Mr. Pramod Mahajan, a 67 year old farmer and a social worker who has himself donated a kidney to an Army Veteran, began his journey on 21st October 2018, on a bike, from Pune and reached Mumbai on 22nd October 2018, where he was flagged off by MOHAN Foundation and ROTTO Officials.
Mr. Pramod Mahajan, who hails from Sangli, plans to cover at least 10000 kms across the country and if possible, 15000kms, in about 100days span. He has undertaken this ‘Bharat Organ Yatra’, organized by a Pune based NGO, Rebirth, which works in the field of organ donation.
Mr. Pramod Mahajan was invited for an event organised by MOHAN Foundation, held at KEM Hospital, Parel, in association with ROTTO Mumbai. Dr Rajeev Satoskar, the acting dean of KEM, Dr Astrid Lobo Gajiwala, Director of ROTTO were invited as Chief Guests for the event.
Nursing and medical students of KEM Hospital attended the event in large numbers. The event was also attended by members of other NGOs and a few Volunteers of MOHAN Foundation.
Mrs. Jaya Jairam of MOHAN Foundation introduced the dignitaries to the audience and thereafter went on to give brief information on what organ donation is and why is it the need of the hour. She announced that MOHAN Foundation is supporting this initiative by helping Mr Mahajan with accommodation in various states as he stops by. Also at various stopovers, MOHAN Foundation’s offices and associate NGOs across the country will conduct awareness events involving Mr. Mahajan.
Thereafter Dr. Astrid Gajiwala spoke on the present situation of no. of people on waiting list in Maharashtra and how many lives could be saved by transplants. Dr. Rajeev Satoskar highlighted the need for people to rethink their fears and mindsets when it came to organ donation and appealed to all medicos to work passionately for the cause of organ donation.
Mr B.S. Chilana, a Life member with MOHAN Foundation, who has undertaken a road trip from Mumbai to London, spreading awareness, was invited to share his experiences. Mr. Purushottam Pawar, President of The Federation of Body and Organ Donation was also invited to share his experiences of the “Padayatra” that was undertaken by him along with his colleagues, from Mumbai to Goa.
Lastly, Mr. Pramod Mahajan was invited to share a few words, wherein he shared his inspiring story of how he donated his kidney to save an army jawan’s life, in spite of having a hand-to-mouth living as a farmer. He said “The man who received my kidney is now married, has two children and had 16 more years added to his life & I cannot be happier that I was the donor.”
This was followed by a flag off ceremony on the grounds of KEM Hospital. We wish Mr Pramod Mahajan a safe journey in his mission to spread awareness.
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