Indian expat author and father of two in UAE dies, saves lives after his organs are donated

Ajman: An Indian accountant, author and father of two, who died in Ajman, has given new life to others after his organs were donated to them.

Biju Joseph, 51, collapsed in the washroom of his apartment in Ajman on February 6, according to his family and friends.

He was scheduled to pick up his wife, Viji Biju, from church after a special retreat that morning. However, he did not make it, and his wife found him unconscious in the washroom after she reached home with friends from the church and broke open the door with their help.

He was then rushed to a hospital in an ambulance.

Meanwhile, his wife also fell severely ill and was admitted to the same hospital, according to family and friends.

Joseph, who had been kept on a ventilator after suffering from a stroke, was declared brain dead on Friday. He was then shifted to another hospital in Abu Dhabi for organ donation, as per his wish which he had shared with his family earlier.

The family said they have been informed that his liver and kidneys were donated to matching recipients.

Viji, who was discharged from the hospital on Friday, and her daughter, Anena, a Grade 11 student, are currently staying with the family of their friend from the church, Shiby Thomas Madathil.

The couple’s elder son, Ashin, who studies in Canada, has been unable to reach the UAE yet.

Friends and social workers are supporting the family in finalising the procedures for repatriating Joseph’s mortal remains to his native place in the south Indian state of Kerala.

Meanwhile, rich tributes were paid to Joseph, who was known for his literary contributions as well as community service through St. Michael’s Church in Sharjah.

An author of four books, he was remembered as a regular participant at the Sharjah International Book Fair, organising literary sessions and gatherings during the fair.

Basheer Thikkodi, a renowned expat writer and social worker, said: “Biju was soft-spoken and kept a low profile. He used to invite me to release his book, and when I asked why he wouldn’t call a bigger celebrity, he would say he preferred someone who loved him and knew about his work. It is a great loss for our community, but I am proud that he has left by doing the noble deed of giving life to others.”

Rajesh Syriac, a family friend and church mate, said the members of the church have been saddened by the loss of an active member. “It is difficult to come to terms with the fact that he is no more. I have known him ever since I reached the UAE in 2007. In fact, I took over the position of coordinator of our church’s family group from him, and he was guiding me. The entire family has been active in our church’s activities,” he said.