On June 13, 2024, MOHAN Foundation conducted an organ donation awareness session at the Institute of Computer Accountant Training Centre, Rishikesh, in association with Lions Club Rishikesh Dev-bhoomi, Rishikesh. Mr. Mukesh Aggrawal, Director, ICA, Rishikesh, extended the invitation.

The students and staff of the Institute of Computer Accountant Training Centre attended the session, which featured Mr. Sanchit Arora, Project Leader-MF posted at AIIMS Rishikesh, as the speaker.

The session commenced with Sanchit inviting participants to share their knowledge about organ donation. He then elaborated on the current status of organ donation in India, covering the following topics in detail:

* What is organ donation, and why is it important to donate organs?

* Who can be an organ donor?

* Explanation of live and deceased donors

* Organ donation during life and after death.

* Brain death

* Differences between coma and brain death

* Eye donation, skin donation, and steps required to preserve corneas after death

* Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994

* Whole body donation

* Living Kidney Transplantation Facility at AIIMS Rishikesh

* MOHAN Foundation’s Anudaan initiative and crowd funding

What can an individual do to contribute to this noble cause?

* Myths and facts about organ donation

Later, Sanchit summarised the urgent need in this field, encouraging the participants to take the call after discussion with family, friends, and colleagues.

Overall, the session was highly interactive, with participants enthusiastically contributing to the discussion and posing numerous queries. During the session, the following questions were raised:

* If a person pledges for organ donation, does their family receive any benefits?

* Is a leg transplant possible?

* Is there a specific age for donation?

* We have heard that many people sell organs; is that legal in India?

* How can we volunteer with the MOHAN Foundation?

Three individuals expressed their desire to contribute to the noble cause of organ donation and requested notification of any awareness events in Rishikesh, so they could volunteer with the MOHAN Foundation for this cause.

At the end, the students applauded the work of the MOHAN Foundation. They expressed their intention to speak with their families and pledged to donate organs.

Close to 30 participants attended the session