On April 12, 2025, MOHAN Foundation, in collaboration with the Lions Club Rishikesh Devbhoomi, conducted an organ donation awareness session at Government Inter College, Diuli, Yamkeshwar, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. The session was held at the invitation of Dr. Nand Kishor Gaur, Principal of the school.
Mr. Sanchit Arora, Project Leader at MOHAN Foundation and stationed at AIIMS Rishikesh, was the speaker for the session, which was attended by the students and staff of the college.
The session began with Mr. Arora encouraging participants to share what they already knew about organ donation. He then delivered a detailed presentation on the status of organ donation in India, supported by a PowerPoint covering a wide range of topics, including:
• What organ donation is and its importance
• Who can be an organ donor
• The difference between living and deceased donors
• Organs that can be donated during life and after death
• Brain death and how it differs from coma
• Eye and skin donation, and how corneas can be preserved after death
• The Transplantation of Human Organs & Tissues Act, 1994
• Whole-body donation
• Living kidney transplantation services at AIIMS Rishikesh
• Common myths vs. facts about organ donation
• Ways to contribute to the cause
• MOHAN Foundation’s goals, Anudaan – Making Transplants Affordable initiative, and 24/7 helpline
To create a deeper emotional connection, Mr. Arora interspersed the session with moving short films promoting organ donation.
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of initiating conversations with family members about the decision to donate, helping ensure timely and informed decisions during critical moments. He also recommended the film Aye Zindagi on Zee5 for those interested in exploring the subject further.
The session was highly interactive, with enthusiastic participation and a range of thoughtful questions, such as:
• “We’ve heard about people selling organs—is that legal in India?”
• “Can a family choose to donate only the eyes?”
• “Is it possible for someone under 18 to pledge their organs?”
• “Can the organ donation form be filled out online? What is the process?”
• “Where is MOHAN Foundation’s office located in Uttarakhand?”
Dr. Gaur closed the session by stating that there is no greater gift than organ donation, and encouraged everyone to consider pledging to donate blood while alive and organs after death.
The staff expressed their appreciation for the Foundation's and the Lions Club’s efforts, and many shared their intention to have discussions with their families and consider pledging for organ donation. The session reached approximately 60 participants.
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