/source/Accident_Care_and_Transport_Service)'' to assist road accident victims through a volunteer network that now includes 50,000+ members and has helped more than 300,000 people. The initiative has become a model for community-based emergency response systems in India. == Hunger Hunt and Social Projects == Fr. Chiramel launched Hunger Hunt in 2020, ensuring no one goes hungry. The program provides food to the poor through public food shelves and hotel partnerships in Kerala, Oman, and the USA. He also initiated the Cloth Bank, Home for the Homeless, Green Park, and Hope Registry, all of which address fundamental human needs—food, clothing, shelter, and healthcare. == Green Life Program and UAE Involvement == In 2023, the [UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP)](/source/Ministry_of_Health_and_Prevention_(United_Arab_Emirates)) appointed him “Hayat Champion” for his leadership in promoting organ donation. Under his direction, the UAE achieved a Guinness World Record for ''“Most People to Sign Up as Organ Donors Online in One Hour”'' (4,040 registrations). == Kelkkaam (Malayalam: ''“Let’s Listen”'') == '''Kelkkaam''' (Malayalam: ''“Let’s Listen”'') is a global mental-health and suicide-prevention movement Fr. Chiramel is the founder and principal driving force behind Kelkkaam, a global mental-health and suicide-prevention movement designed to support Malayali communities in Kerala and across the diaspora. He conceptualized the initiative with a core philosophy of ''“listening as healing,”'' emphasizing compassionate, non-judgmental spaces for individuals experiencing emotional distress, depression, loneliness, or suicidal thoughts. Under his leadership, Kelkkaam has grown into an international network supported by mental-health professionals, counsellors, and trained volunteers who provide 24/7 emotional support, crisis intervention, and community outreach. Fr. Chiramel plays a central role in shaping the project’s mission, expanding its global reach, and promoting culturally sensitive mental-wellbeing support for Malayalis worldwide. == Global Mission == Fr. Chiramel has traveled across continents spreading messages of faith and compassion. * '''[Asia](/source/Asia):''' [UAE](/source/United_Arab_Emirates), [Kuwait](/source/Kuwait), [Bahrain](/source/Bahrain), [Israel](/source/Israel), [Jordan](/source/Jordan), [Qatar](/source/Qatar), [Oman](/source/Oman), [Turkey](/source/Turkey), [Singapore](/source/Singapore), [Brunei](/source/Brunei), [Hong Kong](/source/Hong_Kong), [Sri Lanka](/source/Sri_Lanka). * '''[Europe](/source/Europe):''' [Italy](/source/Italy), [UK](/source/United_Kingdom), [Germany](/source/Germany), [France](/source/France), [Belgium](/source/Belgium), [Spain](/source/Spain), [Switzerland](/source/Switzerland), [Czech Republic](/source/Czech_Republic), [Bosnia and Herzegovina](/source/Bosnia_and_Herzegovina), [Portugal](/source/Portugal), [Vatican City](/source/Vatican_City). * '''[Oceania](/source/Oceania):''' [Australia](/source/Australia), [New Zealand](/source/New_Zealand). * '''[Africa](/source/Africa):''' [Egypt](/source/Egypt). * '''[North America](/source/North_America):''' [USA](/source/United_States) and [Canada](/source/Canada). == Major Initiatives == * '''[Kidney Federation of India](/source/Kidney_Federation_of_India)''' – Organ donation and patient support. * '''[ACTS (Accident Care & Transport Service)](/source/Accident_Care_and_Transport_Service)''' – Emergency and road safety volunteer network. * '''Hunger Hunt International''' – Global zero-hunger initiative. * '''Hello Radio 90.8 FM''' – Community radio for education and social welfare. * '''Parivarthan''' – Anti-drug and youth empowerment campaign. * '''Fr. Davis Chiramel Charitable Trust''' – Consolidating all charitable programs under one umbrella. * '''Hope Registry''' – Ethical kidney swap registry. * '''Home for the Homeless''' – Housing program for displaced families. * '''Manava Karunya Yatra (Journey of Human Compassion)''' '''–''' Organ Donation Awareness Campaign * '''Ma Nishada (“Don’t Kill”) Yatra''' – Suicide prevention and life-affirmation campaign. == Legacy == Fr. Chiramel’s life bridges '''faith and humanitarianism'''. His kidney donation triggered a social awakening in India that transformed attitudes toward organ donation. His movements—rooted in compassion, equality, and interfaith harmony—continue to inspire millions worldwide. He is often regarded as ''“The Gandhi from Kerala”'' and ''“A Missionary of Life.”'' == See also == * [Kidney Federation of India (KFI)](/source/Kidney_Federation_of_India) ==References== {{reflist}} ==External links== {{wikiquote}} * [https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-07/priesthood-to-philanthropy-saving-lives-one-kidney-at-a-time.html From priesthood to philanthropy: Saving lives, one kidney at a time] Fr. Davis created history by being the first priest to ever donate an organ. Following his example, throughout the state, 15 clergy donated their kidneys, which include a bishop, several priests and a nun - [VATICAN NEWS](/source/Vatican_News) - 28 July 2023 * [https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/679315-most-people-to-sign-up-as-organ-donors-online-in-one-hour Most people to sign up as organ donors online in one hour] [Guinness World Record](/source/Guinness_World_Records) by [MOHAP](/source/Ministry_of_Health_and_Prevention_(United_Arab_Emirates)) (HAYAT Program) & Green Life (both UAE) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 31 January 2024. * [https://gulfnews.com/uae/health/uae-set-to-mandate-insurance-coverage-for-organ-donors-recipients-1.100098447 Fr Davis Chiramel, popularly known as the Kidney Priest from India, whose ‘Green Life’ campaign has been roped in to champion the message of organ donation among UAE residents] - [GULF NEWS](/source/Gulf_News) 26 December 2023 * [https://www.khaleejtimes.com/jobs/1650-employees-of-uae-company-pledge-to-donate-organs 1,650 employees of UAE company pledge to donate organs] Green Life, an initiative by Father Davis Chiramel - [KHALEEJ TIMES](/source/Khaleej_Times) 14 December 2023 * [https://timeworldrecords.uk/most-organ-donation-pledges-by-company-staff-in-24-hours/ Most Organ Donation Pledges by Company Staff in 24 Hours] [Fr. Davis Chiramel](/source/Davis_Chiramel) played a pivotal role in the promotion of this initiative - [https://timeworldrecords.uk/most-organ-donation-pledges-by-company-staff-in-24-hours/ TIME WORLD RECORDS] - 23 December 2023 * [https://www.sentinelassam.com/more-news/national-news/indian-priest-to-help-britains-ailing-health-service Indian priest to help Britain’s ailing health service] [Father Davis Chiramel](/source/Davis_Chiramel), Chairman of the [Kidney Federation of India](/source/Kidney_Federation_of_India) popularly known as “Kidney Father From Kerala”, has launched a voluntary charity organisation in Britain - [The Sentinel](/source/The_Sentinel_(Staffordshire)) 02 February 2015 * [https://gulfnews.com/lifestyle/health-fitness/inspiring-a-chain-of-organ-donations-in-india-1.1207859 Inspiring a chain of organ donations in India] Father Davis Chiramel set off a chain of kidney donations in his native Kerala by donating one of his kidneys to a total stranger - [GULF NEWS](/source/Gulf_News) - 15 September 2018 * [https://www.indiansinkuwait.com/news/Organ-donation-the-gift-of-life-%E2%80%94-Father-Davis-Chiramel Organ donation: the gift of life — Father Davis Chiramel] [https://www.indiansinkuwait.com/ IndiansinKuwait.com] - 10 January 2013 * [https://timeskuwait.com/news/faips-dps-organizes-awareness-session-on-organ-donation/ FAIPS-DPS organizes awareness session on organ donation] The session was presided over by the resource person, Fr. Davis Chiramel (Chairman  of Kidney Foundation of India) and harbinger of this great endeavour in Kuwait - [TIMES Kuwait](/source/Times_Kuwait) - 23 May 2023 * [https://www.pressreader.com/kuwait/kuwait-times/20140123/281582353496464 Kuwait Transplant Society welcomes India Kidney Fed] 23 January 2014 * [https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3043273/kidney-priest-how-clerics-organ-donation-sparked-global?utm_source=copy-link&utm_campaign=3043273&utm_medium=share_widget The ‘kidney priest’: how a cleric’s organ donation sparked a global campaign to register more donors] [Rev. Fr. Davis Chiramel](/source/Davis_Chiramel), the first priest known to have donated an organ, encouraged the gift of giving at a talk in [Hong Kong](/source/Hong_Kong) - [South China Morning Post](/source/South_China_Morning_Post) - 24 December 2019 * [https://www.thenewsminute.com/kerala/kerala-priests-selfless-act-organ-donation-inspires-15-priests-follow-suit-48007 Kerala Priest’s selfless act of organ donation inspires 15 priests to follow suit] [The NEWS Minute](/source/The_News_Minute) 11 August 2016 * [https://www.ucanews.com/news/indian-priests-kidney-donation-drive-inspires-many/3205 Donors flock to Indian priest's kidney bank] Millionaire among those who answer the call to help the poor - [UCA NEWS](/source/UCA_News) * [https://www.omanobserver.om/article/1123084/oman/give-away-organs-save-lives-donor-pioneer Give away organs, save lives: Donor pioneer] Fr Davis Chiramel, a catholic priest who gave his kidney to a stranger and set off a movement of organ donation in the Indian state of Kerala, urged the people to Oman to save lives by donating organs - [Oman observer](/source/Oman_Daily_Observer) 01 August 2022 * [https://www.asterhospitals.in/blogs-events-news/aster-medcity-kochi/aster-medcity-join-hands-fr-davis-chiramel-cancer-treatment Aster Medcity Join Hands with Fr Davis Chiramel for Cancer Treatment] Aster Medcity, a leading cancer hospital in Kochi, will be joining hands with charity worker [Fr Davis Chiramel](/source/Davis_Chiramel) - 20 June 2022 * [https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/how-an-evangelist-is-leading-the-way-for-organ-donation-in-kerala/story-IGRq5YaqdgWyUewBadbakL.html Why Kerala is leading the way in organ donation] Father Davis Chiramel, Kerala’s best-known organ donation evangelist - [Hindusthan Times](/source/Hindustan_Times) 04 September 2016 * {{Cite web |url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/style/style-factor/2018/12/22/rev-fr-Davis-Chiramel-special-interview.html |title=അപരന്റെ ഹൃദയത്തിലാണ് ഞങ്ങൾ പുൽക്കൂട് പണിയുന്നത്: ഫാ. ഡേവിസ് ചിറമേൽ |website=ManoramaOnline |access-date=2019-12-11}} * {{Cite web |url=https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3043273/kidney-priest-how-clerics-organ-donation-sparked-global |title=The gift of life: do as I did, urges kidney donor priest |date=2019-12-24 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en |access-date=2019-12-25}} * [https://www.ndtv.com/indians-abroad/indian-priest-launches-organ-donation-drive-in-uk-736430 Indian Priest Launches Organ Donation Drive in UK] [NDTV](/source/NDTV) 02 February 2015 * [https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/hope-registry-to-help-kidney-patients/article65211574.ece#google_vignette ‘Hope Registry’ to help kidney patients] [THE HINDU](/source/The_Hindu) 10 March 2022 * [https://pravasidaily.com/vyapara-padham-episode-3-october-21-2021/ തണലിൽ ഇത്തിരിനേരം – Interview with Fr. Davis Chiramel] [https://pravasidaily.com/ Pravasi Daily] 21 October 2021 * [https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/hope-registry-portal-for-easy-kidney-transplant-organ-transplantation-health-news-cc87b3f0 Hope Registry, portal for easy kidney transplant] [mathrubhumi.com](/source/Mathrubhumi) 10 March 2022 * ''[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/fr-davis-chiramel-chairman-of-kidney-federation-of-india-will-organise-a-20-day-yatra-from-kasargod-to-thiruvananthapuram-to-create-awareness-on-organ-donation-on-november-1-the-federation-will-submit-consent-letters-of-10-lakh-people-who-have-agreed-to-donate-their-organs-to-prime-minister-manmohan-singh-/articleshow/16592262.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst Fr Davis Chiramel, chairman of Kidney Federation of India, will organise a 20-day yatra from Kasargod to Thiruvananthapuram to create awareness on organ donation]'' ''[The Times of India](/source/The_Times_of_India) 28 September 2012'' * [https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2012/Oct/21/manava-karunya-yatra-ends--417503.html Manava Karunya Yatra ends] [The New Indian Express](/source/The_New_Indian_Express) 21 October 2012 * [https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2014/Aug/24/the-gandhi-from-kerala-651687.html The Gandhi From Kerala] ''Through his own example and a tireless state-wide campaign, [Father Davis Chiramel](/source/Davis_Chiramel) is changing people’s attitude towards kidney donation.'' ''[The New Indian Express](/source/The_New_Indian_Express) 24 August 2014'' * [https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2024/Jan/20/marriage-on-cards-you-cant-afford-to-miss-green-park Marriage on cards? You can’t ‘afford’ to miss Green Park] [The New Indian Express](/source/The_New_Indian_Express) 20 January 2024 * [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/fr-chiramel-tiny-tom-give-fillip-to-fight-against-drugs/articleshowprint/94109247.cms Fr Davis Chiramel, Tiny Tom give fillip to fight against drugs] [The Times of India](/source/The_Times_of_India) 10 September 2022 * [https://www.newindianexpress.com/good-news/2021/Apr/11/hunting-down-hunger-this-kerala-priests-style-2288534.html Hunting down hunger this Kerala priest's style] ''Fr Davis Chiramel is on a mission to feed the hungry in care homes across the state with the raging pandemic rendering even those willing to contribute helpless'' [The New Indian Express](/source/The_New_Indian_Express) 11 April 2021 * [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/fr-chiramel-opens-cloth-bank/articleshowprint/78481750.cms Fr Chiramel opens Cloth Bank] [The Times of India](/source/The_Times_of_India) 5 October 2020 * [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/fr-chiramels-initiative-is-a-big-hit/articleshowprint/83073238.cms Fr Davis Chiramel’s initiative is a big hit] [THE TIMES OF INDIA](/source/The_Times_of_India) 30 May 2021 * [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/fr-davis-chiramel-begins-tv-donation-drive-in-kerala/articleshowprint/76381060.cms Fr Davis Chiramel begins TV donation drive in Kerala] [THE TIMES OF INDIA](/source/The_Times_of_India) 15 June 2020 * [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/fr-chiramel-led-charity-group-to-donate-1-crore-to-cmdrf/articleshowprint/82267394.cms Fr Chiramel-led charity group to donate 1 crore to CMDRF] [THE TIMES OF INDIA](/source/The_Times_of_India) 27 April 2021 * [https://www.keralalink.co.uk/kelkkaam-a-movement-of-listening-compassion-and-a-voice-growing-louder/ Kelkkaam: A Movement of Listening, Compassion, and a Voice Growing Louder] Philip Abraham, November 18, 2025 {{authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Chiramel, Davis}} Category:1960 births Category:Christian clergy from Thrissur Category:Archdiocese of Thrissur Category:Syro-Malabar priests Category:Living people Category:Indian social workers Category:Indian Eastern Catholics Category:Syro-Malabar Catholics --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Davis Chiramel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davis_Chiramel) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davis_Chiramel?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.