Syed Kirmani, former Indian wicketkeeper who was at an eye donation awareness campaign pledged to donate his eyes but backed out moments later.
"I am an emotional and sentimental person. I was so touched by Rajan's (Dr Mohan Rajan) initiative that I pledged to donate my eyes. However, I might not be able to honour my commitment due to some religious values. And not everyone in India honours their pledge. But it shouldn't deter others in coming forward to donate their eyes," he said moments after having taken the pledge to donate his eyes.
At an awareness campaign, Kirmani said he would donate his eyes and urged others to come forward to do the same. "Naan en kankalai dhaanam seikiren, neengalum kan thaanam seiyungal (I am donating my eyes, you too donate your eyes)," he said.
"The thought of donating your eyes only comes when you have come of age. Rajan is doing a yeoman service by helping others see the light of the world and I realised the importance of this cause. If more known faces like us come forward for this cause, it would be really helpful," he was quoted as saying by a leading daily. But later backed out from his decision.